Top Tips When Having Your Loft or Attic Converted

Having a loft converted is no small job, but it needn’t be as complicated as you might expect. All it takes is some careful planning ahead of time, much of which you can get loft specialists to help you with. Here is a quick guide to some of the top tips when it comes to working out all aspects of your loft conversion.

1. Is your loft suitable for a conversion?

Before calling in the experts it is a great idea to do some thinking yourself as to whether your roof and loft are suitable for conversion. Some checks you can do include thinking about the shape of your roof, where modern trussed rafter roofs (built after 1965) can be more difficult to convert and can also cost more money. If you are unsure you can ask a loft conversion company to take a look – many will do this for free.

2. Hire a professional

You may be thinking of a DIY loft conversion, though it is a lot easier and safer to call in the experts. Do you really know how to make your conversion structurally sound? Can you waterproof your dormer? Do you know if your boiler needs to be upgraded for plumbing in the loft? How to install a staircase? All of these can have a huge impact on health and safety, which experts can deal with safely and more conveniently.

3. Consult an architect

An architect or surveyor will be required in order to determine the loads that will be placed in the building to make sure that your property is still structurally sounds. This is extremely important in all building and planning regulations, so will be required on top of your builder.

4. Building regulations

Not all loft conversions will need planning permission, but you will always need to check this for sure before going ahead with any work. Even if you do not need planning permission, you will still need to comply with building regulations which will include inspections. It is much easier to check regulations before starting work – which will also save you money by avoiding problems down the line.

5. Find a way to finance your conversion

There is no point dreaming and planning your conversion before analysing the costs and whether you can afford it. The first thing is to work out your budget and make sure you can stick to it. Bear in mind that conversions can cost several thousand pounds. They will add value to the home, but don’t just build them with this sole purpose in mind. You will not be making any money unless they add value to your lives for a few years.

When working out your budget this will not just include building work but will also take into account: surveying fees, fire safety, any sound insulation, heating, and plumbing/ electric if required.

6. Know your costs upfront

Whilst you may have created a budget, the actual cost will vary so make sure you know this all upfront. Get your loft conversion company to give you a cost agreement, as well as an agreement of certain dates that points of work will be completed.

The best thing is to shop around for a while before going ahead with the conversion, as this will help you find the best quote and service in a loft conversion company.

7. Think about loft insulation

Much of the heat of your home will be lost through the roof, so considering both heat and sound insulation here is extremely important. The space should be just as comfortable as the rest of the house, but also complying with building regulations.

8. Think about your staircase options

You will need to be able to reach your loft easily once it has been converted, and your loft conversion company will help you determine your options when it comes to stairs. They should comply with fire regulations, and may need to be altered if used by small children.

9. Know what to expect throughout the work

Whilst the loft is separate from the rest of the house, the work may be disruptive to your everyday life. This is not only down to the noise of the building, but dust and dirt as well as the sheer length of time this takes. Contractors will be walking around your home to get materials and so on, so understand that there will be some level of disruption.

10. Assess how long the work can take

Most loft conversions take a few months to complete, and the planning stages can be even longer if you need planning permission. Inspections may need to be carried out, and you may need to get an agreement if the work disrupts your neighbours. The building work itself should take around 1 or 2 months to complete, but get an agreement on certain building stages from your loft conversion company.