LOFT CONVERSIONS - Quotatis · There are four main types of loft conversions – Velux, dormer, hip...

LOFT CONVERSIONSThings you need to know before converting your loft.

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Quotatis Ltd, Suit 1, Joseph King House, Abby Farm Commercial Park, Horsham St Faith, Norwich, NR10 3JU

ContentsHow to use this loft conversion guide 3

10 things you need to know before converting your loft 4

Why convert your loft? 5

What type of room will it be? 6

Types of conversion 7

Accessories 10

How to choose an architect 11

How to choose a contractor 13

A typical conversion 16

Layout guidelines 18

Planning permission 19

Building regulations 20

DIY 21

At a glance 24

Why use Quotatis? 25

Appendix – useful sites 26

The Zero Stress Guide to Loft Conversionswww.quotatis.co.uk

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You have a great deal of money tied up in your home. In fact, it is almost certainly your biggest asset so you want to be confident that any changes you make to it will have a positive impact – not only increasing its usefulness but also, when it comes to selling up, its value. That is why any major project, such as a loft conversion, needs to be tackled with particular sensitivity.

Thorough research and careful planning are, as ever, the keys to success in home improvements. It’s tempting, once you’ve decided to embark on a project, to rush the decision-making process so that work can begin. However, this could prove to be a very expensive mistake in the long run.

A loft conversion can make a big difference to your quality of life by providing precious extra living space that can be used in many different ways. It can also add significantly to the value of your property – but only if the project is carried out to a high standard.


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How to use this loft conversion guide

This guide will help you ensure that your loft conversion project is successful. It outlines the numerous things that must be taken into consideration before you make any decisions. We point out what you should look for when choosing suppliers, warn of potential pitfalls and provide links to websites that can offer more detail on particular aspects of the project, if required. In a nutshell, we invite you to benefit from our expertise and make the whole conversion experience as straightforward as possible.

No project of this nature can ever be absolutely 100% stress-free. However, if you follow our advice you can enjoy the benefits of your extra room for many years to come.

1. Converting your loft is a cheaper way of getting extra space than moving house

2. To be suitable for conversion the loft should measure at least 2.3 metres at its highest point

3. A quality conversion can add thousands of pounds to the value of your property

4. Building Regulations approval is always necessary

5. If you share a wall with a neighbour you must give notice under the Party Wall Act

6. You will need an architect or surveyor at the design stage and certainly to help with structural alterations

7. Consider using a specialist loft conversion firm

8. Always get at least four quotes from potential suppliers

9. Only consider DIY if you are highly competent and very experienced

10. Always have a 10% contingency to deal with unexpected problems


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10 things you need to know before you convert your loft

Until recently anyone who wanted more living space would simply buy a bigger property. Now though, with house prices escalating, interest rates unstable and the soaring cost of moving –not to mention the stress involved – a growing number of homeowners are choosing to extend their current properties instead.

Some have the option of utilising a basement or converting a garage. For many, however, the only practical possibility is converting the loft space (up to 30% of the floor space of your home) – which usually houses only a chimney stack, the cold water storage tank and a motley assortment of suitcases, Christmas trees, surplus carpeting, old clothes and toys.

The shape and construction of your existing roof will be a significant contributory factor in how easily your loft can be converted into a habitable area – more space equals more options.


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Why convert your loft?

Properties built before 1965 lend themselves more easily to a loft conversion since those with a modern trussed roof usually require more structural work.

You can assess your loft’s suitability by checking the height of the room, which should be at least 2.3 metres (7ft 6ins) at its highest point. However, even insufficient headroom doesn’t rule out a conversion, although you may have to get round the problem by lowering the ceiling below which will, of course, add to the cost. To be quite sure whether your loft is suitable for conversion contact an architect, chartered surveyor or a specialist conversion company. A quick examination of the loft space will enable them to tell you what is feasible and give you some idea of what you could achieve within the space available.

