Issues to Consider When Converting Your Loft6923634
There are so many various issues to consider when it comes to loft/attic conversions. It is a fairly significant undertaking so the first factor to consider is precisely how much upheaval such a development will trigger. Is the loft hatch is located in a bedroom? If so you will most likely need to make option sleeping arrangements during the developing function, and you may also require to move or cover clothing and furniture located in the bedroom as they are most 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 general storage purposes then access by way of a bedroom may be OK but if the loft is being converted into extra living space or a bedroom, the access will need additional planning, and in some situations the building of an extra static staircase.
DIY or Builders
The subsequent consideration is whether to take on the project your self, whether or not 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's usually 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 a lot or more to place right than it would've price to hire professionals to do the job in the first location. The primary aspect in any loft conversion is to ensure that measures are taken to allow existing floor to take elevated load. This is exactly where builders expertise comes in handy. Once this and any other structural work has been done, the majority of the rest of the work is cosmetic and can be carried out by you eg. Insulation, decoration and so on.
Planning Permission
The need for planning approval and permissions varies for council to council so make sure you know exactly what is needed of you prior to you proceed with your loft conversion. If your home is a listed building you will nearly definitely require planning approval but some newer homes will not require any sort of planning permission at all. Certain regulations might also apply to the fitting of a skylight to an existing roof so, once more, make certain you know what is needed.
Materials
There is a massive variety of supplies available for loft conversions, and you can make some substantial 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 mind there are specialist suppliers who can either develop one to your requirement, or for a cheaper option you could buy off the shelf and have your builders create your loft entrance to fit. If you determine to supply supplies your self, make sure you ask guidance and be sure to shop around for the very best price.
