Loft Conversion Prices

The bottom line when planning any building project is ‘How much will it cost’. Loft conversion prices vary from region to region within the UK and, of course, no two conversions are likely to be the same.

 

But, we can use some ballpark figures and rule-of-thumb.The first, and arguably the most important, is that by building a loft conversion you should immediately add at least the amount you spend onto the value of your house.

 

And it just keeps on getting better.

 

Figures released in July 2006 show that a loft conversion which incorporates a bedroom and en-suite bathroom can add up to 20% to the value of your home. These figures show true to date. Click here for more information on raising property value of your home.

 

In London loft conversion prices usually cost up to £50,000 though throughout the UK the average seems to be around the £20,000 – £35,000 mark. These costs are when employing a specialist loft conversion company and they can be drastically reduced by doing some of the work yourself. Much of course depends on the type of conversion. For example, a basic storage solution can often be done in just a day or two and there are some specialist loft conversion companies who will, for around £1000-2000, install joists, a new hatch, lighting and a loft ladder in just 24 hours.

 

But, for a full scale, and well built loft conversion, loft conversion prices are usually somewhere between £19-£50,000.

 

Can I convert my loft? What will I need to check?

It is possible to upgrade any loft space from it's present condition (usually a dark dusty space only really suitable for storing boxed items) into a useable clean storage area. However to convert your loft into a real extension to your home, that could be a bedroom(s), playroom, or home office (with or without plumbing for a bathroom/shower room) there are many regulations set out by all the local building control departments.

 

Loft Conversion Planning

We currently deal with most of the building control departments in London. We familiar with the requirements all of these authorities make when considering a Loft Conversion, with or without Dormer window extensions in their localities, so you can be assured that there will be no hidden extras along the way. These "Regulations" are in place to ensure that any project undertaken is built to a standard that is not only safe and environmentally friendly but is also practical and easily usable. To try to help you determine whether or not your loft will comply with these, we have shown a few very simple drawings to explain some of the initial requirements.

 

What's first?

This is a typical example of a cross section through a house. Note Dimension A, this is the first thing a surveyor will need to check. 

 

We must have at least 2.15M (7ft 2 inches). If you have this dimension or more, then yes you can convert your loft in the knowledge that it will meet building regulation approval.  If you do not have this minimum dimension, then there is a possibility of lowering existing bedroom ceilings.  This process is not as disruptive as you may think as we install the new lowered ceiling structure first, and remove the old messy structure from above later.  This process usually takes 2-3 days to complete and is virtually dust free.

 

If you are unsure whether you have the minimum requirements we would be more than happy to offer a free site visit and check this for you. Please contact us or call 0208 123 2351.

 

"Roofline" loft conversions

With this type of loft conversion, we would create a room/rooms within the existing shape of the roof using Velux windows for light and ventilation. With this type of loft conversion, we would not extend or alter the existing shape of the roof at present.

 

Normally, planning permission is not required for this type of loft conversion. However, a full set of Architect's plans would be necessary along with the designs of a Structural Engineer and subsequent calculations to verify designs. This will be necessary to justify all current building regulations. However, if your property is in a conservation area, there may be restrictions on the design and shape of the Velux windows to be installed. A planning advisor from Sterling will be more than happy to identify whether your property is in a conservation area or not.

 

"Dormer" loft conversions

Dormer's have been referred to in many different ways, Dormer windows, Dormer extensions, roof extensions, attic extensions - a brief description of a Dormer would be an extension of an existing roof shape. Consider a most typical terraced property/town house where the roof would start at the gutters at the front of the house rising to the Apex, (the ridge) in the centre of the house, then falling again down to the gutters at the back of the house. This most typical roof shape does not usually produce a substantial habitable room, unless the house is unusually large. So with this type of roof structure, it would be advisable to extend the roof and create a Dormer (usually to the rear of the property.)

 

The size, shape and general design of this or any other Dormer can vary greatly. This type of loft conversion may also not require planning permission. Householders have what is known as a permitted development allowance, usually measured in cubic metres. The amount allowed (cubic metres) varies from property to property. Generally, the allowance is between 50 and 70 cubic metres or 20% of the overall volume of the property. A Surveyor from Sterling Home Improvments can easily calculate the required volume for any dormer and whether or not this would fall within permitted development rights.

 

Please note, there are further guidelines whilst trying to identify if your project would be allowed under permitted development rights. These are; (i) no part of the new structure must rise any higher than the existing highest part of the roof at present (usually the ridge line), (ii) looking down on a plan, no part of this new structure must exceed the current floor plan boundary and (iii) the property must not be in a conservation area. Again, as per roof line conversions, even if planning permission is not required, Architect's plans along with Structural Engineers calculations will be necessary to conform and to comply with the current building regulations.

 

If you are in any doubt whether your proposed project would require planning permission please do not hesitate to contact one of the Surveyors at Sterling. Either call us on 0208 123 2351 or contact us via our online enquiry form.

 

Inspiration for your loft conversion

Our company blog, Core Architect is always kept up-to-date with the latest trends in lofts and building projects. Feel free to check out our articles on loft conversion inspiration to get some ideas for your home.