If you are able to proceed with the project you will find that the additional living space you gain –often flooded with natural light and, depending on where you live, providing stunning views – can greatly improve the quality of your family life. On top of this, the conversion can be a sound investment that adds thousands of pounds to the value of your property when you eventually do sell up. Just how much extra will depend very much on the quality of the conversion so it pays to go for the best you can afford – this is no time for cutting corners. A good conversion can add up to 15% to the value of your property, according to the Federation of Master Builders.

TOP TIP:A Conversion can add as much as 15% to the value of your property and it’s generally a less expensive option than moving house

You are presumably already considering a loft conversion if you are reading this so you may have decided how the additional space is to be used. However, it’s worth considering all the options before making a final decision. For while you might think a dedicated playroom/sitting room for the children would be a good use of the space, a few years down the line when the childrenleave home you might want to turn it into a self-contained granny flat. At that stage you will wish you had installed plumbing when the conversion was being carried out rather than subject yourself to additional upheaval and expense!

The most popular choices for loft conversions are:• master bedroom with ensuite• teenager’s bedroom• home office/study• family room• playroom• artist’s studio

But there are other options:• kitchen• granny flat• entertainment centre with home cinema• photographic studio/darkroom• gym


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What type of room will it be?

Whatever use your converted loft will be put to, you will obviously need to install electricity and heating. Consider at the outset what other services might be useful for possible future use –telephone, internet cabling or plumbing, for example.

Remember to allow for storage, too. If you currently use your loft as a storage overspill think about where all those items will live once the conversion has been carried out – especially as the new room will probably have storage requirements of its own (e.g. wardrobes, toys, files – depending on its usage).

TOP TIP:Think about future needs and factor in storage space when planning your conversion

There are four main types of loft conversions – Velux, dormer, hip to gable and mansard.

Velux (roof lights)Whilst it is not the only manufacturer of roof lights, Velux has become a generic term for this type of window (rather like ‘Hoover’ for vacuum cleaners or ‘biro’ for ballpoint pens). A Velux conversion enables you to adapt your existing loft space without changing the roofline of your house. So although no planning permission is usually needed because of their low visual impact, it is always advisable to check with the local authority before making any alterations to your roof – not least because excessive use of roof lights could be deemed ‘visual clutter’ by some guardians of the environment.

Velux windows are quicker, easier and less expensive to install than dormers; they can be fitted from the inside, eliminating the need for exterior access/scaffolding. To achieve adequate natural daylight it is advised that the glazed area should be equivalent to 10% of the room’s floor area although doubling this ratio and using several smaller windows rather than one or twolarger ones will be more effective.

Eyebrow dormer


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Types of conversion

Heat insulation, frame and window strength and weather protection are crucial elements of window panes and finishes, especially in highly-exposed areas such as the roof. Velux pane technology is designed to optimise heat insulation. Panes are AA fire rated and meet U value requirements.

Velux windows are available in a wide range of finishes to blend with the surroundings, plus a choice of glazing options. They can be fitted with security locks and opening restrictors for enhanced safety.

Dormer windows and extensionsWhile ‘dormer’ tends to be a description used for what are, in reality, dormer extensions, there are also dormer windows – the difference between the two being basically one of scale. Dormer windows increase headroom in the loft; they are often incorporated between adjoining rafters which are used as a support for the dormer frame.

TOP TIP:Velux is the easiest and cheapest

The more ubiquitous dormer extensions, on the other hand, require a much broader roof frame. This involves removing sections of the rafter and reinforcing the existing roof with RSJs (Reinforced Steel Joists) to support the ceiling and vertical walls.

Dormer extensionNot unnaturally, when you are planning a loft conversion there is a tendency to concentrateon maximising the internal accommodation –sometimes to the detriment of the external appearance of the property. This is particularly true of the addition of dormer extensions,whose flat sides and vertical windows extending out from a sloping roof can have significant visual impact.


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Types of conversion

This is one of the reasons why planning permission is usually needed for both dormer windows and extensions, the design of which should respect the scale of the building and not dominate or overwhelm the existing roofline which is already one of a property’s most dominant features.

A successful dormer design will take into account size, proportion, shape, design, location and finish. As a general rule anything over 2.5 metres for a dormer extension is probably too wide and consideration should be given to building two smaller dormers side by side instead. Similarly, dormers that are too small can look inappropriate – ‘pea on a drum’ syndrome.

