Looking at a loft conversion - what are your tips or advice?

[MrsMargoLeadbetter]

Hi all

We were looking at removing at the overbearing chimney breast in our double bedrooms (3 bed 30s semi in London) and having fitted wardrobes made to make the most of the space.

The cost was stacking up and actually it didn't solve our problem of wanting a spare room for an office/spare room (the office is currently a small space outside DS's room which is an extended room over the side garage) for my freelance work & when FIL/others comes to stay. DC 2 is due in June, so (all being well) we'll be occupying all 3 rooms at some point. I think we are planning at stopping at 2.

Plus we have realised that a 2nd bathroom would be very helpful, the 3 of us (DS is 4) were in a queue the other day!

So we are looking at a few localish suppliers. They have all said different things and the prices range from £20k (which sounds v unrealistic!) - £40K.

Ideally we are looking for it to be done before DC2 arrives, but the supplier we liked the most suggested we send the plans to building control first even though it is within permitted development. That could take 4 - 6 weeks, which could mean our mid June deadline might not feasible.

If not before DC, was thinking of them starting when he/she is c6 months. Want to avoid breastfeeding/new born crying/baby sleeping/me sleeping when they are there.

So, if you have had a loft conversion what would your tips/advice be from experience?

TIA