FAQs
Can my Loft be converted?
As long as your loft meets the minimum height requirement of 2.2m then your loft can be converted. The measurement needs to be taken from the top of the existing ceiling joists to the underside of the ridge/trusses. Please do not measure to the felt / tiles.
If your loft is lower than the minimum height requirement, then depending on the property type, there may be the option of lowering the existing ceilings to create additional height in the loft. There is also the option of a roof-lift conversion for detached properties.
What type of Loft Conversion will suit my property?
There are Loft Conversions to suit all roof types whether your property is a detached house, mid-terrace or a semi-detached bungalow.
Our “types of loft “section will show you the different types of loft conversions available.
Will I have any input on the design and layout of my Loft Conversion?
Absolutely. Your ideas and requirements will always be reflected in the design.
Once the scale plan is complete, we will email you a copy of the plan for your approval before submitting it for structural calculations. If you wish to make any amendments to the plan all you need to do is let us know.
Do Loft Conversions require Planning Permission?
The majority of loft conversions do not require planning permission and we should be able to determine this during the initial evaluation.
Planning permission is always required when:
– Your property is within a Conservation Area
– Your property is within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
– Your property is a Listed Building
– Your property has no development rights
– The proposed development will exceed the permitted development volume
– The proposed conversion includes alterations to the profile of the roof to the principal elevation
If planning permission is required, we will submit the planning application and the supporting documents on your behalf.
Do loft conversions require Building Control Approval?
Yes. All loft conversions must comply with current Building Regulations. We will submit the building control application on your behalf once you have approved the scale plan.
If a loft conversion is undertaken without Building Control Approval, the Local Authority can serve you with an enforcement notice whether the alterations comply or not.
How will I know that my Loft Conversion is being constructed to Building Regulations?
The Building Inspector will carry out stage inspections during the build process to ensure that all works are being carried out in accordance with their recommendations.
Once all works are complete and the Building Inspector has carried out the final inspection, you will be issued with a Completion Certificate that confirms your loft conversion complies and has been approved.
What does a Loft Conversion cost?
It’s difficult to say exactly how much a loft conversion will cost without carrying out an evaluation first, however, as a guide the starting prices are usually £23,000.00 for a dormer conversion and £17,000.00 for a Velux™ conversion.
Prices will vary depending on the size, complexity and the overall specification of the proposed works.
Is the price you quote the final cost?
Yes. Usually within 10 working days after the initial survey you will receive a written by email if requested.
The cost is fixed and will not change. If you would like to amend the specification, such as adding an extra Velux roof-lights, or a couple more spotlights, then we will provide you with a cost for these additions before carrying out the extra works, so you always know exactly where you are.
How long will my Loft Conversion take?
This depends on the type of loft conversion, however, we will always provide you with a timescale guide in your written proposal.
As a guide, average sized Velux conversions usually take between 4-6 weeks from start to completion and average sized dormer conversions usually take between 7-8 weeks from start to completion.
Will I be kept updated as works are ongoing?
Yes. We email our customers every couple of days with updates on how works are progressing, along with when the electricians, plumbers, plasterers, etc. are due.
We will also keep you informed of the Building Control stage inspections so you know when they are scheduled in for and when they have been done.
Daily updates can also be given by our loft fitters themselves and as works progress you’ll be able to see for yourself what stage we’re at.
Will bad weather delay my Loft Conversion?
If your loft conversion incorporates work outside, i.e. a dormer conversion, then the weather forecast will always be checked beforehand.
If the weather is bad and stops us from working outside then we will always continue with works indoors as far as possible, while picking up again outside as soon as we can.
As the weather is often unpredictable, it can cause delays to our construction schedule, which may then delay completion of one conversion, consequently delaying the start date of another loft conversion. We will always keep you informed if this is the case.
What type of guarantee will I get?
Once all works are complete and Building Control has approved your loft conversion, we will provide you with a 10-year Insuance backed warranty for the works undertaken.
The guarantee will detail what is included and excluded.
How much disturbance will the Loft Conversion cause?
We concentrate on working within the loft space for as long as we can to keep any disturbance to a minimum.
It’s only when we open up for the new stairwell or relocate existing walls, when we start to work within your existing living area. Depending on the works involved, it’s usually within the last 20% of the conversion when we make a start on installing the staircase.
If your loft conversion includes lowering the existing ceilings, then the process is a little different. We will concentrate on installing the new ceilings as soon as works begin and we will have them plastered as soon as they’re in place to keep any disruption to a minimum; they’re usually plastered within 2 weeks of the start date. Most people opt to move out of their home temporarily while the ceilings are being lowered, as the rooms below will need to be emptied before we make a start on lowering the ceilings.
Can I see some of your completed Loft Conversion work?
Absolutely. Once you’ve received the written quote and you know what type of loft conversion we propose, you’re very welcome to view a completed conversion in your area.
We will always try to find you one to view that is a close match to your proposed loft conversion to help you see what can be achieved. This is also a great opportunity for you to ask our previous customer about their experience with Another Level.
Are you members of any approved organisations?
Yes. We are active members of the Federation of Master Builders (FMB). Trading standards approved. Velux approved. Mybuilder.com (vetted). Trustatrader (government run). City and guilds. CIS (Construction industry scheme).
You should always feel confident and comfortable with the tradesmen you have working within your home. Mybuilder is responsible for vetting and monitoring its members so you can be sure that the tradesmen you find through their website are recommended.