Talk me through a loft conversion...

[loftconversiondunce]

Since Covid, the way DH and I work has changed and is very unlikely to go back. Between that and growing children, house doesn't completely work for us anymore so we're considering our options. Loft conversion/moving house etc. Probably in the next couple of years.

How does a loft conversion work?

Can they be done on any house (we have a new build detached house)?

Do you need planning permission?

Do you get an architect to do plans then find a loft converter or does the loft conversion builder do all that?

How long does the work typically take?

Anything else to consider?

Tia!

If I was you I'd do some general reading and see whether your house is suitable, a lot of new build lofts might not be easy to convert (not impossible but expensive!) because of the shape of the trusses.

These are some good basic guides:

www.which.co.uk/reviews/loft-conversions/article/loft-conversions/loft-conversions-step-by-step-guide-aXRe24q7i8Y5

www.homebuilding.co.uk/advice/loft-conversion-beginners-guide

Once you know what you want and whether your house is suitable you need to think about what kind of budget you have. Depending on where you live and how big it's going to be and whether you have a dormer and bathroom etc will all impact the cost. You can ask a specialist loft company to come round and quote, they will sometimes have in house architects who can do the plans or you can get an architect to do the plans and then get builders to quote.

You may need planning depending on the size of the loft but often they can be done under permitted development unless (and is sometimes the case in new builds) your permitted development rights are removed. You'd have to go back to the original planning documents to see if that is the case or speak to your council planners.

HTH, there is a lot to consider past the design stage but I would start with whether/what is feasible.

The first thing you should do is see if anyone else has converted their loft- if they haven't it is likely that it isn't possible. You need at least 2.2m to get a dormer on the back.

How does a loft conversion work? Steels to support. Build dormer out, stud walls up, stairs, knock through. Remarkably simple construction!

Can they be done on any house (we have a new build detached house)? No

Do you need planning permission? Comes under permitted development mostly but good idea to put your plans in to confirm!

Do you get an architect to do plans then find a loft converter or does the loft conversion builder do all that? You can choose. Get an architect to do the plans and then get a builder. Or go for an 'all in' company/builder.

How long does the work typically take? 8 - 12 weeks

Anything else to consider? How will you use the space- master suite or an office too? do you want the bathroom to be accessible to all in the family?

Thanks for the link @SollaSollew - much appreciated. We have covenants on the property which expire after living here for 5 years but would have to dig out the paperwork to know if there's anything restricting other developments. Other houses have done extensions so clearly some work is possible. Hadn't considered the shape of the trusses and the potential cost of that.

My google search hadn't given me that 2.2m dimension thanks @twoshoes86 so I'll take a look in the morning (ask DH to go up and measure it)

In an ideal world I'd want a bedroom shower room and an area to work in, happy for that to be a small landing though.

I love this house and our garden so would be a wrench to move...much more research and planning needed, thanks so much for the responses!