There is plenty of planning and careful consideration that goes into loft conversions. If you’re keen on one, it can be difficult to know how to get started or what the journey consists of. With years of experience carrying out loft conversions, we at Simply Easy Refurbs have the knowledge you need.
Table of Contents
Assess Feasibility
Measure head height (should be at least 2.2-2.4 metres), identify roof shape (traditional is easier than trussed), and assess whether there is enough space for your intended use and a staircase.
Define Your Goals
What will the conversion be used as? Use this time to plan features such as windows, bathrooms or storage.
Check Planning Permission
Sometimes loft conversions fall under permitted development rights, which means you don’t need permission to go ahead. But this depends on numerous factors, so it is always important to double check.
Design Your Loft
Choose the type of conversion that is most suitable. Dormer, Velux, Hip-to-Gable and Mansards suit a variety of uses and budgets.
Hire Professionals
Hiring an architect to help you with the finer design details is certainly a wise choice. At this point you may also want to hire structural engineers and building contractors so that the conversion can begin to form.
Prepare the Site
Make sure the loft space is clear and ensure the house is protected as much as possible from dust and debris.
Begin Building
Builders will reinforce the floor, install beams, adjust the roof, fit stairs, and complete plumbing, electrical wiring and insulation.
Finishing Touches
Once the frame is all put together, it’s time to decorate. Paint the walls, fit new carpets and add furniture and watch all your hard work come together.
In short, a loft conversion is impossible to do alone, as they can sometimes be deceptively complex operations. You will require help from all sorts of people and professionals to end up with a finished product you can be proud of. But if all goes to plan, the rewards can, in the long term, significantly outweigh the immediate cost.
