Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can any loft be converted into useable living or leisure space?
2. My loft is quite small, will it still be suitable for conversion?
3. How long will the loft conversion work take?
4. Is there a lot of mess and disruption to the rest of the house?
5. How much will the loft conversion cost?
6. Can I have a dormer window extension?
7. Do I need to get building regulations and planning approval?
8. I have a water tank in my loft?
9. I have a chimney stack in the loft?

FAQ Answers

1. Can any loft be converted into usable living or leisure space?

   Most people only use the loft space for storage, owing to the restrictions caused by the roof structure and all the angled timber trusses. Provided there are no structural problems associated with the roof or house itself, an experienced loft conversion specialists can correctly restructure the roof

   

   timbers in such a way that virtually any loft area can be converted into useable living space like bedrooms, bathrooms and even kitchens.

2. My loft is quite small, will it still be suitable for conversion?

   The loft area measured corner to corner is actually the largest floor space in the whole property. With careful planning and imagination and the use of dormer extensions and

   

   windows where appropriate, the loft can usually be transformed into virtually any type of room you want.

3. How long with the loft conversion work take?

   This will vary considerably depending on the features required and the

   

   complexity of the project. As a rule of thumb however, a standard, one-bedroom conversion will normally be completed within 3 weeks.

4. Is there a lot of mess and disruption to the rest of the house?

   No. We work on the outside first, starting with the roof-line windows or dormer extension, before doing any work inside the loft itself. Using scaffolding, this enables us to transfer materials into the loft area through the loft windows and avoids the necessity to carry everything through the

   

   house itself. When we do have to work inside the house - constructing a stairway for example - dust sheets are used to protect adjacent areas.

5. How much will the loft conversion cost?

   This can only be assessed following a full and detailed survey of the site. We will

   

   be pleased to arrange a visit and provide you with a "no obligation, fixed-price" quotation.

6. Can I have a dormer window extension?

   Most lofts are capable of supporting a dormer extension. This will require our planning department

   

   to produce detailed plans and, following consultation with you, submit the plans on your behalf to the local planning department for formal approval.

7. Do I need to get planning permission and building regulations approval?

   You do not normally need planning permission for a loft conversion if the overall size of the house remains the same and the height has not increased. However you do need building regulations approval. In this regard, we will take care of all the necessary

   

   paperwork on your behalf and the cost will be included as part of our "no obligation, fixed price" quotation.

8. I have a water tank in my loft?

   

   This does not present a problem. We will instruct our plumber to re-position the tank if it is likely to interfere with your preferred loft layout.

9. I have a chimney stack in the loft?

   If the fireplaces being served by the chimney are no longer being used, then it is often possible to remove the chimney completely. However if the chimney is in use or you want to keep it

   

   just in case it will be needed in the future, we should be able to either hide it or incorporate it into your new layout, depending on your wishes.