Things to Think about When Converting Your Loft189939
There are so many various issues to consider when it comes to loft/attic conversions. It is a pretty major undertaking so the first thing to think about is exactly how a lot 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 option sleeping arrangements throughout the building function, and you might also require to move or cover clothes and furniture located in the bedroom as they are most likely to get covered in dust and debris.
Access to the loft
Depending 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 may be OK but if the loft is becoming converted into extra living space or a bedroom, the access will require further planning, and in some situations the construction of an extra 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 or not you do a combination 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 caused by your DIY efforts will cost as a lot or much more to put correct than it would've cost to hire experts to do the job in the first place. The main aspect in any loft conversion is to make sure that measures are taken to allow current floor to take increased load. This is exactly where builders expertise 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 done by you eg. Insulation, decoration etc.
Planning Permission
The require for planning approval and permissions varies for council to council so make sure you know precisely what is needed 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 require any sort of planning permission at all. Certain regulations might also apply to the fitting of a skylight to an current roof so, again, make certain you know what is required.
Materials
There is a massive variety of supplies accessible for loft conversions, and you can make some significant 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 precise 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 create your loft entrance to fit. If you decide to supply supplies yourself, make sure you ask advice and be sure to shop around for the very best price.
