A loft conversion is one of the most popular home improvement options in the UK, due to a number of reasons; as a family grows, instead of the hassle of moving away and trying to find somewhere just as nice, within a given budget, adding additional space upwards is far more convenient. Loft conversions are also one of the best ways of increasing the value of a given property, in some cases, the value added from the loft conversion can be more than the expense of carrying out the work. In turn enabling the homeowner(s) to remortgage, releasing that increased value by way of equity, in turn paying off the expense of conversion.
Loft conversions are also a great solution for properties in urban areas or where an expensive two-storey extension doesn’t quite make financial sense.
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Farrellwolst North West Loft Conversion Guide
We understand a Loft Conversion to your property can feel daunting and a substantial undertaking, however, when you have experts in the field, with vast experience, these feelings should soon be replaced with excitement! The below is an overview of the options available, along with some items to thing about, when it comes converting your loft space. We hope you find it useful in answering some of your questions
Most Attic / loft space transformations will in general fall under Permitted Development, yet you will require arranging consent on the off chance that you live in a listed building or a designated area. You will always need to stick to the Building Regulations.
You will likewise need to consider your current rooftop structure and the requirement for another staircase, just as how you will light, warm and ventilate the new room(s).
Building Regulations and Implications
When converting your attic/loft, you will require Building Regulations endorsement. A structure control surveyor will review your change at different stages and will be liable for giving a finish declaration upon definite assessment.
In the event that your house is a semidetached or terraced, at that point you should tell your neighbors of your arranged work on the off chance that it falls under the necessities of the Party Wall Act.
With regards to the works carried out, the main areas in regards to Building regulations to be aware of are Parts L, K, B and P of the Building Regulations.
Part L of the Building Regulations requires U-value targets for thermal efficiency to be met when you convert your space into livable space.
Part K concerns protection measures from falling, crashes and sway, and requires a minimum headroom of 2m for all getaway routes, including the stairs (the rules are a little relaxed, for staircases providing the route of entry to a loft conversion.)
Parts B and P are concerned about fire and electrical wellbeing respectively. Agreeing to Building Regs’ prerequisites ablaze security can be perplexing. In at least two story homes, where an escape window would be more than 4.5m from the ground level, a ‘secured’ staircase needs to lead down to an outside entryway — which can cause a few issues if your staircase ascends from a room, as opposed to the hallway on the ground floor, or your ground floor is open plan. There are ordinarily arrangements in the two cases, yet this region needs thought with your plans.
Can all Lofts/Attics be converted?
Evaluating your space’s appropriateness for transformation includes thinking about various variables, including:
- Available head height
- Rooftop pitch
- Rooftop structure
- Impediments, for example, water tanks or chimney stacks
On the off chance that the roofspace review uncovers a head stature of under 2.2m, there are two options that are available to provide the adequate headroom.
Arrangement 1: Raise the Roof
This is basically attainable, however the serious issues are the significant expense and getting arranging consent endorsement. In the event that the entire rooftop territory needs removing, a covered scaffold structure, to shield the house from the weather during the works, would likewise be required.
Arrangement 2: Lower the Ceiling in the Room Below
This will require all the existing roofs of the floor below the loft to be removed, meaning a slightly bigger project.
You will likewise need to evaluate whether the space you are picking up in the loft compensates for the space you are losing in the rooms beneath.
Adding a Staircase to a Loft Conversion
The perfect area for a staircase to land is in accordance with the roof ridge: this will best utilize the available height above the staircase.
The Pitch line minimum height requirement is 2m, although a reduction of this can take place; 1.9m if in the centre, and 1.8m to the side of a stair.
Practically speaking, the staircase position will rely on the format of the floor underneath, and where necessary the required height can be accomplished by utilizing a dormer or adding a rooflight over the staircase or, if suitable, changing over a hip roof end to a gable.
Do I Need to Replace the Ceiling Joists When Converting a Loft?
By and large, additional new joists will be required to agree to the Building Regulations as existing ceiling joists are probably not going to have the capability to take a conversion floor.
The structural engineer will determine the size and grade required.
The new joists span between load-bearing walls, and are typically raised marginally over the current ceiling plasterwork by utilizing spacers underneath the joist ends. This spacing must be adequate to avoid any new floor joist deflection from contacting the ceiling plaster beneath.
The new joists run alongside the current joists. Above window and door openings, thicker timbers are utilized to bridge the opening, with the goal that weight isn’t put on the current opening lintel.
Rolled steel joists (known as RSJs) are also specified to distribute the load, and in certain installations are utilized to carry the ends of the new joists. Where head height is limited, thicker joists, more closely spaced, can be specified.
Bringing Natural Light into a Loft Conversion
You have two options with regards to guiding natural light into your conversion — rooflights or dormers.
Rooflights
The most convenient and simple strategy is to utilize rooflights that follow the pitch line of the roof. This sort is fitted by removing the tiles and battens where the rooflight will be fitted. The rafters are cut to clear a path for the rooflight after appropriately strengthening the rest of the rafters.
