Loft conversion - lessons learned/tips etc

[loftconversi0n]

Hi,

Can I please ask for any good tips /guidance /things to avoid when starting on a loft conversion project?

I have read in Mumsnet horror stories of architectural designers not getting measurement right etc but our builder has recommended an architectural designer.

Also is there any special insurance you can take out in case it goes horribly wrong?

Thanks

@Coastalcreeksider our velux was there when we moved in, it leaked because the flashing hadn't been installed properly which would have kept the rain out. (Round the edge of where the frame met the roof).

@loftconversi0n
Photo a as opposed to ohoto b.
You will gain height as you turn the corner . Although I will say, they make them a little trickier to negotiate.

Sorry, photo b as opposed to photo a!!!
Aargh

Put electrical sockets on each end of every wall, and if you're having any large cupboards put in e.g. the eaves, make sure you have a separately switchable LED light in there. It makes it easier to switch the bed position or put an electrical item where you want it.

@crikeyisthatthetime
That is possible, when I moved in I had the roof overhauled and the roofer said he'd cleared some debris, moss etc from around the outside of the window.

Tomorrow when it's not raining, I'll have a look and get back in touch with the roofer to come and have another look.

Stairs "make" any extension or conversion. Ensure the spacing (going and rise) are the same as existing. Don't make them too narrow. Twisters are great.

Lots of insulation will keep you warm as ND cool.

Id second the auto veluxes

We had ours done recently. We've not had the problems with heat that we were expecting, even during the June heatwave. We have

• bubble skylight that opens over the stairs (on warm days we leave it open all day)
• opening windows on dormer side to create full ventilating cross breeze when open with velux windows, including Juliet balcony which creates more airflow
• metal blinds outside velux windows, operated by remote control, solar powered, can be lowered with window slightly open, helps ventilation when sun hits that side

Thanks everyone. Some good tips.

Excellent window tips!

Esp about windowsill away reom sunny side and window over the stairs is genius

@Isheabastard.. Are you my ex neighbours! Pushed black further blocking both mine and other neighbours views and unexpected juliet balcony over looks us entirely..

As many Velux windows as you can, creates extra headroom and light. (They definitely don't leak).

If your house is older and has plaster and lathe ceilings, overboard the ceilings on the first floor.

Have built in wardrobes .

So is the plan all the loft? Or are you getting a loft conversation and also re-working the first floor? I’m not sure I agree about the study, it depends whether you want to use it. It would make a lovely landing yes but you would probably never use the space as a place to work or sit as it would be draughty and noisy.

On the loft, agree about air on. If you’re creating an extra floor check that someone has investigated fire regulations- you may need to replace doors and you might have to do major work if your stairs downstairs are open plan. Make sure that someone is checking the planning permission/ permitted development rights against what’s getting built and that this job is given to someone specific- otherwise if it goes wrong the architect will blame the builder and vice versa. Check head height. Approach your neighbours early if you need a party wall agreement. Think carefully about where to put the loo- ideally above the existing loo, avoid a saniflow if you can. Also consider if your existing boiler is good enough to cope with more radiators and hot water, if not you might need to have a new one. Think carefully about whether you want just a window or, if possible, a French door with Juliet balcony. We went for the former because we had young kids but later wished we had doors as it had a fantastic view.

@Heronwatcher yes the plan is just for the loft. It is very dark in the hallway upstairs so opening it up would fix that. We use one of the other bedrooms as an office as well.

In the loft we are going to have a walk in wardrobe and en-suite.

I guess just as an aside, the reason to do it is because the master bedroom is small and the storage very bad. We knew this was the compromise with the house but it is causing so ouch stress as there is no where to put clothes. And no space for more storage.

No, wooden surround is still an option. My mum has them and no leaks ever.

Architectural designers are not architects, I'd look into the implications of that.

I'm wondering how long ago it was installed as there was no guarantee left by previous owner. For all I know it could have been bought 2nd hand and he fitted it himself.

I may have to think about definitely replacing it as having an old washing up bowl in the middle of your bedroom floor in case it rains is not really very attractive and ruins the look of the room.

If you get a Juliet balcony also get openable side windows next to the doors. Airflow without the doors being wide open is really useful. With the windows and veluxes 'on the crack' we get a good cross flow that keeps the room cooler in summer, and can be left that way when you go out rather than all shut up and stuffy.