How to Convert a Loft

The process of converting your loft can be complicated and frustrating, particularly if you don't have a background in construction. 

There are a lot of elements which need to be brought together to take a loft conversion from conception to completion and here at Amazing Loft Conversions we manage the whole process to make it hassle free for our clients. 

Here are the steps we go through with every loft conversion we do: 

1. Initial concept design / feasibility with the client 

1. A physical survey of the property 

1. Final design 

1. Planning permission 

1. Building regulations approval 

1. Construction 

Concept Design 

In the early phases of the project we will be asking our clients what they want and finding ways to achieve it.  

We have a lot of experience in loft conversions and we drive the design of the new living space with our knowledge of products and solutions to problems in this market. 

There are a lot of things to consider at this stage, such as: 

• Where will the stairs go? 
• Will there be dormers or gables? 
• Would a Mansard be suitable? 
• Will there be drainage and plumbing required? 
• Where can we put windows? 

A Survey 

A physical survey of the property gives us an idea real measurements to work with and also allows us to spot any potential problems. 

Modifying existing structures often throws up surprises, so seeing a property first hand and measuring the loft space is an invaluable part of the process. 

Final Design 

Once the survey is complete we can create a final design to present to our client for their approval.  

This stage of the project requires a lot of design work because there may need to be: 

• Working construction drawings to build the loft conversion with 
• 3D drawings to show the client what they will be getting 
• Planning drawings for a planning application 
• Structural drawings for building regulations approval 

• Structural calculations for building regulations approval 

Planning Permission 

Considerations for planning permission will have been taken from the very start of the project and it may be that no planning permission is required for your loft conversion because we planned the design to come under 'permitted development'. 

Equally, the design could have tailored to make sure that it didn't give the local planning authority reason to reject it. 

To find out more about planning permission and loft conversions, see this article on the subject here. 

Building Regulations 

All loft conversions require a building regulations submission.  

Depending on how much structural alteration is required to your property, we may need to submit detailed design drawings and structural calculations as part of a 'full plans' submission to building control. 

To find out more about building regulations and loft conversions, read this article here. 

Construction 

The construction phase of the project can be complicated because there are a lot of different construction trades involved who all need to be coordinated. In a typical loft conversion any and all of the following trades could be involved: 

• Roofers 
• Carpenters 
• Electricians  
• Plumbers 

• Plasterers 
• Decorators 
• Window Fitters 

As well as changing the structure of the roof, there could also be new flooring, a staircase, new windows, a bathroom, lighting and heating. 

At Amazing Loft Conversions, we manage the whole process from start to finish, so you will not have to deal with any aspects of the construction, or planning permission, or building regulations. 

If you want to find out more about how we can help you with your loft conversion, get in touch with our team today.