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IAN ROCKS TIPS & TRAPS FOR LOFT CONVERTERS
DO's
1. Always check whether you actually need planning permission, as it may not be required. Many loft conversions are classed as 'permitted development'.
2. Unless you live in a detached house, by law you must comply with the Party Wall Act.
This means having to formally notify your neighbours at least 2 months in advance of any works to the wall that separates you from them. Unless they agree, you may have to appoint a surveyor to draw up an agreement.
3. When comparing quotes from loft conversion firms, be sure that you're actually comparing like with like. Different firms may or may not include things like decoration, supply of sanitary fittings, VAT and the fees for structural engineers' calculations, planning and building regulations applications. Make sure your contractor confirms that all their work will fully comply with planning and building regulations.
4. The works should be programmed to minimise intrusion into family life. Ideally, access to the loft for all the major jobs should be external, via scaffolding, leaving the fitting of the new loft stairs as late as possible to reduce disturbance.
5. Be aware that complying with new fire regulations usually means having to replace most of your existing internal doors throughout the house with new fire doors. If your main reception area is open-plan, you may be required to construct a partition wall to create a fire-resistant hallway.
6. Be sure to obtain your Building Regulations completion certificate before making the final payment to the contractor.
DON'Ts
1. Don't be shy of asking your Local Authority Building Control Officer for their technical opinion. They have good local knowledge of potentially complex matters such as complying with fire regulations and provision of loft stairs.
2. Don't underestimate the extent of the finishing works. Complying with Part L of the Building Regs - thermal insulation - is now a major part of the project.
3. Don't be overly optimistic when budgeting. Making unrealistic budget assumptions at the outset is the most common reason for projects coming in over budget.
4. Don't just pick any builder from Yellow Pages. Try to get a builder via recommendation, check their previous loft conversion projects and talk to former clients.
5. Once you've accepted a quote or tender, don't change your mind about the design!
Some builders make nearly half their profits charging for expensive 'extras'.
Author: Ian Rock is an experienced chartered surveyor and freelance writer; he has contributed articles to The Observer, Build It magazine and numerous other publications. Ian has designed and managed home improvement projects since the late 1980s. He is director of a chartered surveying consultancy and a well-known speaker at property conferences around the country.
Ian Rock will be holding seminar talks and signing sessions at the following events:
Renovation A-Z, 24th - 25th May, 12.00 noon
Developing for Profit, 20th - 21st June, 2.00pm
Making More Space (attics, basements & extensions), 12th- 13th July at National Self Build & Renovation Centre, Great Western Way, Swindon
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