Dormer extensions should ideally be finished in the same material as the main building with the sides of the dormer matching the roof covering with slates or vertically-hung tiles. If this is not possible the sides may be covered in cladding materials.

Permission for dormers at the front of a property is rarely granted these days – most have to be built at the rear; they can be incorporated into most terraced and semi- detached properties.

Front and side dormers use the same construction methods but are smaller than rear dormers; side dormers are often used in cases where planning permission would be required for a hip to gable construction.

Hip to gableA hip to gable conversion involves extending the existing ridgeline of a hip-end roof to the overall flank wall of the property, thus converting the roof to a gable-end. Creating a gable wall above the existing side flank wall creates a more natural look; taking it a step further and matching the existing roof tiles can virtually disguise the fact that the property has been altered. This type of conversion can result in the greatest amount of additional room in the loft as well as more space for the staircase to be fitted.

MansardA mansard conversion is typically added to the rear of the property. Its brick sides built off the party wall, together with a flat roof, provide maximum head height and floor space for the converted loft. This style of conversion is normally used on terraced properties where planning permission is required.

You are not, of course, restricted to one type of conversion. You may have a dormer at the rear of the property and a Velux at the front; a dormer and a gable end; a Velux window and a gable end; even a dormer, gable end and Velux – much depends on the shape of your roof, your requirements and the local building authority’s regulations.

www.above-it-all.co.uk/dormer_windows/dormers.htm


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Types of conversion

TOP TIP:Some conversions are less likely to need planning permission

There is a whole range of items that can make your loft conversion a more comfortable, convenient and even safer place to be. Most can be added once the conversion is complete but some should be considered before the project gets underway.

SprinklersThe incorporation of sprinklers can lower the cost of the conversion by reducing the amount of fire protection materials required in the construction. Mounted flush to ceilings, sprinklers are unobtrusive and can be installed on a flexible basis – from a single sprinkler head in one room to sprinklers in every room in the property. The sprinklers, which can integrate into existing fire alarms, are heat activated and will only be set off by a real fire.

BlindsBlinds are usually considered essential to provide light and heat control in the loft. The choice will depend on the type of room and level of usage. A blackout blind, for example, is a sensible option if the space is to be used as a bedroom. For a living room you may prefer something more decorative, perhaps a type that repels the UV rays that can fade your carpets and furniture while allowing you to control and soften the incoming light. Alternatively, a pleated blind enables you to soften daylight rather than blocking it, while a roller blind lets you block as much or as little as you require. Finally, an aluminium or wooden venetian blind might be most appropriate for those rooms with high humidity such as a kitchen or a bathroom.


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Accessories

Remote-control window and blind operationElectronic control of windows, blinds, awnings and roller shutters can be a useful addition to the conversion. Remote control systems allow even hard-to-reach windows – such as those over stairwells leading to the loft – to be operated remotely so you can open or close blinds at the touch of a button. You can choose from wall-mounted controls or handsets to remotely control every aspect of your roof lights.

In addition, consider installing automatic rain sensors which will close the windows when triggered by the onset of rain. This allows you to keep the roof lights open for ventilation, confident in the knowledge that they will automatically shut if necessary.

Escape ladderWhilst building regulations ensure that there is an adequate escape route from your loft you may prefer the ‘belt and braces’ approach by keeping an escape ladder nearby. There are plenty to choose from – most claim to be lightweight, easy to store and quick to use. Look for features such as ‘stand-offs’ that hold the ladder away from the wall, allowing you to get a firm footing on the rungs, non-tangling roll-out, semi-rigid locking when opened, secure clamping capability and suitability for both roof lights and vertical windows.

TOP TIP:Sprinklers and escape ladders can reduce cost and offer additional safety

Many specialist loft conversion companies offer a design service from an in-house architect or one with whom they work on a regular basis.

However, if you prefer to find an independent practitioner – either an architect or a chartered surveyor – to advise you on the technicalities of your conversion, the best way to source someone is through personal recommendation if possible.