The rooflight frame is then fitted and flashings included before making good the surrounding tiling.
This kind of window is the most economic, and more likely to be allowed without planning permission.
Dormer Windows
Dormers give natural light but can also add space to a loft conversion. They are especially effective where the pitch angle is high, as the useful floor area can be increased.
The mansard sort will give give maximum conversion roof space, since it projects the maximum available head height, in turn giving a greater usable floor area. A hip to gable conversion has a similar effect.
Dormers and other comparable conversions are typically installed by opening up the roof, and cutting the necessary specified timbers to size on site.
Adding a Bathroom in a Loft Conversion
In the event that you are adding a bathroom you’ll have to consider the area of existing services. Adding hot and cold water supplies is simple, simply branch off the existing plumbing system, either at the boiler or from the floor below. Adaptable plastic plumbing is anything but difficult to string through the joists.
Existing soil pipes are probably going to be vented above roof level and it might be possible to add a connection into this, or into another soil pipe on the floor beneath. Where there is no current soil stack you might have the option to add one; in any case, a smallbore adaptable waste pipe can be utilized to connect to the drains.
Our 5 Step Process
Planning and Building Regs
Upon deciding that Farrell Wolst is the company for you we will arrange a start date and you will have been given a time scale for the project duration. The time has now come for us to start work. All the Surveys have been carried out, all the plans have been drawn up, all the relevant authorities have been notified and informed and necessary paperwork has been obtained.
The first stage of construction is getting our infrastructure in place, if required (dependent upon the project), for example we will assemble scaffolding first. Unlike a lot of other companies Farrell Wolst will, for example, erect scaffolding for loft conversions, so that there is no need to have access to you property while the construction work is going on. All work is carried out through your existing roof so your home is free of dust, materials and workmen during the conversion and can remain as a home as the work progresses.
Usually 1-2 days before the project is due to start the scaffolding will be erected around the property and wste disposal skips, etc. Will also be arriving. On the day of the arranged start date your team of workmen will arrive to begin work and the materials will arrive on site. Usually most materials are stored on the drive though alternative arrangements can be made where this is not possible. A safe area on site may be required for any expensive materials.
Hard work part 1
Now all infrastructure is in place such as scaffolding, Skips, large machinery, etc. Our team will start by removing all the old materials and items not required, such as old flooring, walls, kitchens, bathrooms, etc. Everything will be stripped back, to allow us to start a fresh. We will have in place organized days in which waste removal firms will arrive and take away this unwanted mess, always consulting with you and keeping you, and in turn your neighbors in the loop, in order to avoid any unwanted complications or delays to your day.
Specialist works
At this stage we have a blank canvas, and now the exciting work of bringing vision to life begins. Our specialist trades, electricians, Plumbers, gas engineers begin their first fix operations, in essence pulling in and installing the infrastructure/power to enable the completion of works. For example, the electrician will update the electrical supply in the kitchen or bathroom, complying with modern regulations, taking into consideration needs for residual current detection, etc. Pulling the relevant rated cables into the locations where, showers, lights, switches, pull cords, etc will ultimately be mounted and finished. All of this pivotal work is hidden behind the final finishes, such as plasterboard, plaster, tiling and flooring.
The plans and communication are essential to working as efficiently as possible, without errors, this is where FarrellWolst’s 50+ years of combined experience and project management experience comes into its own, and guarantees flawless uninterrupted work throughout.
Piecing the Project together
Now all of our ‘infrastructure’ is in place, cables, pipes, waste pipes, supporting beams, New Joists, etc. Our master Joiner’s and Fitter’s will now work tirelessly and with an eye for detail to build the vision you and everybody else will see. The walls will take shape, the structure of the kitchen, bathroom, extension, etc. Will all begin to piece together. The pipework, cable’s and other items now hidden behind the newly constructed structures, are ready to be used and completed, commonly referred to as the second fix.
2nd Fix and Completion
Our specialist trades team now come back for the final push, they will complete the ‘2nd fix’, this is in essence making the final connections such as mounting the shower, connecting downlights, light switches, connecting the cooker, hot and cold taps, etc. A thorough deep clean is carried out and our office manager will then make a site visit and review the work and ensure everything has been completed to the best of abilities, a list of any items which need attention is drawn up and shared with you, our valued customer, you can then review yourself and add any items we have not noticed (we don’t believe this is possible with our attention to detail, but we do like the challenge!), this is described in the trade as a snagging list. The completion of each and every item will be carried out and then a final handover is made with our site manager.
