Loft conversions - your advice needed!

[ttalloo]

We're thinking of having our loft converted, and have three firms coming this week to give us quotes, but I don't really know what questions to ask them beyond how much will it cost, how long will it take and how much space will we get... Or how to decide which firm to go for if their quotes are similar.

Please give me the benefit of your experience!

Get the names and numbers/email addresses of some of the people they've done conversions for already. Follow them up and ask if you can come round and see the work and talk to them about their experiences with the firm/things they would have done differently.

I also found it very helpful to go and see as many local loft conversions as I could before getting started on ours: there are so many different ways of putting the staircase + windows + storage + shower room (if relevant) into the space. People were very kind about showing me their loft conversions - one would call a friend who'd also had theirs done and I ended up seeing perhaps 8 or 10.

Thanks, clb, I'll see if the companies that come to quote are willing to let us see their work (that should be a good sign if they are?).

We had 5 quotes for ours. One of the companies said they were registered with the master federation of builders etc. but when I double checked this, it turned out that their registration had lapsed years ago. This put me off them even though their quote was the cheapest. I chose the company based on their ideas for the plans and they came up with a better solution for the placement of the staircase. They did match the price to that of the dodgy company too. Sadly, it appears they have now gone under otherwise I would have recommended them.

I recommend you use someone who offers an insurance backed warranty, is accredited with trustmark or other trade bodies.
We used McNeish Lofts for ours, their service was really good as the owner manages the jobs. Our neighbours used a larger company who were delayed during the job and they were passed from person to person.
best of luck

Definitely get references, you need to see examples of their work and speak to previous customers.

Is it a coincidence that McNeish lofts have just commented on an old thread re fire doors?

Definitely get and check references

Always choose somebody with insurance / warranty

Insist on a contract that specifies what is being done and at what price - ideally you want a price for the job not a day rate - that way they take the risk if they take longer - you don't pay extra days

What experience do they have in terms of planning / building regs compliance etc - you need building refs at least to gain value and be able to sell your house in future....

Agree when monies will be paid - eg are they asking for materials costs upfront .... Retain 10% until all snags are resolved and building regs / planning sign off is completed....

Oh and expect to downs a lot Moreno tea, milk and sugar

That should be spend a lot more ...

Bloody phone

Oh and if the work involves plumbing etc - do they do that or do you get a plumber in yourself.... Pros and cons.... More to manage but can be better if you have a trusted plumber you would use etc

Agree with clb - it's not only seeing their previous work, but it's also how they do it. The ones that easily remember their latest jobs and can talk you through previous projects and your current project really makes a difference - after all they're going to be in your home for two or three months. also worth asking who they work with or if they recommend certain people. some loft conversions need planning permission i think, so you might need drawings done up. think best is if they have someone already lined up to work with and that you would get on with well.

Belated thanks to everyone for your advice on loft conversions - we didn't think about insurance, so that was very helpful advice hamster.