You may have noticed impressive conversions in your area, in which case it’s worthwhile asking the homeowners which architect was involved and whether they would recommend him (or her).

Alternatively, you can use the facilities offered by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA). Contact RIBA’s client services for a free shortlist of practices with appropriate resources, skills and experience from its database of over 4,000. Or, if you prefer, you can go online and search RIBA’s directory of practices yourself. Choose someone with experience of loft conversions and ask to see photographs of former projects.

Whatever method you choose to shortlist potential architects, get at least four to give you quotes for your job. Don’t base your decision solely on price as it’s equally important to choose an architect who shares your vision and understands exactly what you are trying to achieve. In short, someone who is ‘on your wavelength’. You’ll soon be able to establish who meets these criteria when discussing the brief.


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How to choose an Architect

While you can use an architect as much or as little as you want, if you are using a specialist loft conversion company, you will only need the architect in the initial design stages.

An architect can, however, do any or all of the following:• define your objectives and interpret your ideas• develop a design for the conversion• secure all relevant legislative approvals and

certifications• help you select suitable builders• obtain competitive prices• monitor progress, standards and onsite safety• arrange any input needed from other design

specialists• oversee the project to completion.

If you go down this route, it is important to draw up a legal agreement so that both you and your architect are clear about expectations, timescales and budgets as well as who will be making any day-to-day decisions on design and cost.

As far as fees are concerned, methods of charging differ. Some architects charge a percentage of the cost of the whole project. Others charge a lump sum while some base their fees on an hourly or daily rate.

www.architecture.com

www.rics.org.uk

TOP TIP:Professional design input is essential, an Architect can provide anything from design to overseeing the entire project.

If you are employing an architect to oversee the project you may want to ask him or her to recommend appropriate builders. Architects have dealings with many companies and will almost certainly know several who would be suitable to carry out your conversion.

However, if you are sourcing your own builder there are several ways of finding good potential tradespeople:

• Speak to family, friends and neighbours about their experiences and ask if there is anyone they would recommend

• Look out for loft conversions being carried out (or those that have been completed) in your area and have a chat with the householders to find out how the job is going and whether the builder has been satisfactory

• Use the Federation of Master Builders’ (FMB) findabuilder service which lists professional builders who have been thoroughly vetted

• Contact the National Federation of Builders for advice.

• Check out builders listed by Trustmark, who meet government-endorsed standards of workmanship and customer service

• Access the Checkatrade website that lists monitored and vetted suppliers, together with customer comments on qualities like workmanship, reliability and punctuality.


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How to choose an contractor

There are clear advantages in using one of the numerous companies that specialise in loft conversions. These firms do nothing but loft conversions and have vast experience of all kinds of project. They will undoubtedly have encountered all the potential pitfalls and worked out all the solutions.

When you have drawn up a shortlist of potential suppliers, ask each of them for customer references and details of previous jobs that are comparable with yours. Always check out the references and ask to inspect the conversions. (This not only enables you to see how well the work has been carried out but also to visualise how your own extension may look – this can be quite difficult when faced with an empty loft.) Quiz the customers about how the work went but don’t be put off if there were problems. Very few projects run smoothly but the important thing is to find out how efficiently any difficulties were dealt with. Never leave without asking the crucial question: Would you use these people again?

TOP TIP:Always use a vetted service like Quotatis when searching for a suitable contractor

Whether you decide to go for a specialist loft conversion company or a building firm with experience of loft conversions, always get at least four quotes. If you are using a specialist they can usually supply drawings but if you are using your own architect, get the builders to quote for the job against these plans.

This will enable you to check ‘like for like’. It makes sense to check whether your potential supplier:

• belongs to a trade body, meaning the company conforms to a code of conduct, any breach of which will result in disciplinary action

• will show you copies of the qualifications of anyone involved in your conversion

• has valid public liability insurance that will cover any costs if a member of the public is hurt as a result of the building work on your property

• will provide a detailed written quotation, enabling you to compare it effectively with other quotes

• will give you start and finish dates for the work – but be wary of those who can start immediately

• expects upfront deposits and part payments –avoid those who do

• offers a sound and meaningful guarantee• will introduce you to those people who will be

working on your loft and therefore having access to your home.

