Things to Think about When Converting Your Loft8547503
There are so many various things to think about when it comes to loft/attic conversions. It is a fairly major undertaking so the first thing to think about is exactly how a lot upheaval such a development will cause. Is the loft hatch is located in a bedroom? If so you will most likely require to make option sleeping arrangements during the developing function, 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 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 being converted into extra living space or a bedroom, the access will need further planning, and in some instances the construction of an additional static staircase.
DIY or Builders
The subsequent consideration is whether to take on the project yourself, whether or not you should enlist the help of professional builders or loft converters, or whether or not you do a combination 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 main justification of this is that any structural damage brought on 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 allow current floor to take increased load. This is where builders expertise 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 carried out by you eg. Insulation, decoration and so on.
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 almost certainly need planning approval but some newer homes will not need 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 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 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 particular staircase in thoughts there are specialist suppliers who can either develop 1 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 supply supplies your self, make sure you ask advice and be certain to shop around for the very best cost.
