If you are currently living in the Lymm area and have a loft that is just empty space or has never seen the light of day, contact loftconversionsnorth.co.uk today to transform your empty space into something magical and livable.

Here at Loft Conversions North, we provide you with the very best service. Loft conversions are fantastic investments that can significantly increase the value of your home. By converting your loft, you not only add more floor space to your home but also create a functional and beautiful new area. The work involved is straightforward for a loft conversion specialist like us, ensuring a smooth and efficient process from start to finish.

Our expert team will handle everything, from the initial consultation and design to the final touches, ensuring your new loft space meets all your needs and expectations. Whether you envision a cozy bedroom, a quiet home office, or a vibrant playroom, we can bring your vision to life with precision and care.

Don’t let your loft space go to waste. Contact Loft Conversions North today and start your journey towards a stunning new addition to your home. Our commitment to quality, professionalism, and customer satisfaction ensures that your loft conversion experience will be nothing short of exceptional.

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Affordable, High-Quality

Loft Conversions

Unlock the potential of your unused loft and create valuable living space for your family!

Preston – Manchester – Lancashire – Cheshire

We are proud to offer the finest loft conversions across the North West. With years of experience, we’ve built a strong reputation as high-quality loft specialists, supported by outstanding customer reviews and recommendations.

As members of Checkatrade.com, we guarantee our commitment to excellence. We strive to ensure your new loft conversion meets or surpasses your expectations!

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Great quality work and very reasonable price. Loft converted to a two bedroom and bathroom dormer. High standards throughout, always happy to discuss issues or concerns as the appeared.

Customer Feedback

Excellent service from start to finish. We’re really happy with the finished product. Excellent communication from John throughout the process. The whole team of workmen were all very good, tidy and thoughtful.

Customer Feedback

Schedule Your Loft Conversion Survey with Us

We will arrange a mutual appointment to survey your home, where you can ask any questions about your loft conversion. After the visit, we’ll provide your loft proposal, including the plan/layout, within a few days. This allows you to review your plans thoroughly. At Loft Conversions North, we believe it’s essential for our clients to understand the final profile of their loft conversion before proceeding.

If you have any amendments, we will update your plans before conducting a structural survey. Loft Conversions North will then perform the structural survey and submit the necessary documentation to the relevant Building Control bodies.

To speak with our friendly team, call us at 01772 393004.

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What are the most popular loft conversion types?

Types of Loft Conversions:

Velux/Rooflight Loft Conversion:

This type of loft conversion involves utilizing the existing roof space without altering its profile. It’s particularly suitable when there’s ample headroom available, allowing you to make full use of all the space. Velux loft conversions typically require less construction work compared to other types, resulting in minimal disruption to your home. Installing Velux Windows is an excellent way to create a spacious feel in your loft by allowing natural light and air to flow in.

Flat Roof Rear Dormer Loft Conversion:

A flat roof rear dormer loft conversion provides the maximum amount of additional internal space. Usually constructed with a timber structure, it’s designed to seamlessly blend with the existing aesthetics of your home by using matching tiles. Rear dormers are favored for their ability to create a large floor area and offer ample natural light through generously-sized windows or even French doors. They’re often permissible under development rights, meaning they typically require less planning permission.

Hip to Gable & Hip End Dormer Loft Conversion:

These types of loft conversions are ideal for properties with sloping side roofs, commonly known as hipped roofs. A hip-to-gable conversion involves extending the existing ridge of the roof to provide a significantly larger loft area. The external finish of this type of conversion usually matches the existing roof, maintaining visual harmony with the rest of the property. This conversion is particularly suitable for houses lacking sufficient internal volume over their existing stairs, as it provides the necessary space for a new staircase.

Cottage Dormer Loft Conversion:

Cottage dormer loft conversions are typically situated at the front of a property and feature a vertical window with its own roof. Positioned partially within the slope of the existing roof, they often require lead valleys on either side for proper integration. Cottage dormers are an excellent solution for achieving the required headroom while enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the property. However, it’s essential to ensure that the size of the dormer remains proportionate to the existing roof volume to avoid overpowering the overall design.