Also check how the builder intends to access the loft during the early stages of the work. These days most contractors will erect scaffolding and take in all structural materials through the roof.


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Then, when it comes to cutting the stairwell out and installing the staircase, the new room will be structurally complete and ready to be plastered. Beware of companies that cut costs by taking all materials through the house. It may save money but it causes disturbance andaggravation to the household.

Not only will there be dust and dirt trampled through the house on a daily basis but this way of doing things could also cause damage.

Don’t rush your decision. Take into account not just price but also the track record of the builder as well as his character. This is a man who, with colleagues, will be working on your house over a period of weeks. It must be someone you can get along with, someone you can trust and someone in whom you have the utmost confidence. Someone who will clearly explain the whole process to you and elaborate on anything you don’t understand. Get a copy of the contract and keep it overnight so you can read through it carefully before signing.

TOP TIP:Take up references with previous customers

Always remember though, having workmen onsite can be a nuisance no matter how pleasant and considerate they are. For the sake of your sanity, there will be days when you have to escape from the noise, the mess and the endless requests for tea. Do your best to stay cheerful – the better you treat the builders, the more likely they will be to put themselves out for you. However, this doesn’t mean that you should put up with any nonsense – there are some people who will always try to take advantage of those of a kindly disposition.


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Finally, don’t be bullied into making the final payment until you are absolutely sure the job has been finished to your complete satisfaction. The builder who is waiting for his final instalment is far more likely to sort out your snagging list than the one who has pocketed his money and moved on to the next job.

www.fmb.org.uk

www.checkatrade.org

www.builders.org.uk

www.trustmark.org.uk

If you are considering a loft conversion and wondering exactly what is involved, here’s the schedule for a typical project as carried out by a specialist company.

Someone from the company will visit your property to check out the loft and roof, discuss your requirements and advise on the best options. At this stage you could expect the company to work out the position of the stairs as well as approximate room sizes. They should also be able to give you a rough idea of the cost of conversion – this will be followed by a more detailed written estimate.

If you decide to proceed the company will arrange for an architect to visit your property and draw up detailed plans for your examination and approval. Study them carefully as any changes you decide to make once work has started will result in additional charges – which could be considerable depending on what is required. When you are happy with the plans they will be sent to your local authority for approval, a process that can take up to eight weeks.

Once official approval has been received, a date will be agreed for work to begin – the construction process should take about six weeks from start to finish.

The preliminary stage is the erection of scaffolding which will be covered in tarpaulin to keep out any rain as work progresses. Building materials and a skip will be delivered. A section of the roof will beremoved for access purposes – this method of access means that you can expect minimal


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A typical conversion

disturbance for the majority of the project as the contractors will not require internal access until the stairs are installed. Steel beams will be installed to support the new floor and the roof, after which sound insulation and fire protection will be laid before the new floor joists are fitted and any necessary plumbing and wiring laid. The new flooring is then fixed before alterations are made to the roof – dormers and gables built, Velux windows installed. At this stage any new internal walls will be erected while, at the same time, exterior tiling and guttering is completed.

After this comes the fitting of insulation and plasterboard wall covering. It is only at this point that the workmen will need access through the house as they cut access for the new stairwell and carry out any necessary alterations to the new flooring and the original floor downstairs. Once the staircase has been fitted the new rooms and stairwell will be plastered.

After allowing time for the plaster to dry, it is time for the final fittings – radiators and sanitary ware; switches, light fittings and smoke detectors; doors, architraves, skirting boards and handrails.

Throughout the construction process a building inspector from the local authority will make regular visits and once the project is complete a final inspection will be required before the work can be signed off.

After this, it’s over to you for laying floor covering, decorating, moving in furniture and enjoying the additional space!

TOP TIP:An initial inspection should result in a rough idea of price but keep in mind that any design changes during conversion will incur additional costs

The layout of your conversion will be largely dictated by the position of the staircase and, if you are including a bathroom or kitchen, the plumbing arrangements. If the existing bathroom and WC are at the rear of the property it can be difficult to install a bathroom at the front of the loft since it will be necessary to run a soil pipe to the back of the building where the existing bathrooms and toilets are situated.

