Issues to Consider When Converting Your Loft4731987
There are so many different things to think about when it comes to loft/attic conversions. It is a pretty major undertaking so the first factor to think about is exactly how a lot upheaval such a development will cause. Is the loft hatch is situated in a bedroom? If so you will most likely need to make option sleeping arrangements during the building work, and you might also need to move or cover clothing and furniture situated 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 might also need to look at relocating the loft entrance. If the new conversion is to be used for common storage purposes then access via a bedroom might be OK but if the loft is becoming converted into extra living space or a bedroom, the access will require additional planning, and in some instances the building of an additional static staircase.
DIY or Builders
The next consideration is whether or not to take on the project your self, whether you should enlist the help of professional builders or loft converters, or whether or not you do a mixture of the two. In my opinion it is always advisable to hire professional builders for any sizeable home improvement project regardless of how handy you are. The primary justification of this is that any structural damage caused by your DIY efforts will price as much or more to place right than it would've price to hire experts to do the job in the first location. The primary aspect in any loft conversion is to ensure that measures are taken to enable current floor to take elevated load. This is where builders experience comes in handy. As soon as this and any other structural work has been carried out, the majority of the rest of the function is cosmetic and can be done by you eg. Insulation, decoration and so on.
Planning Permission
The require for planning approval and permissions varies for council to council so make certain you know precisely what is required of you prior to you proceed with your loft conversion. If your home is a listed developing you will almost definitely require planning approval but some newer homes will not require any sort of planning permission at all. Particular regulations may also apply to the fitting of a skylight to an current roof so, again, make certain you know what is needed.
Materials
There is a huge variety of materials available for loft conversions, and you can make some significant savings by sourcing them yourself. Loft hatches come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, as do skylights, loft ladders, loft hatch accessories and so on. You can buy most of these products on-line or through a builder's merchant, and most of them can be custom fitted to your exact specifications. If you have a particular 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 create your loft entrance to fit. If you determine to source materials your self, make sure you ask guidance and be certain to shop about for the very best cost.