Building Control & Planning Approval for Loft Conversions:

Permitted Development Rights: Loft conversions are often built under permitted development rights, meaning they don’t usually require planning permission. These rights allow certain types of development to be carried out without the need for specific planning consent.

Building Control vs. Planning Permission: While planning permission focuses on ensuring that developments are in line with local aesthetics and regulations, building control is primarily concerned with ensuring structural integrity and compliance with safety standards.

Structural Considerations: It’s crucial to involve a structural engineer in any loft conversion project to ensure that structural alterations meet the necessary standards for stability and safety.

Electrical Regulations: Electrical work undertaken as part of a loft conversion must adhere to relevant regulations and be certified by a competent person scheme. This ensures that the electrical installation is safe and compliant with industry standards.

Insulation & Safety: Building regulations for loft conversions include requirements for proper insulation, ensuring energy efficiency and occupant comfort. Additionally, these regulations encompass various safety considerations, such as fire safety and structural stability, to protect both occupants and the property.

Consequences of Non-Compliance: Failure to comply with building regulations and planning requirements can have serious consequences, including potential fines and the need to rectify any non-compliant work. It’s essential to follow the necessary procedures and obtain the appropriate approvals to avoid these issues.

DIY Considerations: Even if you’re undertaking a loft conversion as a DIY project, it’s essential to adhere to building regulations to ensure the safety and structural integrity of the finished conversion. This includes following relevant guidelines for structural alterations, insulation, electrical work, and other aspects of the project.

Could you explain permitted development and its implications?

The Government introduced some relaxations to planning permission alongside Permitted Development in the Town and Country Planning Act of 1948. Permitted Development Rights allow homeowners to extend their properties up to a certain percentage without requiring full planning permission, provided they adhere to specific rules and regulations. In 2008, there was a review of Permitted Development rights aimed at stimulating growth in the building sector, resulting in temporary relaxation of these rules. The scope of work permissible under Permitted Development rights varies depending on factors such as location and previous building works undertaken.

Permitted Development rules for loft conversions stipulate that the volume of any roof space created must not exceed certain allowances: 50m3 for detached and semi-detached houses, and 40m3 for terraced houses. However, loft extensions are not covered under Permitted Development for houses on designated land. Additionally, no part of the extension can be higher than the highest part of the existing roof.

Side-facing windows in loft conversions must be obscure glazed and non-opening unless the opening parts are positioned more than 1.7 meters above the floor. Extensions beyond the plane of the existing roof slope of the principal elevation facing a highway are not considered Permitted Development. Furthermore, loft conversion dormers, except for hip to gable ones, must be set back at least 20cms from the eaves and cannot overhang the outer face of the original house’s wall.

Verandas, balconies, or raised platforms are not permitted under Permitted Development. Materials used in the conversion should be similar in appearance to the existing house. It’s important to note that if bats are present, no conversion work can be undertaken, as bats are a protected species.

Despite being under Permitted Development, loft conversions must adhere to Building Regulations. Additionally, properties categorized as listed buildings or located in designated areas such as Conservation Areas or Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty do not have Permitted Development rights.

Here are some loopholes commonly exploited under Permitted Development regulations.

What staircase designs and styles are common in loft conversions?

Your bespoke loft staircase plays a pivotal role in your loft conversion. A poorly designed staircase or its incorrect placement can not only affect the conversion itself but also impact the overall aesthetics and functionality of your home. The loft staircase serves as the initial impression for visitors, making it essential to seamlessly integrate it into your home’s design, rather than it appearing as an afterthought.

There is a multitude of staircase designs to consider, including whether to incorporate a Curtail tread or a bullnose, and deciding whether the first two treads should start before fixing a newel, among others.

Regulations stipulate a minimum headroom clearance of 2 meters when stepping off the last tread, though in special circumstances, this can be reduced to 1.9 meters at the center provided the staircase’s side (String) remains at least 1.8 meters high.

Your new loft conversion staircase should adhere to specific dimensions: a maximum rise (height) of 220mm, a minimum going (tread depth) of 220mm, and a maximum pitch of 42°. While there’s no regulation concerning the width of the staircase, handrails should be at least one side and set at a height of 900mm, with no openings between spindles allowing a gap of more than 100mm in the rake or balustrade.