You’ll also need to consider the hot water and heating system. The boiler may not be capable of heating the extra space or providing enough hot water for the extra bathroom. Similarly, ensure that there will be sufficient water pressure for showers and baths to operate effectively – an electric power shower can help overcome this problem to some degree.


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Layout guidelines

If you intend to use the space as a bedroom remember to plan for wardrobes – not always straightforward in a room with sloping ceilings.

Due to warm air rising from the floors below, your loft will probably not add much to your heating bills but do check with your builder on the quality of insulation he plans to use as this will further reduce your heating requirements. While you’re at it, check on the insulation’s fire retardant properties – they vary significantly.

Finally, make certain that you understand all of the information on the plans relating to head heights. Ask whether the heights are before or after insulation, plastering and flooring – in a room where head height is limited a few centimetres can be crucial.

TOP TIP:Layout will be dictated by existing factors like position of stairs

Your local planning authority – the district or borough council – is responsible for deciding whether any development should go ahead.

Planning permission is not always necessary for loft conversions but it is always advisable to contact the local authority to check whether it is needed. Ask whether the work can be undertaken within what is known as ‘permitted development’.

If though, you are in a conservation area or next door to a listed building you will probably need permission for any changes that will affect the appearance of nearby listed properties. If the work is carried out without any necessary permission the local authority can force you to return the building to its pre-conversion state.


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Planning permission

If you live in a terraced or semi-detached house your loft conversion will almost certainly require a Party Wall agreement with your neighbours who will require at least two months’ notice of work to be carried out. (This affects walls, ceilings or floors which are shared with other properties. The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (ODPM) has explanatory information for householders which is available free of charge.) In any case, it is always a good idea to discuss the conversion with your neighbours before finalising plans and applying for official permission.

www.odpm.gov.uk

TOP TIP:Planning permission is not always necessary but make sure to check

Building Regulations define how alterations are made so that the loft conversion will be structurally safe, meet strict legislative energy efficiency standards, be protected from risk of fire and be adequately ventilated.

Building Regulations approval is always required for loft conversions – without it the conversion is deemed illegal and you could not only face a hefty fine but also be forced to restore the loft to its original state (while this is unlikely it is perfectly possible as some householders havediscovered to their cost).

You would certainly run into problems if you tried to sell your home as your buyer’s solicitor would need to see the local authority approval for the conversion (keep this in a safe place!). Without this the sale would almost certainly fall through and you would have to apply for retrospective planning approval which would not necessarily be granted and which could lead to severe penalties as outlined above.


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Building regulations

If you are using an architect or a professional loft conversion company they will usually make all the necessary applications of your behalf – as, indeed, will some general builders. It is your responsibility, however, and you will be the one to face the consequences if the necessary permission isn’t gained, so satisfy yourself that all the legalities have been tied up before work begins.

Approval is granted by building control officers at your local authority and once the job begins the building inspector will visit the site at specific stages to inspect the work – he (or she) has the authority to amend requirements as the project progresses.

www.planningportal.gov.uk

Local Authority approval is essential before work starts. Building Inspectors can request changes as work progresses and lack of compliance can be financially crippling

Carrying out your own loft conversion is possible but it should only be contemplated if you are extremely competent and have extensive knowledge of building construction.

Experienced professionals will be finished within around six weeks whereas it will take you very much longer. Disruption to the household will be significant especially if you access the loft internally. All in all, doing it yourself is not a decision to take lightly.

If, for whatever reason you do take the decision to ‘go it alone’ consider a partial DIY conversion in which you tackle those tasks you feel competent to take on yourself, while sub-contracting more difficult or specialist tasks to professional tradespeople.

It is hard physical work and it can also be quite lonely working by yourself. If you get offers of help from friends, relatives or neighbours don’t be too proud to accept – even if it’s just a bit of labouring. And when you a hit a snag – when, not if – an objective viewpoint and sympathetic ear can make all the difference between can-do optimism and deep despondency.


