• LOFT CONVERSIONS DRAWINGS •
Loft Conversions are a great way of adding space within the existing envelope of your home. We will prepare all the relevant drawings required to obtain Planning Permission and Building Regulations approval for your project. Both approval certificates last 3 years, giving you ample time to obtain the recommended minimum of 3 quotes from local builders. They can also build from our drawings.
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The other route is to go with an "all in one company" that will project manage the entire build from survey to completion. However, they still need to undergo building regs approval and they will charge for managing the whole process, and for which is simply managing the different trades (joiners, plumbers, plasterers etc).
CAN I CONVERT MY LOFT?
Most lofts can be converted. The starting point is to measure the headroom in your loft. Run a tape measure from the top of the ceiling joists to the underside of the ridge. If the measurement is 2.2m or more, you're good to go!
WILL I NEED PLANNING PERMISSION?
Not necessarily! Many loft conversions will come under permitted devlopment as long as:
- Any additional volume of roof space is under 40 cubic metres for a terrace (measured externally)
- Any additional volume of roof space is under 50 cubic metres for a semi or detached property
- Any extension forward of the roof slope on the principal elevation does not front a highway
- Any extension is not higher than the original roof
- You don't live in a designated area
- Apart from hip to gable conversions, the roof is set back at least 200mm from the original eaves
- The roof enlargement doesn't overhang the outer face of the wall of the original house
- Permitted development rights haven't been removed
OTHER CONSIDERATIONS
Converting a loft will usually have an impact on the floor below due to the requirement of a permanent staircase. Ideally this would be placed above the existing stair and below the ridge line of your roof to ensure adequate headroom. The existing loft floor will need to be strengthened, the rafters will need new steelwork support where the internal struts are to be removed to create space, the new living space will need insulating, and the conversion will need to meet strict fire regulations.
WHAT WILL IT COST?
For Construction costs this is a difficult question to answer accurately as the price will depend upon many factors, including size, the location, quality of finish, is an en-suite required, and even the builder used. Builders will only be able to give accurate quotes once they have the approved Building Regs drawings. The main factor is the type of loft conversion:
- Room in the Loft Coversion with Velux Windows
- Dormer Loft Conversion
- Hip to Gable Conversion
- Mansard Conversion
Loft Room Coversion with Velux Windows
These are by far the cheapest option, as you won't have to make any changes to the pitch of the roof. The basics involve adding Velux type windows, strengthening the floor, insulating the rafters and adding a staircase to make the room habitable (as well as many other items such as complying with fire regulations). This option does limit placing of the new stairs; they will need to be near the ridge line, as the headroom will need to be sufficient. Costs are typically £15,000 - £20,000.
Dormer Loft Conversion
Adding dormer windows with either flat or pitched roofs creates a lot more useable headroom as well as floor space, as well as adding character. This type of conversion offers more options regarding stair placement as there is more headroom available. Dormers can also run the full length of the house. Costs are typically £31,000 - £58,000.
Hip to Gable Conversion
For houses with a hipped roof (generally in semi or detached houses), changing the hipped end to a regular duo-pitched roof with vertical gable wall creates a lot more space. Again the options here are to add Velux type windows or dormer windows to the new roof slopes. If a house has double hipped roofs (one to each end) there is also the possibility of altering both ends. Costs are typically £42,000 - £65,000.
Mansard Conversion
Mansard conversions (named after a French Architect) tend to run the entire length of the roof and will alter the angle of the roof slope to almost vertical. These tend to be the most expensive type of loft conversion available, most commonly seen in town and city environments, but they do result in the most significant amount of extra useable living space. Costs are typically £45,000 - £70,000.