Means of Escape from a Loft Conversion:

When a roof space is converted into habitable rooms at the second-floor level, it must comply with stringent emergency escape provisions. These provisions include:

  • Ensuring that existing stairways/stairwells at ground and first-floor levels are enclosed and open directly to a final exit or a space providing two escape routes.
  • Compliance of the new stairway with regulatory requirements, including separation from new rooms and the rest of the house by fire-resisting construction.
  • Protection of escape routes over balconies or flat roofs with guardrails, and installation of hard-wired and battery-backup smoke alarms in habitable rooms off the escape route.

Access to and from Your Loft Conversion:

Stairs leading to a loft room must comply with Building Regulations, escape requirements, and fire protection standards. Loft ladders should not be used for access to habitable rooms on the roof, except for storage purposes.

In cases where headroom is insufficient at the top of the staircase, a VELUX roof window can provide additional height, light, and ventilation. Alternatively, a dropped landing can be created to achieve the required head height while adding a unique design feature.

Optimizing Views from Your Loft Conversion:

Roof windows play a crucial role in maximizing views from a loft conversion. Velux roof windows, which follow the pitch of the roof and can open inwards or outwards, are commonly installed for their ability to bring in natural light. Dormer windows, typically integrated into rear dormers, feature full-height windows from floor to ceiling, providing abundant light and expansive views.

Advantages of Converting Your Attic:

A loft conversion offers numerous benefits, including the creation of additional living space and potential increase in property value by over 20%. Whether transformed into a workspace, games room, bedroom, or living room, a well-converted loft adds value to your home. Additionally, homeowners can generate income by using their lofts as lodger rooms.

Fire Safety in a Loft Conversion:

Fire safety considerations are paramount in loft conversions. Provisions for escape routes must be made throughout the full extent of the route, necessitating additional fire protection for existing parts of the house. Fire-resistant doors and partitions may be required, particularly when converting a two-storey house into a three-storey home. Interlinked smoke detection circuits and sprinkler systems can further enhance fire safety measures.

By adhering to these regulations and considerations, you can ensure a safe, functional, and aesthetically pleasing loft conversion.

Could you outline the process for a loft conversion?

From our initial contact, we’ll coordinate a convenient time to visit your home and discuss your loft conversion requirements. Each conversion is tailored to your specifications, ensuring maximum comfort and versatility in your living space. Our primary loft conversion options include Velux/Rooflight Conversions, Hip to Gable Conversions, and the popular Rear Dormer Conversion, designed to maximize floor area. For flat roof dormers, we use seamless rubber membrane covering unless a Cat Slide roof is preferred.

Following our visit, we’ll provide you with a written and fixed-price proposal for your loft conversion. If you choose Rafter Loft Conversions as your partner, we’ll arrange for our architect to visit your home for a structural survey to prepare plans for approval. Once you approve the plans, we’ll submit them to building control along with structural calculations to obtain full approval.

On the agreed start date, materials will be delivered, and construction will commence. After installing steels and primary beams, we’ll begin constructing the floor, determining the floor-to-floor height before ordering your bespoke staircase to match. Next, we’ll upgrade the roof structure and install Velux roof windows, followed by insulation to meet current regulations.

With the structure in place, we’ll build internal walls to divide the loft into the rooms you desire. After completing the walls, we’ll carefully cut out the stairwell aperture and install your bespoke staircase. Once the staircase is in place, we’ll finish any remaining joinery work before our experienced plasterers begin their work, ensuring a smooth finish for your new loft space.

How many windows typically go into a loft conversion?

Regulations stipulate specific requirements regarding glazed areas in loft conversions, ensuring habitable rooms receive adequate daylight and have a view out. Good practice suggests a minimum glazed area equivalent to 1/10 of the floor area for this purpose.

Roof windows and dormer windows can fulfill these requirements without significantly altering the appearance of the roof. However, planning approval may be necessary if a roof overlooks a public highway or if any projection above an existing roof plane is involved. In sensitive environments like conservation areas, recessed roof windows may be preferred to standard ones.

