Loft conversions

Questions and Answers

Loft conversions on mid terrace properties -london?

Q) Im planning to do a loft conversion on my mid terrace property , i just wanted to find out if its worth doing on a mid terrace property as i feel it might be small.Can any one shed some light on loft conversions on properties of this type?

A) I have a loft conversion in a mid terrace property. I live in hertfordshire and in the town I live in we are not allowed to have dormers in mid terrace properties so we have a velux conversion. We managed to get a double bedroom and an ensuite. We lost about 4 foot of our single room to fit the staircase in but it was worth it for what we gained. I love my room and as I work night shifts and sleep during the day, if my kids are playing on the lower floors I cannot hear them which is bliss. If you have the money then I would recommend it but make sure it's done properly with building regs etc otherwise you will come unstuck if you decide to sell

How much do loft conversions normally cost?

Q) How much would a loft conversion cost on a medium sized 2 bedroom terrace house? I realise this is quite a vague question!

A) Not having seen a plan I can only give you a reasonable estimate. Lets say you get 2 rooms in the attic space. You would need to put in a new floor with 6x2 timbers and plywood to take the weight as the existing ceiling timbers are not strong enough. Batton attic ceiling to take plasterboard 2 Velux windows or dormer windows,2 doors 1 Stairs, Stud partitions,plasterboard ceilings,plastering,Electrical work,Insulation Painting,Carpets,Skirting and architrave,door frames Labour and materials 16,000 euro Time to complete 4 weeks Hope this will help you to decide

no more planning permission for loft conversions?

Q) and other building work which the neighbours are ok with. have they decided this because the councils have said they want to revalue houses for council tax banding and if you have a loft or extension etc they will charge you more.

A) another bright idea from the government to make u pay more lol..makes me laugh really cos if ppl felt real strongly bout things and stood up to them like with poll tax alot of laws would b abolished..shame the petrol prices aint gone down though always wanted a v12 lol

Can Dormer loft conversions be built with bricks?

Q) Or does it have to be made out of timber??

A) If you are adding a dormer wood is the way to go.Brick is so heavy that you would have to reinforce walls or add support posts. It could become an engineering and financial nightmare.

Where and how can I find spacious loft conversions to rent in London?

A) Tyr search http://www.simple2rent.co.uk , they have lots of London flats to rent, mostly from private landlords.

are flat roof dormers still an acceptable choice for loft conversions?

Q) do councils still grant planning permission for flat roof dormers

A) dormers are an excelent way to convert a loft they make it so mutch roomier depending on the size id at least go with an 8 foot dormer.

Loft flooring/ conversion?

Q) Want to eventualy convert loft into living space,for now just doing the floor. If for storage I know all I need to do is fit some boards to beams.BUT if living space need stronger floor , any websites for diy loft conversions as I am good at diy Think I need to put in new beams but not sure . ps simple ans would be good and NOT ie; see a pro or drawn out answers

A) It all depends on what size your beams are now - they need to be at least 6" x 2". Also are you going to keep/ have loft insulation under the flooring. If you are you need at least 2" clearance above the insulation to allow a good air flow. If you do need to add beams then fit a minimum of 4" x 2" across to old beams.

Loft flooring/ conversion?

Q) Want to eventualy convert loft into living space,for now just doing the floor. If for storage I know all I need to do is fit some boards to beams.BUT if living space need stronger floor , any websites for diy loft conversions as I am good at diy Think I need to put in new beams but not sure . ps simple ans would be good and NOT ie; see a pro or drawn out answers WEBSITES FOR LOFT CONVERSIONS??????????????

A) to reinforce your loft floor use 2x2 timbers.first lay the timbers at about 2ft intervals the opposite way across the joist screw them down look out for wires &pipes. then lay your timbers with the run of the original joists screw these down. then use either 8ftx2ft or 4ftx2ft t&g chip board.this should raise the floor to about 7" good luck

Loft conversion - help!?

Q) My neighbour has just handed me a form to sign stating that I have no objection to them using the party walls between our houses for their imminent loft conversion. The work is to install structural support beams in the wall. Is this something that I need to take advice on before I sign? Who do I go to? And is this something that my neighbour should pay for? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. I am in the UK.

