First steps for a loft conversion?

[R-evans]

There's a lot of guides online and they all seem to contradict each other, so has anyone had one done that can share their schedule?

We have our finances worked out, so now I think what we need is a survey to check the suitability of the loft, then an architect to draw up plans and finally a builder to do the work? Or is there more to it that that?

Any info appreciated.

 

[R-evans]

Builder may well already have an architect or existing plans, which may save you, especially if they have lots of experience with loft conversions.

We live in a pretty standard Victorian terrace and our builder just reused some plans from a previous job, with a few tweaks to suit our own designs. Structural calcs were all done by his architect.

Good shout, I never thought of that. I had a word with a builder working on a conversion on the next street over from us, their house is identical to ours and are having similar work to what we want. He got our details and said he'd ask the owners if we can have a look around next week once the stairs are in, if we like it I hope we can use him and their plans.

 

[R-evans]

Our loft, in a 1930s semi cost £50k.

It was a permitted development.

We’ve had a huge dormer put on.

This included everything apart from the fire doors to the rest of the house and the bathroom.

We also had the roof replaced and new rainwater goods.

We hired a local loft conversion specialist who employed an architect, structural engineer and took 4 weeks to complete.

We managed two decent double bedrooms and a bathroom that is bigger than our main bathroom.

First step was the boss coming round and measuring the loft.

We told him what we wanted and he came up with a price.

The architect came round and drew up plans.

We mucked about with them and came to a final price.

Work started 12 months later.

The foreman suggested we make better use of the space and so the floor plan was pretty fluid.

At various points building control (one of these companies on behalf of the council) came out and assessed the work.

You’ll need to think about getting power up there? We had the mains fuse upgraded and a new consumer unit and the easiest route was to run armoured cable up the gable wall.

Best thing we’ve ever done house wise.

Just bear in mind that pretty much every other existing internal door (except bathrooms and toilets) will need to be changed for fire doors - and you’ll need suitable smoke alarms - just buy AICO - ignore everything else.

Happy to share plans of what we did if that helps?

Thanks for all the info. I'd be interested to see the plans if you don't mind.