Loft conversions offer a cost-effective alternative to moving home. At Rafter Loft Conversions, we tailor projects to your individual needs, ensuring your loft space perfectly aligns with your vision. Whether you’re seeking an additional bedroom, office, or home theater, our experienced team guarantees satisfaction with the finished results, regardless of your requirements.

Planning Legislation for Loft Conversions:

Building Regulations must be strictly followed for every loft conversion, setting standards for design and construction. Permitted Development Rights under the Town & Country Planning Legislation allow for alterations without planning permission under specific conditions.

These alterations fall under two classes:

  • Class A: Enlargement, improvements, or alterations of dwellings generally.
  • Class B: Enlargement or conversion of a dwelling involving additions or alterations to the roof.

The primary aims of planning control are to prevent excessive increases in house volume and changes in roof shape that affect visual relationships with neighboring properties. Planning permission is not required solely for converting the roof within its existing height and shape, but it’s necessary if the total increased volume exceeds statutory limits or if there’s a change of use.

Permitted development rights are restricted in conservation areas, areas of outstanding natural beauty, and listed buildings. Any alteration affecting appearance in these contexts requires planning permission or listed building consent.

Applying for Planning Permission and Building Control:

If the proposed project requires planning consent, an application must be made to the local authority, detailing design effects on building appearance. Building Regulation consent can be sought via a Full Plans Application or a Building Notice. The former involves submitting detailed plans and calculations, while the latter requires less documentation but may prompt requests for additional information from the Building Control Surveyor.

Fees apply for both types of application, and compliance with regulations is verified through site visits during construction. Whether you opt for a Full Plans Application or a Building Notice, it’s essential to ensure the loft conversion meets all necessary regulatory requirements.

Is there flexibility in placing the bathroom within the loft conversion?

When incorporating a new bathroom into a loft conversion, specific provisions are necessary for height, hot and cold water supplies, and drainage. Access must be facilitated for maintenance to relocated water tanks in void areas.

For bathrooms with long pipe runs from the hot water cylinder and appliances with occasional use, such as guest bathrooms, electric instantaneous water heaters may be considered as an alternative.

The position of existing drainage will influence the location of sanitary fittings, with maximum permitted lengths for unvented branch connections. If branch pipes exceed these limits, they must be directly ventilated to external air or terminated inside the building with an air admittance valve (AAV). AAVs eliminate the need for holes through the roof or external walls and reduce required pipework.

Structural Stability:

New structural members or alterations must be overseen by a structural engineer to ensure the stability of the existing structure and sufficiency of the new structure. Building Control may request formal calculations to support approval.

Sound Insulation:

Walls separating dwellings require adequate airborne sound insulation. Existing separating walls may need lining to provide equivalent sound insulation if converted into occupied space. Gaps in walls should be filled, and timber frames sealed to reduce sound transmission.

Ventilation:

Windows to habitable rooms should be proportional to the floor area, with background ventilation as required. Bathrooms need both opening windows and mechanical ventilation fans. Ventilation provisions must be maintained to avoid condensation, with eaves ventilation possibly needing enhancement. A vapour control layer is essential for walls and sloping ceilings to manage moisture, with adequate room ventilation necessary to prevent water vapour buildup.

Ensuring proper provisions for height, water supply, drainage, structural stability, sound insulation, and ventilation is crucial for a successful loft conversion.

What type of thermal insulation is utilized in loft conversions?

Insulation Requirements:

Any habitable area within the roof space must adhere to current National Regulations for insulation. This can involve insulating the entire roof pitch from ridge to eaves or focusing insulation around the new accommodation. The former method is more complex and requires more insulation material, especially at the roof apex. The latter method reduces the amount of insulation needed but requires insulation of walls and parts of the sloping ceiling and horizontal ceiling over the habitable space.

Gable walls within the roof accommodation must also meet thermal requirements for external walls. This can be achieved with insulated plasterboard or by inserting mineral wool insulation between studs in timber-frame construction.

