Loft conversions for the uninitiated

[BarchesterFlowers]

We are downsizing, found a house we love, purchase ongoing.

DH wants to convert the loft asap for DD to have her own space for her and her friends, not sure if she will move her bedroom up there.

How do you start looking into these things? Not planning wise, I know about the planning side of things.

Late Victorian house, lovely roof space. I want a staircase that replicates the original one in the house so I presume bed three will become an office space with a staircase.

Don't want plumbing up there other than a radiator.

If you have had a loft conversion done how did you start the process? Architect, builder, loft firm.

I want a dormer at the back in the style of the original gable on the front.

We had an architect come over and check head height was sufficient and that we would have enough floor space to fit in what we wanted up there. He then completed the plans. Obtained quotes from builders once plans were available. Ours came under permitted development so no planning application required.

asked loft people to come out to look first.

We got two loft firms round and one builder. I can't recommend a specialist loft firm enough; ours knew exactly what they're talking about and have seen it all before so know how to deal with any weird things that crop up during the build.

The loft firm came round to confirm height and space for stairs was sufficient. They then got an architect in who drew up plans with us, and the firm managed the planning, build and building regs process. We used the same firm as our next door neighbours - if you know anyone who has had work done then a personal recommendation is great as it's a lot of money. I think it would be cheaper to use a builder, but possibly more stressful and slower to manage everything.

As an aside, we live in a small 60s house and they managed to fit a normal sized staircase into the space left by knocking out an airing cupboard. There may be options for you other than losing a bedroom. We love our loft room, your daughter will be v pleased!

Oh and I'd budget for window locks and escape ladders, too. Plus velux blinds if you need them (not cheap!). Would recommend getting largest possible velux(es), they're quite striking if you have a good view.

Thank you, I have spoken to a surveyor I know since posting this and he advises the architect route.

It could be more complicated than I thought as the roof is hipped and has enormous chimneys, all intact.

We will see, I have asked the people who surveyed for their thoughts.

Architect and structural engineer then building regs. We are starting ours next week :)

We're having a hip to gable conversion with a full dormer and didn't need planning permission.

Have you got working chimneys Titsy? I am faced with this at each end of the roof front right and left back. They look sort of in the way.

Yes, if you get a loft firm in they will do all that for you, architect etc, that is what i was trying to say.

You need to go into your loft and look at where the chimneys are in the space. Get a builder or architect or whatever to look with you. You're right, they do look in the way!

The surveyor I know suggested an architect so I think we will ask her opinion to begin with. He prefers an independent architect 'as it allows you more options' (he will project manage it for six bottles of 🍷)! I have no opinion but if he is going to look after us I am happy.

Hopefully the chimneys won't scupper it. We want to mirror the gable you can see and have as many velux windows as we can, beautiful view of the hills.