To anybody who has had a loft extension done...

[viktoria]

...with hindsight, what would you have done differently?

We're about to embark on a loft extension project, ie choosing a company etc.
We will want a dormer, to create a bedroom and ensuite shower room; we're planning to have 3 velux windows altogether (1 in the shower room, 2 in the bedroom);

is there anything you really regretted with your loft extension, or on the other side of the spectrum, is there anything you are especially glad you chose/had done?

any recommendations also very much appreciated.

[MOSagain]

Hi, we had one done 2 1/2 years ago and are very pleased with it. We have a large double bedroom with 2 velux windows and a study with 1 velux window. Originally we were having the study as a separate room in the loft conversion but at the last minute decided not to have it separate so had it open plan at the top of the stairs which gave it a lot more light.

We used a company called Econoloft and can highly recommend them. If you do an advanced search on them you will find a few threads where they are recommended.

[hermioneweasley]

Only thing is that I asked the builders to warn me when the ceiling was coming down so I could shut off rest of house and they didn't (grrr). Otherwise they were brilliant, on schedule, budget etc. we used aztech loft design.

[vinegarpuss]

you'll need to get an extractor for the en suite so ask or check up about 'quiet' versions 'cos they can be sooo noisy

also you cant put in too much insulation - the more the better

best of luck

[viktoria]

Thank you for your comments, have made note of the insulation, extractor, will ask about when the ceiling comes down... and Econoloft are our current top choice.

Am dreading the dust, but am looking forward to the extra space!

[DukesOfTripHazard]

With the fan... the main power switch for ours is reachable above the lightswitch so unless we're having showers I switch it off.

So glad we had wardrobe built in so it fits in slopey bit. V expensive 1.6k) but looks fantastic. Also v worth it and less than 100 is black out blinds that fit into velux frame.

[pippala]

We converted our loft 12yrs ago and the builders asked for 3/4 of the money before they had finished. Big mistake as they went "missing" leaving the plastering electrics unfinished!
We had to put in a RSJ in the bigger room above the lounge which was an added expense after the quote as building regs said without it we could not class it as a bedroom just a playroom.
We were also told by the builders we would need a macerator for the toilet but couldn't afford it and we have never had a problem with blockages. They were obviously trying to get even more money!
Make sure that you board the asher walls for added storage. Wish we had lights put in cos it's very dark crawling around in there looking for xmas decorations, bedding etc.
It is extremely hot in the summer but cosy in winter, (kids used to struggle to sleep) so make sure you put in the biggest velux you can afford. There are great ones that open up on to balconies but are about £2,000. Make sure your blinds are blackout as they can be pulled on a sunny day to stop it getting too hot.
We had to go for velux because we couldn't get PP for dormas although 4 other houses in the road have them. Council are aws on to themselves but we are more than happy with the extra space we have - 3 beds , 1 bathroom, huge landing where we hang the airing horses for wet clothes in the winter as it is warmer up there than downstairs even without the heating on.
we also used some of eaves (sloping walls) to put up doors to make built-in wardrobes but again make sure to put in a light!
Our youngest was 7 when we had it done and she had a walk-in play cupboard which when she was a teen changed to a dressing/make-up area. It is easy to use the walls to create space.
Cost us £30,000 in 2000. No idea how much it would cost now but when we had the house valued it had gone up by £50,000. Of course prices were going up anyway in 2001/02.

[pippala]

Laws onto themselves!