A) ask a local builder his opinion, or a surveyor. The people next door should have already had a surveyors report,so you could ask them if you could have a look at it before you sign,however if their surveyors hasn't checked the wall on your side, it wont tell you about any problems which could accure on your side. I know ! The citizens advice bureau !!

loft conversion?

Q) how would i go about supporting my roof before doing a loft conversion. diagrams would also be appreciated. pgiltinane2000@yahoo.co.uk thank you

A) I would advise against doing this part yourself. If you get it wrong your whole house could collapse and possibly take some of the neighbour's house too if you are not detached. You would not be insured since you had caused it by your DIY - it would not be considered an accident.

loft conversions?

Q) i had a loft conversion done in april 2004 without building regs as it was done as an uninhabitable space (not a bedroom). the builders now dont exist, and i cant sell my house because i have no paperwork to say it's been done properly. any suggestions as to the way forward?

A) First of all but with no offense, Shame on You. You don't state if or not you've had a building inspector/ code agent come in and check the construction, although that might mean you'd be discovered in "violation"??? No matter: The inspection and qualifying the structure are what matter now. Bite the bullet and do what you need. Steven Wolf (The Rev.)

Loft conversion needed help (Essex)?

Q) Hi i have a small victorian two bed terrace and want to convert the rather small loft into a room . dose any one know any builders in the essex area? How much will a loft conversion cost so i know what i am looking at you help is much appreciated

A) Try some of these http://search.yahoo.com/search?p=essex+remodeling&fr=yfp-t-501&toggle=1&cop=mss&ei=UTF-8

Loft conversion company that works in Bromley?

Q) Hi, Can anyone recommend a good loft conversion company that works the Bromley area? Have you used a good one, or got burnt by a bad one? Also what did it cost? Anything you can recommend to check out for? Does the cost usually cover the carpeting or laminate flooring, bathroom fittings etc? Thanks

A) charys_c Check with the Contractors' Association for a listing of registered contractors that do the conversions. Cost is relative and can not be estimated on this forum. When you review contractors, get from them a list of customer/clients with which you can contact for reference and recommendations. Cost of the project is dependent upon the scope of work requested. Usually is not a factor as each client has different scopes of work and sites are different, i.e. this is custom work.

What type of insulation is best for a loft conversion, considering value for money/performance/ease of install

Q) Im renovating the old loft conversion in my house, which only has fibre glass insulation in the roof spaces either side, most of the lathe and plaster has been removed to extend the sides of the room. I was then aiming to dry line it. I have looked at kingspan, airtec bubble wrap, polystyrene and the very expensive super quilt but am finding it difficult to find any decent comparisons. Also what internal wall insulation is good as i have non-cavity walls. Thanks Luke

A) From what I have seen on Holmes on Homes ( HGTV) home reno and repair show, He usually uses spray foam insulation in non cavity areas.

I live in London, want a rough idea what a loft conversion might cost me.?

Q) Live in a Victorian semi, want a simple loft conversion to create a single large room, wanted to know if anyone had any idea of costs, or woucl recommend a company to talk to? Many thanks.

A) Heaps of dosh! Maybe anything from £15 grand plus depending on what you want

Hw much does a loft conversion cost on average?

Q) hw much does a loft converserion cost wif a doormer window

A) That would depend on How large the loft is. Cost could range from$5,000-$15,000 depending on where you are located too. More details are needed to be exact. Call a local contractor they usually will give free estimates. (whatever you decide...GET IT IN WRITING)

How do I go about getting a loft conversion?

Q) Do I have to get architect plans before I can get planning permission? I want to convert my current flat roof to a pitched roof with 2 rooms in the loft.

A) yes find a contractor to advise on doing this before starting. Also talk to ur local governemnt as they may require an updated plan.

I am thinking of getting a loft conversion done any advice ? ( scotland )?

A) List down the activities that you do at home. Live in the space for a while, prior to renovation. Designate areas for activities such as: home office, laundry room, bedroom, kitchen. Identify your decor preference. Look into magazines for inspiration and ideas. Try to have plenty of storage.

has anyone in the UK had a loft conversion done on a mid terrace house and if so how much did it cost?

A) For a pro In the London area - £20 to £25k Try the below website I found.

how do i convert a truss when doing a loft conversion?

A) There are many variables to consider while converting trusses for lofts. The page attached shows case studies and pictorials & methods of how to convert based on your specific needs. http://www.room-maker.co.uk/caseStudies/index.asp