Fire Resistance:

All loft conversions must meet fire resistance standards outlined in National Regulations. This primarily involves ensuring that upper floor ceilings converted to new floor construction achieve the required fire resistance, typically 30 minutes.

Fire resistance requirements extend to any member supporting a floor, including areas beyond the actual floor space, such as between the outer wall of a loft space and the external wall at the eaves. If the roof space serves a different occupancy, such as a separate flat, a higher level of fire resistance may be necessary, often 60 minutes.

For loft spaces with chimneys or flues, new construction must comply with space separation requirements for combustible materials. Nails, screws, or other metal fixtures attaching timber to a masonry chimney should maintain a safe distance from the flue.

Surface Spread of Flame:

Walls and ceilings within the roof space must adhere to appropriate surface spread of flame requirements. Plasterboard typically meets these requirements. Any surface sloping at an angle of 70 degrees or more to the horizontal is considered a wall in terms of flame spread regulations.

Is there a growing demand for loft conversions?

Opting for a loft conversion offers a practical solution for expanding your living space without encroaching on your land, particularly your garden. Moving upward instead of outward preserves your outdoor space, which is especially valuable for those who cherish their gardens. Additionally, many homeowners prefer to remain in the same neighborhood even when seeking more space, making a loft conversion a financially advantageous alternative to moving, especially considering the costs associated with stamp duty.

Another compelling reason for considering a loft conversion is the potential to create a “granny flat.” Instead of opting for a retirement home for elderly family members, some families prefer to keep their loved ones close by creating a living space in the loft. This arrangement allows for proximity while still maintaining separate areas within the house. Moreover, the cost of building a loft conversion is often much lower than the expenses associated with a retirement home, offering a more affordable and comfortable option.

Moreover, investing in a loft conversion can significantly increase the value of your property when it comes time to sell. The additional living space and functionality added by the conversion can make your home more attractive to potential buyers, thereby enhancing its market value.

Which roof window is best suited for my loft conversion?

It’s widely acknowledged that Velux® windows stand as the global leader in roof window manufacturing, offering a range of options to suit various needs. Among the main types are top hung and center pivot windows, available in multiple sizes and finishes such as white painted, pine, and polyurethane. Polyurethane windows are particularly suitable for humid environments like bathrooms.

The top hung window operates with a handle positioned at the bottom of the frame, allowing it to open fully outwards, making it an excellent choice for loft conversions. This window type is suitable for roof pitches ranging between 15° and 55°.

On the other hand, the center pivot roof window features a handle at the top, making it convenient for placing furniture underneath as it pivots at the center point. This type of window is also compatible with roof pitches ranging from 15° to 90°.

For added convenience and comfort, the Velux Integra® window offers remote-controlled operation, allowing users to open each window with a simple touch of a button, catering to pitches between 15° and 90°.

For those seeking a dramatic addition to their loft conversion, Velux Cabrio® balcony windows offer an innovative solution. These expansive windows open in seconds to create a stunning balcony design, providing captivating views. They are suitable for pitches between 35° and 53°.

Each Velux® window is assigned a specific code indicating its type and features. For instance, a GGU SK06 (114cm x 118cm) represents a center pivot window in polyurethane, while the GPL SK06 denotes a top hung window in pine. Similarly, window flashing kits, such as the EDW SK06 and EDP, are essential for proper installation, with different kits catering to various tile profiles. Therefore, selecting the correct window type and flashing kit is crucial for ensuring a seamless fit for your home.

What makes a loft conversion an excellent room?

Opting for a loft conversion typically aims at securing that much-needed extra bedroom, and if you’re fortunate, it may even include an en-suite bathroom. This not only grants you a tranquil sanctuary at the top of your home but also helps in keeping the kids out of your hair. However, there’s a myriad of reasons why homeowners choose to convert their lofts, with the trend shifting towards creating a study, especially as more people embrace remote work arrangements. The convenience of simply walking upstairs to your office is undeniable. Yet, the possibilities extend beyond that to crafting rooms, cinemas, playrooms, living spaces, or spare rooms for guests.

Your seemingly cold and neglected loft space holds immense potential, waiting to be unlocked through imaginative design. Visualize lying down and gazing up through your new Velux roof windows at the evening sky, away from the hustle and bustle of the rest of the house.

