FAQ's

1. How do we know if our loft can be converted?
2. Will I need planning permission for a conversion?
3. There does not appear to be anywhere for the stairs to go?
4. Will a loft conversion really add value to our property?
5. Our budget is quite tight. Can we have the conversion done in stages?
6. How do I know that the work that you do is structurally sound?
7. Do you offer any guarantee?
8. Why can’t I do it myself?
9. What happens to tanks in my roof?
10. How long does a conversion take?
11. Can you convert large lofts?
12. What is a Dormer Loft Conversion?
13. What is a Rooflight Loft Conversion?
14. What is a Mansard Loft Conversion?

How do we know if our loft can be converted?

Virtually any loft with enough headroom can be converted. You need about 2,4m at the apex of the loft. So, if you stand in your loft and reach up at the highest point can you touch the roof? If you can not then your loft has enough height.

Will I need Planning Permission for a conversion?

Surprisingly, most of the loft conversions that we do do not need Planning Permission. This is good news as obtaining planning permission takes a long time and costs money. You will not usually need planning permission if:

• You are planning a simple loft conversion
• There will be no changes to the roof shape
• You do not want windows facing a public highway (the definition of highway includes and public access including footpaths).

There does not appear to be anywhere for the stairs to go.

Placing of stairs is one of the most important issues when planning a loft conversion and our long experience almost always finds a way.

Will a loft conversion really add value to our property?

A Nationwide Building Society report of May 2006 rated loft conversions as the best way to add value to a home. So, while we can’t say how much the value of your house will be increased by, a good quality, professional loft conversion will certainly add value.

Professional loft conversion will certainly add value and you will certainly save moving cost.

Our budget is quite tight. Can we have the conversion done in stages?

Yes you can. In fact, we specialise in basic structural or first fix conversions. This allows you to do the rest of the job in your own time and within your own budget. You can, of course, get us to provide a complete conversion for you, the choice is yours. Most of our customers appreciate the freedom of choice that we offer.

How do I know that the work that you do is structurally sound?

We are a professional loft conversion company and we pride ourselves on providing you with one of the best shell conversions available. All of our systems have been designed by an architect and a structural engineer so we are absolutely confident in the structural integrity of the work that we do.

In addition, all of the work that we do is checked and approved by your local building inspector to conform to building regulations.

Do you offer any guarantee?

Yes. We offer a 10 year guarantee on the structural work that we do. This guarantee is insurance backed by IWA and includes insurance for any deposit you may pay. So, in the unlikely event that we do not rectify any a fault that becomes apparent within the ten year guarantee period, IWA will pay for the fault to be rectified.

Why can’t I do it myself?

You can do a loft conversion yourself. You will still need to satisfy building regulations – unless you plan to ignore them which we strongly recommend against. Any conversion that does not conform to building regulations is illegal, un saleable and could be dangerous!

In order to satisfy building regulations you will have to have it designed by an architect or similar professional person. You will then need to show the building inspector that you are conforming to the design.

Why not let a professional company build it for you? With a sound shell conversion and an approved specification you have the option to complete the work yourself.

What happens to tanks in my roof?

These can be moved or removed if a pressurized system is installed. They will not prevent you form having your loft converted.

How long does a conversion take?

This depends on your particular loft. You should work on approximately 3 weeks on site for the shell conversion and 2 more to complete the second fix.

Can you convert large lofts?

Some larger lofts can be more difficult to convert. However, using our patented loft truss system we can convert lofts of virtually any length.

If you have any further questions please give us a call. We will not try to hard sell our services and are happy to have a no-obligation chat to you at any time.

What is a Dormer Conversion?

This option is where the existing loft space is of insufficient size for the proposed conversion, it creates additional headroom for the staircase and new room or rooms contemplated.

If an additional bathroom is proposed along with the rooms the increased height created by the Dormer provides additional height above the fittings.

What is a Rooflight / Velux Conversion?

This option is generally adequate for those contemplating the smaller loft conversion, generally for a single bedroom; study etc, where adequate height is available within the existing loft space.

Rooflights can then be installed with a minimum of disruption.

What is a Mansard Conversion?

This type of conversion is generally designed within the inner London areas, where clients are following the Mansard trend of similar conversions within their locality.

This type of conversion was the preferred design a number of years ago, and would most likely be the preferred option from a planning perspective in sensitive areas.

1. Is my loft suitable for a conversion?
2. Will I need planning permission ?
3. Does a conversion increase property value?