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DIY

There is plenty of technical advice available to guide you through the conversion but some of the points you should bear in mind when deciding whether to do it yourself include:

StairsBuilding Regulations vary between local authorities but fixed stairs must be installed to provide safe access to the new loft room. Straight flights of stairs are preferable if there is sufficient space although spiral staircases, ladders and alternating tread stairs will often get permission when space is an issue. Steps should have a tread area of at least 22cm and rise not more than 22cm with a pitch not greater than 42 degrees. There should be at least two metres of head-room on the stairs. Stair width is more flexible although you should bear in mind the need to move furniture to and from the new loft room.

Structural workThe structural work involved in a loft conversion is not something to be undertaken lightly. What with extra beams to support the new floor joists and roof, strengthening or load-bearing walls –and foundations in some cases – you can appreciate that the structural aspect of a loft conversion is very complicated. It is vital to employ a professional, like a chartered structural engineer, to do the relevant calculations. Furthermore, any structural work to the roof – for example, replacing existing trusses with steel trusses or making changes to accommodate any dormer extensions – is definitely a job for the professionals.

TOP TIP:Converting a loft is a difficult job and is only for the very experienced. If you do decide to take it on consider sub-contracting specialist tasks to professionals

Fire safetyEnhanced fire safety is a key requirement in a loft conversion so upgrading the fire resistance of existing ceilings and doors is usually necessary.

It is essential to consider fire escape routes. If yours is a two-storey house, you will have to replace the existing doors around the whole staircase – except those to uninhabitable rooms like bathrooms and cloakrooms – with fire-resisting doors to ensure a fully protected path to the ground floor exit. Any new room/s in the loft must also have fire-resisting doors. Any glazing in the walls enclosing the stairs will also need to be replaced with fire-resisting glass. If the conversion is to have an open-plan layout, you must erect a wall to separate the stairs from the loft room and link them to an escape route to the outside. Although it is no longer necessary to attach self-closing units to all doors it is essential to ensure that doors protecting your escape route are kept closed, especially at night. It is also mandatory to fit mains-powered, inter-linked smoke detectors in the hall and on each landing. In addition, all smoke alarms must have a standby power supply, e.g. battery backup.

FloorsThe existing ceilings under the loft room floor must contribute to fire and sound separation from the rooms below. You will need to install a sound-deadening material. In addition, it may be necessary to improve the fire resistance of the floor. This will usually mean you need to support a fire barrier over the ceiling if the existing plaster is too thin or is in poor condition.


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DIY

ElectricsAny electrical work carried out must comply with Building Regulations. The work should be undertaken by a qualified electrician who is approved to carry out and certify such work. Alternatively, if you do the work yourself, it must be separately certified by a qualified contractor. Failure to notify building control is a criminal offence.

InsulationBuilding Regulations require high levels of insulation which will keep your extension warm in winter and prevent overheating in summer. Above all, remember to get all the necessary permissions before you begin any work and then notify the local authority when work is starting as a building inspector will need to make regular checks during the project. As well as an initial inspection, they will need to examine the new floor structure before it is boarded over and the roof structure –including any dormers – before it is covered up on the inside. Carrying on with the work and pleading ignorance is not an option as the building inspector has the authority to make you remove any part of the structure with which he is not satisfied.

Once the work is complete the inspector will undertake a final check before issuing a completion certificate. This must be kept in a safe place for future reference.

http://www.planningportal.gov.uk/permission/commonprojects/loftconversion/

TOP TIP:Ensure you have all the necessary approvals & certifications

http://www.planningportal.gov.uk/permission/commonprojects/loftconversion/

General advice• Planning permission is not always required but

it makes sense to check as local authorities vary in their interpretation of regulations

• Building Regulations approval is absolutely essential

• If you live in a semi-detached or terraced house any work will be subject to a Party Wall agreement

• Your loft should be 2.3 metres at its highest point to be suitable for conversion

• The external appearance of the conversion should blend with the existing property

• Expect the construction work to take about six weeks

• Satisfy yourself that you will be comfortable with the workmen who will be carrying out the job – and treat them well for best results

• Inform neighbours of your plans so they will know to expect some disruption while the work is carried out

• Always have a 10% contingency to cover unexpected problems

• Don’t settle the final bill until the job has been finished to your complete satisfaction.


