Loft Conversions - the process

Loft conversion - the process...

At the initial visit We will establish whether your loft is suitable to convert, and if the work can be carried out under permitted development or whether Local Authorities Planning Consent is required.  whatever the determination, the work will be carried out under current Building Regulations and inspected throughout the process to ensure the work complies with the current Regulations set by building control. 

Some properties may not require planning permission, provided the loft conversion is the first extension and does not exceed 40 cubic meter’s on a terraced property and 50 cubic meter’s on others. This condition only applies when properties are not located in a Conservation Area and are not at the junction of two public highways. 

All flats require planning permission. 

Quotation
We will provide you with a fixed detailed quotation and specifications for your proposed project. 

Contract
Once quotation is accepted and price agreed, we will put together a schedule of works and contract to be signed by both of us.

Plans

We will arrange for a full survey of your property by our architectural services, to produce full working drawings and structural calculations for your proposed conversion. These will comply with all current building regulations. The cost of the plans and calculations are included in the quotation provided.

We will then produce preliminary set of plans based on agreed design, provide you with copies of plans to agree and any alterations made before submission, for Planning or Building Regulations approval.

Once the necessary applications to the local authorities are complete, the work is ready to start. This is subject to schedule for work provided by Kent and Sussex loft conversions (agreed by client)

The Conversion
Your loft conversion should be completed within 6 to 8 weeks depending on your property, and type of loft conversion proposed.

Preparation:
Scaffolding is erected
Your existing loft hatch is sealed shut - this will be plastered over later
We create an opening in your roof for access to loft area
Existing chimney and tanks are removed where necessary
Skip delivery

Structural Work:
All load bearing steels, trimmers, and steel plates that are relevant to your job are installed
Structural walls of the dormers, hip to gables, and mansard are formed
New structural floor joists laid.

Plumbing Work 1st Fix:
Old tanks are removed if required
Tanks that are in use are disconnected and re-located in the void area within your loft space
New pipe work is laid ready to accommodate fixtures to the loft room

Electrical Work 1st Fix:
New wires are laid ready to accommodate all electrical fittings to your loft room(s)

External Work:
New UPVC / Wooden Double glazed windows are installed
Velux skylight windows and flashing kits are installed
Roofing work including tiling, lead work and flat roof/s is completed
Fascia boards, guttering and down pipes are fixed
New external walls are rendered or pebble dashed

Internal Work:
The whole of the loft is insulated to comply with Building Regulations
Internal walls are formed
Flooring is laid creating loft room floor
Stairs to loft area are installed
Whole area of loft conversion is clad with plasterboards
Two coats of plaster are applied to boarded areas

Plumbing Work 2nd Fix:
Radiators, sanitary ware, and new boilers are installed
Waste connection is connected into your existing drainage system
Existing S.V.P is extended

Electrical Work 2nd Fix:
Plug sockets, light points, extractors fans etc. are connected to the wiring in your loft
Connection is made to your existing fuse board
Second Fix:
Skirting and architrave is fixed throughout your newly converted room/s
½-hour fire doors fitted with self-closing devices. 
Self-closing devices are fitted to all existing doors that lead onto the stairwell

Completion
The site is cleared and made good
Scaffolding and all skips removed from site
Final inspection by Building Control and a completion certificate issued.