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Getting your plans off the ground

Unless your loft conversion involves changing the existing shape of your roof, you are unlikely to need planning permission.

However, it is vital to ensure that the work carried out conforms with the current building regulations and you should have plans drawn up and approved by your local council before any work starts.

For larger or more complex loft conversions, you would be well advised to employ a loft conversion company, architect or qualified designer. But for many simple lofts, builders themselves may be able to obtain building regulations approval as part of an all-in package. In simple lofts, the design issues are often largely technical in nature and these can easily be resolved between the builder and the building inspector.

While VELUX can provide a list of installers in your area, builders specialising in loft works can also be sourced in Yellow Pages – look under Loft Conversions. Your best protection is always to get visits and quotes from at least three and to check references on the one you wish to select. Remember that the best value for money option may well not be the cheapest quotation you receive.

Staircase and emergency exits

Working out just how the access stairs will run is often the trickiest part of the design, especially as the stairwell usually needs to be made fireproof as well. Don’t despair if it’s not immediately obvious to you just where the stairs should go: experienced designers are often able to work out acceptable solutions in the tightest of places.

Also ensure that you check emergency escape and access requirements – remember that English, Welsh, Scottish and Irish regulations all differ. Fortunately VELUX have a special escape window for exactly these circumstances.

Consider positioning a VELUX roof window above your new stairwell to allow more natural light.

Straight flight staircase

Winding

Quarter landing

Half landing

Wiring and plumbing

Additional lighting and power points will be required. Normally these can be easily added to your existing circuits without disrupting the rest of the home. If you have water tanks in the loft, you will probably need to move them, something which can also usually be done with minimum disruption. Many central heating systems can be easily extended into the loft and failing that, small electric wall heaters are usually all that are needed because loft conversions are invariably very well insulated.

*Remember that if you are dealing with a listed building or a building situated in a Conservation Area, you will require planning permission.

Do you have more questions?

How much does a loft conversion cost?

The answer depends, of course, on the size of the type of property, the loft space and what you wish to have done.

Experience shows that prices start at around £17,500 for an extra bedroom.

Some loft converters will also quote just for the shell, leaving you to add the finishing details and decorate.

The upper limit is entirely up to you! There are examples of an investment of up to £100,000 for a major overhaul of a large loft space! Most projects, however, lie between £20,000 and £35,000. According to a survey by the Nationwide Building Society, the average cost of an extension is around £22,000.

The top five most popular carried out in 2005 were:
1. Conservatory
2. Over-garage extension
3. Loft conversion
4. Single storey extension
5. Extending and remodelling

The best way to find out about the cost in your own case is to use the House of Opportunities model to get some ideas and inspiration and then ask a loft conversion company for more advice and a quotation.

You can click here to find your nearest loft conversion company.

They will also be able to go through the House of Opportunities interactive model with you in your own home and help you to get an idea of what would be possible within your own budget.

How can I finance my loft conversion?

There are many different options for borrowing money for a loft conversion.

You may prefer to contact your present building society or bank for a quote, but generally speaking, it is a good idea to have a talk with more than one source of financing.

There are many different possibilities – a search on the Internet for homeowner loans, for example, will give you plenty to investigate.

The thing to remember, however, is that the loan will be secured against your home, and that you must be very sure of your ability to keep up the repayments.

If you are in doubt, it would probably be a good idea to have a talk with your bank manager before you take the next step.

What you should remember, however, is that nothing in life is free. Apparently attractive loan offers can turn out to be an expensive acquaintance if you do not read the small print very carefully.

The safest thing to do is to take out the loan with a reputable source of finance such as one of the major banks or building societies.

What about planning permission?

It is important to check whether your plans will cause problems later before signing on the dotted line with a loft converter or loan source.

When designing your loft conversion, you need to think of whether your home is in a conservation area or even whether it is a listed building.

Will you compromise the privacy of your neighbour by putting in extra windows? Will the conversion mean raising the roof?

The safest thing is to contact your local authority Planning Department. Planning Permission costs £110 everywhere while the Building Control Application fee for Building Control approval varies.

If your application is successful, you will have to pay an inspection fee. You will probably get a decision within two to three months.

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