Incorporating a bathroom into the loft area adds an extra layer of complexity. Ideally, the new loft bathroom should be located near or above the existing soil pipe to ensure proper waste disposal. If accessibility to the soil pipe is limited, a macerator comes to the rescue, efficiently moving waste to the main soil stack. Macerators function by using high-speed rotary blades to pump waste solids into liquids, offering a practical solution when conventional gravity-based drainage isn’t feasible.

For those considering a music room, soundproofing becomes essential. This involves utilizing soundproof plasterboard and acoustic loft insulation in the floor and walls to minimize noise transmission. Similarly, transforming your loft into a playroom not only delights the kids but also provides you with some much-needed tranquility. Whether it’s for indulging in hobbies like painting, crafting, or collecting, your loft conversion offers endless possibilities for personalization and creativity.

Is my attic suitable for a loft conversion?

The height of your roof greatly influences the spaciousness of the room below. Houses constructed before the 1960s typically feature traditional loft structures, making them easier to convert due to their design. For such lofts, a minimum height of 2.2m from the top of the existing floor/ceiling joists to the underside of the ridge beam is required.

From the 1960s onward, modern trusses became prevalent, with the 7 Node fink truss being a common choice for standard homes. This truss comprises tension and compression webbing, which should not be removed until new supports, primarily steel, are installed to reinforce the roof. Truss loft conversions, while more demanding due to the existing framework, are still feasible. For truss rafter roof conversions, a minimum height of 2.4m from the ceiling joist to the underside of the truss (gang plate) is necessary.

When embarking on a loft conversion, safety is paramount. Adhering to loft safety guidelines and building regulations ensures the safety of everyone involved in the project. Secure footing is essential during construction, often achieved by laying floorboard sheets until the work in that area is completed. Installing a bespoke staircase is another critical step, requiring careful handling to ensure proper alignment of risers and treads and ensuring the integral newels are plumb.

How can I utilize a loft conversion?

Your dusty attic may seem unremarkable now, but with a touch of imagination and creativity, it can be transformed into anything you desire. A loft bedroom is a popular choice for conversion, offering a private sanctuary away from the hustle and bustle of the rest of the house. Picture lying in bed, gazing up at the stars through your window, or enjoying a peaceful night’s sleep undisturbed by household noise.

Integrating a bathroom into your loft conversion adds complexity, particularly concerning toilet installation. Ideally, toilets should be positioned near a soil pipe for proper waste disposal. If the soil pipe is too distant, a macerator can be installed to facilitate waste movement to the main soil stack.

Transforming your loft into a playroom is a hit with both children and parents. Soundproofing the walls with soundproof boarding and installing acoustic loft insulation help contain noise, providing peace and quiet for the rest of the household. A playroom offers storage space for toys and grants older children a sense of independence.

With an additional room in your home, the possibilities are endless. Whether you’re passionate about collecting trains, painting, or pursuing any hobby, a loft conversion allows you to create your personal haven without disturbing others in the household. Designating the loft as a home office is also a popular choice, catering to various needs and preferences.

What's involved in the structural design of a loft conversion?

Introducing New Floor Joists in a Loft Conversion

Introducing new floor joists in a loft conversion requires careful planning to ensure structural integrity. Existing ceiling joists are typically inadequate to serve as floor joists, so installing new, deeper joists between existing ones is necessary. Support for existing ceiling joists may also be required during this process. Additionally, new steel beams may need to be positioned above the existing ceiling to provide support for the new floor joists.

Partition Loads and Floor Openings

Partition loads in the roof space should not rely solely on the floor decking for support. Additional joists may be necessary to support internal non-load-bearing partitions, particularly those running parallel to the floor joists. When creating floor openings for stair access, heavy loads are imposed on trimmers. Proper support, such as doubling joists or framing stair openings onto load-bearing walls or beams, is essential to distribute these loads effectively.

Flooring in the Loft Conversion

For flooring in a loft conversion, floorboards should be securely fastened with screws and adequately supported to prevent vibration and damage to existing plaster ceilings. Tongued and grooved flooring is commonly used in loft conversions due to its stability and durability.

