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AIBU?

AIBU to ask how much your loft cost

41 replies

Grumpasaurus · 10/10/2018 23:40

Posting here for traffic, sorry.

DH and I are in the process of buying our first flat (hooray!). As it's in London, and London property prices are nuts even in zone 2, we are buying a flat and then converting the loft into a third bedroom, extra bathroom, and playroom.

I met today with an architect whose work I like, but she said it would cost around 55k all in. That seems high compared to what I have seen online, but includes everything down to the light switches (and the electricity to turn them on!).

Can I ask how much yours cost, what you had down, and a break down of fees? Why are some quotes so low?

We would be doing a rear dormer with a rig wall (is that right- a smaller pop out to the rear side of the property?).

Thank you!

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FrogOfFrogHall · 11/10/2018 09:39

We've had a hip to gable(?) Conversion with a large rear dormer making 2 double bedrooms and a bathroom and a wide landing, completed this year. South East and cost £38k to a plaster finish. Had to supply bathroom fixtures and fittings, led lights and carpet and paint ourselves. We had two other quotes which were £10k more. I think ours was a good price because they are a very small company and not Vat registered. They've done a great job but it took a long time!

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Ignoramusgiganticus · 11/10/2018 09:44

That's interesting about the "air"

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shapeshifter88 · 11/10/2018 09:47

I've had about 6 quotes now in sw london and all 60-70k.
for those who are in london area and have had quotes 40-50 or less ..could you share who this was with? (if they turned out to be good!)

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thereallifesaffy · 11/10/2018 13:52

15 years ago it cost us 40k ish for a not particularly amazing loft - master bedroom and en-suite.
Top tip - pay over the top for insulation. Honestly, don't just go fir what building regs demand. Do more!

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Grumpasaurus · 11/10/2018 22:57

@Lovelydovey luckily the roof / loft is solely owned by us, though downstairs is amenable anyway, thankfully!

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Grumpasaurus · 11/10/2018 22:59

@dinodiva yes, it's an outrigger we are looking for, as well as a rear dormer.

Where are you based? Could you break down where the costs have accrued, largely (E.g. planning, architecht, design, actual build, etc).

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Grumpasaurus · 11/10/2018 23:00

@hibbledibble this is probably a stupid question, but how did you get the design and measurements done and passed onto builders without an architect?

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Grumpasaurus · 11/10/2018 23:03

@Lndnmummy that's interesting- we own a share of the freehold and full rights to the roof so I believe this wouldn't be an issue for us?

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Grumpasaurus · 11/10/2018 23:07

@Lndnmummy excellent advice- have asked solicitor now.

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hibbledibble · 11/10/2018 23:08

grumpasaurus we used a specialist loft building company who sorted it all out for us. We have a standard Victorian terrace and knew exactly what we wanted (there isn't really that much in terms of options really, and lots of local houses with the same design to look at).

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Grumpasaurus · 11/10/2018 23:08

@Lndnmummy who knew that was a thing? I assume as we are the freeholder that won't be an issue?!

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Grumpasaurus · 11/10/2018 23:11

@hibbledibble Ah, interesting! We are looking at a company called Absolute Lofts- I wondered if anyone had any experience with them?

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MelonBuffet · 11/10/2018 23:11

Midlands. Had quotes the last couple of weeks for a loft on a 4 bed house - all came in around the £50k+ mark for two large bedrooms and a bathroom (we supply the fittings/tiles etc) with an L shaped dormer.

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dinodiva · 12/10/2018 08:47

@Grumpasaurus

We’re in SE London. Weve gone through a company so no separate architect/design fees. Plans submission/inspection has been around £1k, and another £750ish in surveyor/party wall but the rest has been pretty much to the company.

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Grumpasaurus · 12/10/2018 22:02

@dinodiva can I ask which company you used, and whether you would recommend?

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dinodiva · 13/10/2018 12:44

Econoloft. We went with them on recommendation as well. We’re half way through (I hope) so won’t be able to properly recommend until it’s all over but so far so good... 🤞

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