Issues to Consider When Converting Your Loft9370989
There are so many different issues to consider when it comes to loft/attic conversions. It is a fairly major undertaking so the first thing to consider is exactly how much upheaval such a development will trigger. Is the loft hatch is situated in a bedroom? If so you will most most likely require to make alternative sleeping arrangements during the building function, and you might also require 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 may also require 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 becoming converted into additional living space or a bedroom, the access will require additional planning, and in some instances the construction of an additional static staircase.
DIY or Builders
The next consideration is whether or not 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 combination of the two. In my opinion it's always 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 caused by your DIY efforts will price as a lot or more to put right than it would've cost to hire experts to do the job in the first place. The main factor in any loft conversion is to ensure that measures are taken to enable current floor to take increased load. This is exactly where builders experience comes in handy. As soon as this and any other structural function 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 developing you will almost certainly need 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 sure you know what is required.
Supplies
There's a massive variety of materials accessible 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 and so on. You can buy most of these products online or via 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 1 to your requirement, or for a cheaper option you could buy off the shelf and have your builders produce your loft entrance to fit. If you decide to source supplies your self, make sure you ask advice and be certain to shop around for the very best cost.