Insulating the Loft Conversion

Insulating the loft conversion properly is crucial for energy efficiency and soundproofing. Acoustic insulation in partition walls can help reduce noise transmission, while soundproof plasterboard can be used to further enhance soundproofing. Insulation should be applied to all walls, including those with fixed doors, for optimal thermal and acoustic performance.

Beam Supports

Beam supports are essential for structural stability. Beams can be built into existing walls or supported with heavy-duty galvanized steel hangers. Timber beams should not be built into external masonry walls, and only timber posts or studs should support timber beams in timber frame walls.

Installing Roof Rafters

When installing roof rafters in a loft conversion, select them based on building control span tables and ensure they are properly supported. Considerations such as effective rafter span, overall rafter length, and structural upgrades may be necessary depending on the specific requirements of the conversion.

Roof Windows in a Loft Conversion

Roof windows play a vital role in providing natural light and ventilation in a loft conversion. Both centre-pivot and top-hung windows offer accessibility for cleaning and maintenance. Proper installation of roof windows can help reduce the total roof load while maintaining structural integrity.

In summary, a successful loft conversion requires careful planning, adherence to building regulations, and attention to detail in every aspect of the construction process, from floor joists to roof windows.

What should be done if bats are present in the loft?

Bats in the Roof Space and Legal Considerations

Bats in the roof space pose unique challenges for loft conversions due to legal protections afforded to these animals. Contacting organizations like The Bat Conservation Trust for advice is crucial when planning work that may affect bat roosts. In the UK, all bats and their roosts are protected by law, making it illegal to harm or disturb them.

Roof Beams in a Loft Conversion

When converting a loft, careful consideration must be given to the support structure, especially when removing existing purlins and supports. Alternative support methods may include inserting new purlins, adding a ridge beam, or using fabricated timber or steel beams for longer spans.

Means of Escape

A loft conversion that adds habitable rooms at the second-floor level must comply with strict emergency escape provisions. This includes enclosing stairways, providing multiple escape routes, and installing fire-resistant construction materials. Smoke alarms and sprinkler systems may also be required.

Loft Conversion Process

The loft conversion process involves several steps, including erecting scaffolding, installing primary beams and floor joists, constructing dormers if necessary, upgrading the roof structure for roof windows, insulating and plasterboarding the space, and completing second-fix work for electrics, plumbing, and plastering. Each step requires careful planning and execution to ensure a successful conversion.

What heating system is installed in a loft conversion?

Loft conversions typically experience low heat losses due to stringent insulation requirements. Adding additional radiators to the existing central heating system should not pose a problem if the boiler has sufficient capacity. However, if the conversion is part of a larger refurbishment, installing a new central heating system may be more feasible. In cases where pipework is inaccessible, electrical radiators can be a viable option for heating the new loft room.

What roof covering is used for a flat roof dormer?

Modern Roofing Solutions for Loft Conversions

Gone are the days of hot bitumen and felt for flat roofs. EPDM Firestone RubberCover™ is the new standard for flat roof dormer conversions. Comprising two layers of rubber compressed together, this system offers unparalleled resistance to ozone and UV radiation, even in extreme temperatures, with a life expectancy exceeding 50 years. Firestone RubberCover™ has been installed worldwide since 1980, offering durability and reliability in various climates, making it perfect for loft conversions.

Cost and Timescale for Different Types of Loft Conversions

1. Velux Loft Conversion
Starting from £24,000, Velux loft conversions are the most affordable option. Completed within three weeks, they make use of existing attic space and require minimal construction work.

2. Rear Dormer Loft Conversion
Starting from £38,000, rear dormer conversions offer maximum internal space. Completed in about four weeks, these conversions feature a timber structure finished with plain tiles and can include large windows or French doors.

3. Hip-to-Gable or Hip End Dormer Conversion
Starting from £37,000, these conversions extend the existing ridge of properties with sloping side roofs. Finished with hanging tiles, they typically take around three and a half weeks to complete.

