If you are considering a loft conversion for the first time, you may be very nervous about what to expect, from the paper work, the upheaval, noise or maybe just the general inconvenience. Let us here at P&P Building Solutions assure you that nothing could be higher on our list of priorities than making sure your loft conversion goes as smoothly as possible. Below is a summary of what you can expect.
Draft plans are created by either our architect or your architect and submitted to yourself for your approval. Following your approval we will then submit the plans to the relevant local authority or building control to gain any necessary permission. Any amendments that may be required are dealt with by us always, with your full approval.
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Following an agreement with the local authority prior to commencment of the works:
Stage 1: The scaffold is erected on the site.
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Stage 2: For the first two weeks we will be working to create and make water tight the frame of the new loft room, all this work will be taking place above your ceiling level.
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Stage 3: This is the stage when we will be connecting your home to your new loft conversion, this stage is known as the 'knock through' (during this stage there still will not be any sign of construction work within your home as this procedure is carried out with the aid of a self sealing sheet surrounding the work area).
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Stage 4: The stair manufacturer will deliver the stairs to site, these will then be fitted allowing full unrestricted access to your new loft conversion.
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It is important to note that we will maintain access to the loft externally during stages 1, 2 & 3 in order keep any interference to a minimum.
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What to expect
Loft Conversions
our process
Following your initial enquirey, we will visit you to determine whether a loft conversion is suitable for your property, and the options that are available to you. The majority of lofts are able to be converted.
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Shortly after the consultation you will receive a quote for the planned work. The quote will be for the complete package to include the architect, planning permissions, building regulations, plumbing, electrics, materials and all labour.
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The quote will be valid for 30 days. If you decide to use our services after this time, simply call us again to confirm whether it will need to be revised.
planning your conversion
The initial consultations will give you a clear idea about what is possible and will be incorporated into a quote.
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When the quote has been accepted and the project begins, the plans will be drawn up by our esteemed architect. At this point you'll have a clear picture of what your new room will look like.
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When you are happy with our architect's plans, we will ask you to formally approve them. We will then submit the paperwork to the relevant planning department. Approval will usually be granted in 2 - 3 months. Some properties may not require planning permission, provided the loft conversion is the first extension and does not exceed 40 cubic metres on a terraced property, and 50 cubic metres on semi-detached and detached properties. This condition does not apply if the property is located in a Conservation Area, where planning is always required.
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Once planning has been approved we will prepare Building and Fire Regulation plans and submit them to the Local Authority Building Control department for design appraisal and structural calculations. These will be checked and approved by the Structural Engineering department (this takes approximately 4 - 6 weeks for approval). Upon approval, we will submit a Statutory Commencement Notice to the Local Authority Building Control Department.
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We will then obtain the necessary permits for skips and waste from the Local Authority.
Once these steps are completed, work will commence.