Issues to Consider When Converting Your Loft192237
There are so many various things to think about when it comes to loft/attic conversions. It's a pretty major undertaking so the first thing to consider is exactly how much upheaval such a development will trigger. Is the loft hatch is located in a bedroom? If so you will most most likely need to make alternative sleeping arrangements throughout the developing work, and you may also need to move or cover clothes and furniture located in the bedroom as they are likely to get covered in dust and debris.
Access to the loft
Based what the newly converted loft will be used for, you may also require to look at relocating the loft entrance. If the new conversion is to be used for common storage purposes then access by way of a bedroom may be OK but if the loft is being converted into additional living space or a bedroom, the access will require additional planning, and in some instances the building of an extra static staircase.
DIY or Builders
The subsequent consideration is whether to take on the project yourself, whether or not you should enlist the assist of professional builders or loft converters, or whether you do a mixture of the two. In my opinion it is usually advisable to hire professional builders for any sizeable home improvement project regardless of how handy you are. The main justification of this is that any structural damage brought on by your DIY efforts will price as much or much more to place correct than it would've price to hire experts to do the job in the first place. The main aspect in any loft conversion is to ensure that measures are taken to allow current floor to take increased load. This is exactly where builders experience comes in handy. Once this and any other structural function has been carried out, the majority of the rest of the work is cosmetic and can be done by you eg. Insulation, decoration etc.
Planning Permission
The need for planning approval and permissions varies for council to council so make sure you know precisely what is required of you before you proceed with your loft conversion. If your home is a listed building you will nearly certainly require planning approval but some newer homes will not need any sort of planning permission at all. Particular regulations might also apply to the fitting of a skylight to an existing roof so, once more, make certain you know what is required.
Supplies
There's a huge variety of supplies available for loft conversions, and you can make some substantial savings by sourcing them your self. Loft hatches come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, as do skylights, loft ladders, loft hatch accessories etc. You can buy most of these products online or through a builder's merchant, and most of them can be custom fitted to your exact specifications. If you have a specific staircase in thoughts there are specialist suppliers who can either develop one to your requirement, or for a less expensive option you could buy off the shelf and have your builders produce your loft entrance to fit. If you determine to supply materials your self, make sure you ask advice and be certain to shop around for the very best price.
