Explore many different projects throughout the home, from flat roof and pitched roof extensions to a whole new world of loft living space!

How to get started

Case studies

Find a loft converter

What's hot

Solar thermal energy

Project Daylight

Grand Designs

Frequently asked questions

Who to contact

Loft conversion builders

Click here to find a loft converter near you.

Architects and designers
R.I.B.A. (England & Wales)
020 7580 5533
Architects’ head office. Ask for the number of your regional office who will give a list of fully qualified architects. Alternatively check Yellow Pages under Architects.

R.I.A.S. (Scotland): 0131 229 7545
R.S.U.A. (N. Ireland): 028 9032 3780
R.I.A.I. (S. Ireland): 003531 6761703
R.S.A.W. (Wales): 029 2087 4753

A.S.B.A.
0800 387310
Independent, nationwide group of fully qualified architects particularly keen to do small domestic works such as loft conversions.

Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists
020 7278 2206

Finance
If you need to borrow money to finance the work, the cheapest way to do this is usually by either adding to or taking out a mortgage, secured on your property. Almost all the high street lenders are happy to consider loans for loft conversions.

Most designers and loft conversion specialists should be able to give you a cost estimate without having to go to the trouble of commissioning detailed plans. Many people use this information to assess their finances before committing themselves to any costs.

Local authority
The red tape – the planning permissions and building regulations – is administered by your Local Authority, the body that you pay your Council Tax to. Your plans need to be approved by your Local Authority and your completed loft conversion should be inspected by them. Lenders usually insist on seeing evidence that your building work has been approved by your building inspector before releasing all the money they have agreed to lend you.

Do you have more questions?

Choosing the right loft converter!

Loft conversions can be a complex matter.

This means that you must be very sure of your DIY skills and knowledge of proper building methods before attempting one yourself.

It may also be a good idea to consult with an architect before contacting a loft conversion company.

Make sure you obtain written quotations from at least two loft converters.

Estimates are not good enough. Ask each company for references from other projects similar to yours.

You should also check the financial solidity of potential suppliers and make sure that you agree payment in a way that does not leave you vulnerable to delays or shoddy work.

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.

Utilities

	Print this article
	Tell a friend

How to get started

Making the most of natural light Assessing the full potential Who to contact Getting your plans off the ground