4. Cottage Dormer Loft Conversion
Starting from £37,000, cottage dormer conversions are aesthetically pleasing and situated at the front of properties. Completed in a similar timeframe to hip-to-gable conversions, they must be proportionate to the existing roof volume.

5. Wrap-Around Loft Conversion
Starting from £48,000, wrap-around conversions combine hip-to-gable or hip-end structures with rear dormers, offering a mass of additional floor volume. These technically demanding conversions take around six weeks to complete and are finished with plain hanging tiles.

Note: Prices and timescales may vary based on specific project requirements and location. Always consult with approved contractors for accurate estimates and timelines.

What are the general requirements for a loft conversion?

When re-roofing as part of a loft conversion, it’s crucial to ensure that the new roof meets the performance standards of the original roof. This includes considerations for fire resistance, durability, and overall suitability for the intended purpose. While preservative treatment to roof timbers is not mandatory, it’s essential to address any evidence of previous woodworm infestation or fungal decay before sealing the roof structure.

By adhering to these guidelines, you can ensure the safety, longevity, and effectiveness of the re-roofing process as it relates to your loft conversion project.

Will a home visit be required for a loft conversion quote?

We understand the importance of thorough planning and consideration when it comes to your loft conversion project. Our process involves visiting your home at a convenient time to assess your loft space, take accurate measurements, and discuss your preferences and requirements. During this consultation, we will also review stair configuration options and address any questions or concerns you may have.

With the information gathered during the assessment, we will then prepare a bespoke and detailed quotation for your loft conversion project. Additionally, we will provide a free CAD drawing to visualize the design and layout of your new loft space, ensuring that it meets your expectations and specifications.

Our goal is to ensure that you have all the information you need to make informed decisions about your loft conversion, and we are committed to delivering a tailored solution that meets your needs and exceeds your expectations.

What's the timeframe for deciding on a Loft Conversions North quote?

At Loft Conversions North, we aim to provide comprehensive and reliable loft conversion services tailored to your needs. Here’s what we offer:

1. Free Initial Consultation: We begin with a complimentary consultation where we assess your loft space and discuss your requirements. As part of this service, we provide a free CAD drawing of your loft to visualize the potential conversion.

2. Detailed Project Specifications and Quotations: Following the consultation, we provide fully detailed project specifications and quotations. Our transparent approach ensures you have a clear understanding of the scope of work and associated costs.

3. Design Concept: We offer assistance with design concepts to help bring your vision to life. Our team works closely with you to create a layout that maximizes space and functionality while meeting your aesthetic preferences.

4. Experienced Surveying and Structural Engineering: With our team of experienced surveyors and structural engineers, we ensure that every aspect of your loft conversion meets safety and regulatory standards.

5. Planning Liaison: If required, we handle all communication with planning offices and control authorities to obtain necessary approvals for your loft conversion project.

6. Project Scheduling and Management: We take care of project scheduling, coordination, and management both on-site and off-site. Our goal is to ensure that your loft conversion is completed efficiently and to the highest standards.

7. Building Control Compliance: Throughout the construction process, we liaise with building control authorities to ensure compliance with regulations. We oversee inspections and ensure that all necessary certificates are obtained.

Contact Us:

Ready to explore the possibilities of a loft conversion? Contact our friendly team today at 01772 837 648 for your free bespoke loft conversion quote and CAD drawing. Alternatively, you can fill out our contact form, and we’ll get in touch with you promptly.

At Loft Conversions Loft, we’re dedicated to transforming your loft space into a functional and stylish extension of your home.

Need Help Measuring Your Loft Height?

For a loft conversion to comply with Building Regulations, your existing loft space must have a minimum height of 7ft (2.2m). Measure from the top of the ceiling joists to the underside of the ridge beam in older properties or to the underside of the trusses in newer properties; do not measure to the felt or tiles.

If your loft meets this height requirement, it can be converted, and we can schedule a no-obligation survey appointment.

If your loft is slightly below this height and you have high ceilings on the floor below (common in older properties), you may have the option to lower the existing ceilings to achieve the required loft height, provided it is feasible.

We are happy to offer our expert advice, so please get in touch if you have any questions about the requirements for a loft conversion on your property.