First steps to getting a loft conversion

[Andy Clarke]

Architect first, he’ll also be able to advise on rough cost and design to budget.

[Bella Clark]

Our builder hasn’t started yet but the way we went about it was to get some builders in to give quotes – all had been recommended by friends or friends of friends so we knew what their work etc was like. 3 of the 4 that came out had an architect they would use and the 4th one (the only 1 that didn’t get back to us) would have required us to get plans done ourselves. 2 of the builders just do loft conversions so felt they were best as they’re doing them all the time. We already knew our loft would be suitable as other houses in neighbouring streets with the same style house have done it plus I went up in our loft and measured that we have just over 2.4m between the top of the ceiling joists and bottom of the ridge plus we have a long landing – although we were glad to see most of the builders measured bits to make sure. Hope you manage to get going with your loft conversion

[Ben Horner]

Without drawings the builder would be very reluctant to give anything but a ‘ball-park’ price + or -£10/15,000. Engage an architect who will discuss different design options, prepare and submit planning application and if approved by the L.A. , then prepare construction/building regs. drawings, from which a builder will be able to give you a firm quotation. In what part of the country are you looking to do this?

[Stephen Burke]

1.Planning application granted (certificate of Lawfulness) 1k

2. Contractions drawing and calculation £600

3 appointment private Building Control £1.3k

Building cost came about £47k excluding bathroom/juliet door and stair glass.

[Michael Clarke]

We got quotes first off companies who only deal specifically with loft conversions. That way we could be told what was possible and to know a rough price to check it was doable. These companies do so many, the quotes came in really similar and fairly standard…ie plaster finish…fit of en suite but you provide the ensuite etc..6 double sockets…etc etc…then you can alter and add / change things…

We found that 3 loft companies to us actually use the same architect and recommended him.

So when we decided who we would go with, the builder passed our details onto the architect who then took over for the next few months doing all of the planning / drawing and sorting out the council fees and application process.

Some things we have paid out for – architect, planning and structural drawings. Structural engineers calculations. Council fees for planning application and building regs. We had a SAP report for calculating the energy efficiency. Our neighbours also wanted a party wall award so we had to instruct a building surveyor.

There may possibly be some other things I forgotten!

We did get a couple of quotes off builders, but they wouldn’t give a more exact price without the drawings first. Hope this helps. We are currently halfway through our conversion now!

[Michael Cox]

I am a loft conversion specialist of 30 years experience. You should appoint a specialist loft conversion company, they will do a survey of your property and work out what type of project best suits your requirements. From this they will give you a quotation that will meet your preferences. The builder will then appoint their own architect to put together working drawings ( at the stage a deposit is usually taken, we personally request £1800) this usually covers cost of architect, cost of structural calculations, appointed building inspector fees. This is by far the best way forward as you are dealing with professionals who understand your requirements on the top levels. Most loft conversion projects usually fall under permitted development rules, sometimes lawful development is the best way forward and sometimes planning permission is required ( this is impossible to give further guidance without knowing the property address) once the working drawings have been approved (and if required planning permission past) we then request a pre-start payment installment ( in which any steels will be ordered and scaffolding set up). I strongly recommend the builders to have a minimum of seven years experience in Loft conversions ( the leader of the team, just my personal preference). Keep to balanced stage payments throughout the project that keeps fair with progress. Specialist companies will bring in individual specialist traders ( electrician, plumber, plaster…) the project should have three building inspection visits throughout the build.

[Dennis Bell]

There’s different ways to go about it. If its a pretty standard type of conversion there will be companies who will do the whole lot for you but it’s very risky as you will likely be the only one with any oversight.of what’s being done. (Buliding control will usually be ‘mates’ who will pass anything for the right price so you can’t rely on them!). I’m sure there’s plenty of reputable companies out there but I can assure you there is more cowboys just looking to make a quick buck off low standard work! If you go through the arcitect route it will cost considerably more but if you can find a decent one its aleast another pair of eyes to spot if your being ripped off.

[Donna Crich]

Im the same but I put a message on check a trade and had no replies at all!! I’ve been wanting one for years and the area I live in is not the best for reliable tradesmen so I am struggling too on where to start or even get any advice

[Emma Young]

We’ve just completed ours.

Step 1: find an architect

2. Get drawings and make sure you get a certificate of lawfulness. You can go for full drawings or basic. Full will plans every aspect of the build is detailed. We didn’t go for this as our builder said he’d done many lofts and felt confident. He did a great job.

3. Get structural drawings done. Separate to architectural stuff, this dictates steel sizes etc.

4. Find builders – get a range of quotes. We found loft conversion specialists a lot more expensive than general builder. Builders will often need at a minimum a structural drawing to work from for a quote.

5. Once happy with builder, get party wall agreement set up if this applies to you.

6. Apply for building regs – we went with local authority. Quick form to fill in online, costs about £800, our builder then booked in all the visits. We had around 4 visits, he came at crucial points such as steels, insulation, final sign off.

This is our en suite we love it, best decision going for it! Good luck.

[Freya Scott]

the best first step is usually to speak with someone who can assess feasibility and prepare initial drawings before getting builders to price it. This helps avoid inaccurate quotes. Typically the process is: feasibility check and layout options, planning assessment (many lofts fall under permitted development), then Building Regulations drawings and structural calculations. You may also need party wall notices depending on the house type. I can help guide you through each step and advise what applies to your property.