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At a glance

Design and decision tips• Seek personal recommendations when

choosing suppliers and contractors• Consider using a specialist conversion company• You will need design input from an architect –

choose your own or use one recommended by the builder

• Get at least four quotations from potential suppliers but don't automatically choose the lowest

• Ensure that your chosen contractor will be accessing the conversion through the roof

• View some conversions carried out by potential suppliers and talk to previous customers

• Make sure that conversion details – such as the new stair rails – will match the original

• Never be rushed into a purchasing decision• Ensure that the specification is identical on all

quotes so you can compare ‘like for like’• Check your chosen contractor’s warranties,

guarantees, insurance and terms & conditions• Be wary of a contractor who can start work

immediately.

DIY construction tips• Think twice before tackling such a complex

project• Don’t even contemplate tackling it yourself

unless you have relevant experience• Remember to secure building regulations

approval before you begin any work• Always get professional advice from an

architect or chartered surveyor, especially on structural matters

• When working out the cost remember to factor in hire charges for specialist equipment

• Consider sub-contracting out difficult or highly-skilled parts of the project

• Use a professional for any structural alterations to the roof

• Expect the project to take several months• Don’t be too proud to accept any offers of help• Make sure you get all the necessary

certifications when work is complete.


Page 22

Why use Quotatis?

The Quotatis service is 100% FREE to people looking for a trade professional.You can use Quotatis to match your job needs with our qualified trade professionals whether it’s at home or work. We don’t charge you a penny, Quotatis charges our registered trade professionals a small fee for matching your requirements to their skills.

All our references come from people like you.To become a Quotatis registered contractor, trade professionals must allow us to vet them and take the names of 3 referees they have done work for. We then check these independently. Their performance is regularly appraised by their new clients, who then report back to us. The only exception to this is when a contractor is a member of a trade association or competent person scheme such as Fensa, Part P & Corgi

We do our best to recruit new, vetted trade professionals if we can’t provide an immediate match to your requirements.It is possible that some requests in some areas will be difficult to match at first. When this happens, we will do our best to recruit new, vetted trade professionals to meet your needs as quickly as possible.

We only give your contact details to a maximum of 5 trades professionals.We give your name and telephone number to no more than five trade professionals, and give their details to you. You can then call them to arrange an appointment. They may also call you.

We constantly monitor our trade professionals standards and performance.We monitor our registered trade professionals performance regularly and if their standards fall -we cancel their registration. We don’t want you to suffer at the hands of amateurs. It’s as simple as that.

We have plenty of professionally registeredtrades people.Most of our registered contractors are members of reputable trade associations or competent person schemes such as Fensa, Part P & Corgi. If you have any issues with the trade professional during the job we can give you the details of the membership body to which they belong. If an issue is discovered after the work has been completed and paid for, we will help you to get the original trade professional to put it right.

We take the hassle and uncertainty out of getting the right professional the first time.Picking someone from the phone book can be very time consuming and fruitless if none of your chosen contractors are available. It may even result in you inadvertently using a 'rogue' contractor with all the associated issues. With Quotatis.co.uk you know that each trade professional who contacts you has been vetted, is monitored by happy customers, and is available and qualified to do your job.

Quotatis, we’ll get you the best quotes first time every time.

http://loftconversion.quotatis.co.uk/

www.quotatis.co.uk

www.loftconversionquotes.org.uk

www.loftconversion.info

www.loft-conversion.com

www.planningportal.gov.uk/permission/commonprojects/loftconversion/

Suite 1Joseph King HouseAbbey Farm Commercial ParkHorsham St FaithNorwichNR10 3JU

E-mail : [email protected] : 08448 044 344Fax : 08448 044 344 © Copy authorized with consent of

Quotatis Ltd. Valid information as 08/2013

Scan me with your Smartphone to be

taken to our website.


Page 23

Appendix – Useful sites

www.planningportal.gov.uk/permission/commonprojects/loftconversion/

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