Strengthening Floor and Roof Supports...

The first step in any loft conversion project is to provide alternative means of support for the roof itself, which normally means installing heavy duty R.S.J. steel beams in accordance with the loft plans, and strengthening the floor timbers with more substantial timber joists. This is an absolutely essential part of any loft construction as the existing joists used to hold up the ceiling from the floor below are normally not strong enough to carry the weight of a new floor, rooms and furniture.

Once the stronger floor joists are in place, the new floor can be fitted.

Installing the Purpose-Built Stairway...

The next stage of the construction is installing the staircase, which has been purpose-built in our workshop to exactly fit the dimensions of your house. Whilst the style of staircase you have will largely depend on the space you have available within the house to accommodate it, an alternating staircase (see photo) or spiral stairway not only look good, but can also be fitted in less space than a conventional one-piece staircase.

As the photo indicates, the staircase will blend into your existing layout and decor and will not look out of place.

Constructing the Dormer Extension...

If you are having a dormer extension fitted to increase the head room within your loft, this will be the next stage of the project. It consists of erecting a dormer shell, which will have an optional tiled or flat roof depending on your preferences, whilst the side walls will be tiled or have UPVC cladding, again depending on your choice.

Whilst the walls and roof space will be fully insulated in accordance with building regulations, the double-glazed windows will provide further insulation and light, as well as providing a means of escape in the event of fire. All other external work to the roof will also be completed during this period, with roof-tiles being refitted and the whole working area being made watertight.

Installing Roof-Line Windows...

Installing roof-line windows (where appropriate) is normally the next stage in the project and, like a dormer, they too provide a source of natural light into the loft area and also a means of escape in the event of fire. Note that for most loft conversions, fire regulations stipulate that there must be an alternative means of escape, and this is normally provided using the roof-line or dormer windows as appropriate.

Internal Walls, Electrics & Plumbing...

Towards the end of the loft conversion we start constructing the interior dividing walls to split your conversion into the different rooms and provide a second-skin covering any exposed exterior walls and roofs, adding appropriate insulation where applicable. This is also the time when the electricians and plumbers will complete installations and make their final checks, ensuring that plugs, sockets, radiators and pipework are correctly positioned and that everything is in working order, whilst the walls will be plastered throughout. Any built-in facilities for bathrooms like a bath or shower - or storage and cupboard space for bedrooms and kitchens - will also be installed during this closing phase of the loft conversion.

Finishing Touches...

Finally, once all construction work has been completed and the plaster on the walls is dry, the painters and decorators will complete the transformation by emulsioning the walls and painting all woodwork in the colours of your choice. If you have requested a special floor covering, this will be the last job to be completed, ensuring that it is in pristine condition when we vacate your premises.