Loft conversion

[Rangirl]

We would like to convert the loft into a bedroom so the DDs can have a room each.I am not great at DIY type things Has anyone done this and if so any tips and ideas of cost
Thanks !

[lalalonglegs]

It's not a DIY job - you'll need a professional. If you live in a house and you haven't extended it elsewhere and it isn't in an conservation area or listed, you shouldn't need planning permission but you will have to have structural engineer's drawings to give to building regs and also to give to your neighbours if your house is attached as you will need a party wall award.

You can use a specialist firm that will take care of all the plans, engineer's calcs and do it all to plaster finish - prices vary a lot depending on where you are and how big the space is, how complicated the logistics are. #20k seems to be absolute bottom with #30k+ being more common.

[Haribojoe]

How apt, just came on hoping to find a thread about loft conversions.

We're thinking of one so that we don't outgrow our house, have thought of selling when Dc get older but love the house we have and its location.

Anyone got any tips now that they have had loft conversion, things they wish they had/hadn't done etc?

rangirl sorry for hijacking your thread

[planestrainsautomobiles]

Hi - we've done a loft conversion in our current house and DH has done a couple in top-flr flats 10 years back.

Our loft conversion took place about a year ago and we added a master bedroom and en-suite - which we love! We got a specialist loft company to do the conversion for us and would recommend this route. As they specialise in lofts they have a tried-and-tested method and got the job done very quickly and to budget.

It took 7 weeks for the main build and then the tiling / decorating and carpeting was done afterwards. The loft company only do the main build and then we had to hire a tiler and decorator for the finishing jobs. They recommended people to us. The loft company also have in-house architects who have standard plans for lofts which means that the builders are used to building a particular type of loft.

Cost was c. £33k + VAT (but then need to factor cost for bathroom (basin, shower, etc) and also for carpet, tiling and decorator costs, etc. Basically the quote was just for the main building work. I think we got a good deal as they weren't busy and it was just after the credit crunch etc. We live in a terraced house in London.

Previously my DH had used general builders which didn't work as well - they didn't do as many lofts so took a lot longer. Doing it this way we had to hire an architect ourselves who then has to talk through plans with builders, etc.

Theres lots to think about - but most importantly you need the builder to check the head height of your loft when they come round to estimate, etc. If you do not have enough head height then they need to lower ceilings in your first floor which adds ££s and LOTS of dust! Also think about time of year - we did it at end of summer which was perfect as builders could get on with it in good weather and meant house wasn't freezing.

We didn't have any problems with planning permission as there are quite a few loft conversions already on our street - so precedence has been set.

PS Its the cheapest and easiest way to add value to your house.

[Haribojoe]

thanks planestrains was thinking we would use specialist company to save messing about with lots of different people.

Am surprised at how long it took, 7 weeks sounds good (obviously all depends on situation though).

Out of interest how much of an upheaval was it? I have got 3DS (6, 3 and 4 months currently) what should I prepare myself for?

[planestrainsautomobiles]

no problems haribojoe - apologies for some of my waffle, typed in a hurry!

7 weeks is very quick for a loft conversion - they were here everyday and even on Saturdays too. They had another job lined up after ours so we're keen to get the job finished!

There is a lot of upheaval, we disappeared off to the US for 5 weeks to escape (my mum lives over there). If you have got family where you can go I would definitely recommend escaping if at all possible. But you might have a larger house then us so might be easier to portion off a few rooms and keep doors shut (dust is a nightmare).

My DH only came to the US for 3 weeks and when he was here he lived in the living room on a mattress as upstairs was a mess. Thought I should be honest with you as my neighbour had a downstairs extension and I played down the mess etc and then she was very shocked.

Definitely get numerous quotes and ask to see local completed jobs - we had 4 quotes for the latest loft conversion.


HTH

[Haribojoe]

Thanks planestrains great advice, will definitely be considering disappearing off somewhere with the kids for a couple of weeks if we go ahead and then at the very least days out/staying over with friends.

If for no other reason than DS1 & 2 will want to "help" with the work

[jbond]

we got our loft converted last year and it's wonderful to have a nice modern bedroom/ensuite. it was great designing it and we got loads of tech put in it. we live in a really old building so to have little luxuries like touch lighting was great! we also got underfloor heating and splashed out on some cashmere carpet.

for us (well for DH!!) it cost £59k but according to our friend (the estate agent) it's put on 62k!! bonus :) we got a loan of 60k so we could take a nice holiday while it was happening (they had to rip out the ceiling because some of the wood was rotting!!). it was sooooo worth it! we were first quoted 30k so i called this company called imperial blue finance and they said i could get up to 80k so we decided to get a few luxuries.imperial blue finance. amazingly helpful and they've also organised a loan for my business to expand as well!

i'm an interior designer so i did most of the plans and i just managed all the individual pieces myself.... so the local builder, the techy people (crestron) and then the bathroom people (jacuzzi). i just chose local people who were recommended to me. best way by far. just ask your friends and failing that just knock on someones door if you see they've had some work done that you like! I found a fabulous builder by doing that an he now does all my developments, project manages with me and everything.

[Rangirl]

Thanks for all replies ,have been away for a few days.It has really given me someting to think about.I had a look in our street and a few people seem to have done it so I think I will have a word with them

[Lovecat]

are you on commission, jbond ?

[planestrainsautomobiles]

hmmm - I was wondering the same Lovecat....not been on mumsnet for long so don't know if this is a regular post.

I wish I was on commission for the loft company we used - I've already got them two jobs on our street!

[Lovecat]

:o planestrains

Do they do work in East London? We're considering putting a room or two in the roof or at least getting PP before putting the house on the market...