Partial Loft Conversion

[snowsjoke]

We have a two bedroomed Victorian terrace with a loft with twisty stairs which has a velux. We can’t afford a full loft conversion with a dormer but would like to make it into a legal third bedroom to increase space and add value.

We’ve had someone round who said this is possible just about with the head height and called it a skylight conversion. He estimated the cost at between £15-£20k which would be do-able. It would need new stairs, fire door, insulation and strengthened joists.

However the builder he recommended had a quick look and said around £30K which would be too expensive. He said it wouldn’t need any structural work like a steel. We’ll get some more builders in to look.

Has anyone had this work done or can point me in the direction of examples of this kind of loft space? Also, we’ve never had works done before. How do you work out payments, what’s included in the price, insurance etc?

My neighbours did a velux loft conversion with ensuite last year ; ca£50- 60k

Thanks @elaeocarpus, that’s the price I’ve been quoted for a full loft conversion. We already have a velux in place and we’re not looking to put a dormer in hence looking for a cheaper option that meets regulations.

If you decide to go ahead make sure building regulations are covered. We had a cheap loft conversion for what they called a hobby room and we have since had to remove all the work they did as it wasn’t to regs and could invalidate house insurance.

Try asking a loft conversion company for a quote. They will be used to doing these partial / skylight conversions and therefore will be able to give a more accurate price, and a list of what they would include.

Sounds like a really good idea! We did a full loft conversion with Home Tales that came in around 60k but its been invaluable having the extra space. Do be mindful that whoever you use is on it with building regulations, I remember the stairs needing to meet a number of requirements and building control needing all the info about the fire rating of our doors.