Other Areas We Serve for Loft Conversions
Leigh Loft Conversions, Bolton Loft Conversions, Lancashire Loft Conversions, Burnley Loft Conversions, Blackburn Loft Conversions, Wigan Loft Conversions, Southport Loft Conversions, Liverpool Loft Conversions, Manchester Loft Conversions, Warrington Loft Conversions, Cheshire West Loft Conversions, Cheshire East Loft Conversions, Chester Loft Conversions, Wilmslow Loft Conversions, Prestbury Loft Conversions, Poynton Loft Conversions, Alderley Edge Loft Conversions, Knutsford Loft Conversions, Stockport Loft Conversions, Altrincham Loft Conversions, Sale Loft Conversions, Oldham Loft Conversions, Deeside Loft Conversions, Everton Loft Conversions, Birkenhead Loft Conversions, Runcorn Loft Conversions, Widnes Loft Conversions, St Helens Loft Conversions, Ramsbottom Loft Conversions, Rawtenstall Loft Conversions, Rossendale Loft Conversions, Bury Loft Conversions, Radcliffe Loft Conversions, Worsley Loft Conversions, Prestwich Loft Conversions, Westhoughton Loft Conversions, Accrington Loft Conversions, Darwen loft Conversions, Forrest Of Bowland loft Conversions, Great Harwood Loft Conversions, Chorley Loft Conversions, Buckshaw Village Loft Conversions, Leyland Loft Conversions, Clitheroe Loft Conversions, Fullwood Loft Conversions, Nelson Loft Conversions, Hapton loft Conversions, Padiham Loft Conversions, Colne Loft Conversions, Barley Loft Conversions, Tottington loft Conversions, Greenmount Loft Conversions, Baccup Loft Conversions, Disley Loft Conversions, Bollington Loft Conversions, Northwich Loft Conversions, Macclesfield Loft Conversions, Hartford Loft Conversions, Tabley Loft Conversions, Ollerton Loft Conversions, Winsford Loft Conversions, Tarporley Loft Conversions, Cuddington Loft Conversions, Byley Loft Conversions, Lower Peeover Loft Conversions, Lower Whittington Loft Conversions, Lea Loft Conversions, Briefield Loft Conversions, Cliviger Loft Conversions, Sabden Loft Conversions, Worsthorne Loft Conversions, Dannackshaw Loft Conversions, Atherton Loft Conversions, Middleton Loft Conversions, Rivington Loft Conversions, Horwich Loft Conversions, Middleton Loft Conversions, Heywood Loft Conversions, Swinton loft Conversions, Little Lever Loft Conversions, Little Hulton Loft Conversions, Holme Chapel Loft Conversions, Middlewich Loft Conversions, Eccles Loft Conversions, Trafford Loft Conversions, Hyde Loft Conversions, Glossop Loft Conversions, Rochdale Loft Conversions, Bramhall Loft Conversions, Lymm Loft Conversions, Irlam Loft Conversions, Stretford Loft Conversions, Bredbury Loft Conversions, Denton Loft Conversions, Heywood Loft Conversions, Wythenshawe Loft Conversions, Carrington Loft Conversions, Hale Barns Loft Conversions, Ashton Under Lyme Loft Conversions, Blacon Loft Conversions, Saltney Loft Conversions, Mickle Trafford Loft Conversions, Huntington Loft Conversions, Waverton Loft Conversions, Croft Loft Conversions, Padgate Loft Conversions, Frodsham Loft Conversions, Walton Loft Conversions, Winwick Loft Conversions, Culcheth Loft Conversions, Heigh Legh Loft Conversions, Appleton Thorn Loft Conversions, Higher Walton Loft Conversions, Longton Loft Conversions, Croston Loft Conversions, Euxton Loft Conversions, Broughton Loft Conversions, Mere Brow Loft Conversions, Riley Green Loft Conversions, Clifton Bridge Loft Conversions, Valton Le Dale Loft Conversions, Stonyhurst Loft Conversions, Mellor Loft Conversions, Rishton Loft Conversions, Tockholes Loft Conversions, Whitnell Loft Conversions, Pleasington Loft Conversions, Hurst Green Loft Conversions, Billington Loft Conversions, Whalley Loft Conversions, Longho Loft Conversions, Wilpshire Loft Conversions, Standish Loft Conversions, Hindley Loft Conversions , Parbold Loft Conversions, Skelmersdale Loft Conversions, Copull Loft Conversions, Orell Loft Conversions, Golborne Loft Conversion, Shevington Loft Conversions, Tyldesley Loft Conversions, Ashton In Makerfield Loft Conversions, Charnock Richard Loft Conversions, Ormskirk Loft Conversions, Formby Loft Conversions, Kirkby Loft Conversions, Crosby Loft Conversions, Maghull Loft Conversions, Halsall Loft Conversions, Haskayne Loft Conversions, Holmeswood Loft Conversions, Hoylake Loft Conversions, Crosby Loft Conversions , Knowsley Loft Conversions, Garston Loft Conversions, Booth Loft Conversions, Spark Loft Conversions, West Kirkby Loft Conversions, Wallasey Loft Conversions, Ellesmere Port Loft Conversions
OPENING HOURS
Monday to Friday: 10:00 – 17:00
OFFICE
01942 608116
PROJECT MANAGER
07482 332817
EMAIL ADDRESS
hello@farrellwolst.co.uk
ADDRESS
Shelley Street,
Leigh,
WN7 5EX