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Loft conversion -how much?

8 replies

mummytoisla1987 · 26/10/2022 09:14

Hi all,

We are looking to do a loft conversion on our 1950s two bedroom property. Actually we have no other option as are unable to afford moving house, our youngest daughter wasn’t planned and the huge age difference means she can’t share with her older sister (who is nearly a teenager). We literally have no room for a cot, let alone another bed.

We were advised that our loft space was perfect for a conversion with great headroom etc.

We have architect and structures drawings for 45 square metres of space in our loft (2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom). Just velux windows at the front of the property, with a single small flat roof dormer to the rear to accommodate the bathroom.

Our plans include putting the stairs through an existing cupboard , which has adequate space. Have been advised that head room is already great, so nothing major is required such as raising the roof or ceilings etc.

Structurally we need support of steel beams and some of the ceiling ties to be moved. But as I understand it nothing too out of the ordinary , and to be expected from this type of property.

We are looking at basic conversion , nothing too luxury and are happy to the finishing touches ourselves. In fact,we are happy to leave most of it unfinished, as long as we have one bedroom completed , can add the bathroom suite etc at a later date.

based in Scotland and were hoping to spend around £60k. We are extremely disheartened as the first quote obtained via our architect has come in at an eye watering £120k (including vat). Granted it’s a higher end local joinery company that our architect uses.

So my question is, is getting this done in our budget totally out of the question in 2022? I understand the price of materials has skyrocketed but wasn’t expecting to pay over 100k for what appears to be a simple enough conversion.
How much did you pay for your conversion?

thank you.

OP posts:
MsShopper · 26/10/2022 10:08

We’ve had a few different companies quote recently on a dormer loft conversion, comprising a bedroom, dressing room, shower room, and boarded-out eaves. (The total footprint is c8m x 5m and apex height of 3m.)

We found that, for the most part, specialist loft conversion companies were cheaper (compared with more general building companies). Overall, we’ve been quoted between £46k and £72k inc VAT. That includes fitting the shower room, but doesn’t include decorating, carpets, bathroom suite, tiles etc. Any upgrades to basic lights, UPVC windows etc would be extra.

We’re based in the West Midlands btw.

ChocolateChoux · 26/10/2022 11:42

We are currently in the process of doing a dormer loft conversion on our 2 bed terrace (We're in the West Midlands). Ours involves raising the roof line on about 1/3rd of the space (which increases the costs) and we're paying £56k. £120k for a very basic loft conversion is absolutely bonkers!!

I would recommend getting quotes from some loft conversion companies instead of joiners or general builders. We found that they were quite a lot cheaper than the general builders we had to quote.

applesapplesapples · 26/10/2022 11:47

It's an eye-watering estimate. I would get at least three quotes.

Blue2021 · 26/10/2022 14:14

my friend is having something similar to you in the midlands and it’s coming to 65k with a basic bathroom no shower or bath. Definitely get three quotes

mummytoisla1987 · 26/10/2022 14:53

Thank you for all the replies everyone. We thought it did seem rather expensive … in fact I felt sick when we got the quote through.😭

As you have all advised , we are now trying to get some more quotes and see if we can find any loft conversion companies that will work in our area. Hopefully the next quotes are slightly more reasonable!!

OP posts:
Notyetthere · 26/10/2022 16:29

Get some more quotes. We converted our loft a year ago into 2 double bedrooms, a single for my office and a bathroom. Costs stack up to about 80k. This includes everything even the paint and decorative prints I put up in the kids' rooms. We also installed a pressurised water tank downstairs as we were losing the gravity water tank in the loft so a fair bit of work elsewhere in the house outside of the loft itself.

We are south east.

SuperCamp · 26/10/2022 16:45

Yes, rather than a bespoke architect designed project, see what a loft conversion company say.

User1742p · 03/11/2022 14:36

Notyetthere · 26/10/2022 16:29

Get some more quotes. We converted our loft a year ago into 2 double bedrooms, a single for my office and a bathroom. Costs stack up to about 80k. This includes everything even the paint and decorative prints I put up in the kids' rooms. We also installed a pressurised water tank downstairs as we were losing the gravity water tank in the loft so a fair bit of work elsewhere in the house outside of the loft itself.

We are south east.

What company did you use? Also SE

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