Loft Conversions - Frequently Asked Questions
for Essex, SW London, Hertfordshire (Herts), Enfield, Barnet
You are obviously seriously considering looking at an option of a loft conversion and we hope the following list of frequently questions and answers will be helpful. Bespoke Renovation will help and manage the complete project on your behalf.
If you would like further information please do not hesitate to contact us by email info@bespokerenovation.co.uk or telephone 0800 917 7531 and 01279 624 944 - with our extensive experience we’d be only to happy to help.
- How will I know if my loft can be converted?
- Will I need planning permission for my loft conversion?
- Will plans need to be drawn up for my loft conversion?
- What if my planning application is rejected?
- Will a loft conversion add value to my home?
- How long does a loft conversion take?
- How quickly can work commence?
- Will there be much disruption to our daily lives?
- What are your payment arrangements?
- Which geographical areas does your business cover?
- Can I see a completed loft conversion?
- How many different type of loft conversion are there?
- How will I know which loft conversion is most suitable for me?
- Will you arrange plumbing and electrical Installation?
- Are loft conversions built in the winter, as well as summer months?
- Do you install Velux Windows?
- What are Permitted Development Rights?
How will I know if my loft can be converted?
This is dependant on the height of the roof ridge. If you were to stand in the centre of the roof and measure from the top of the existing ceiling joists to the ridge board at the apex of the roof and you have a minimum of 2.2 metres, then the loft can be converted. We’d be happy to discuss and advise you, and visit your home to undertake a free site survey.
Will I need Planning Permission for my loft conversion?
All houses have permitted development rights from the local authority. If the property has never had an extension then a loft conversion may not need planning permission as no permitted development has been used. If the property has been extended then the extension would have to be calculated and subtracted from the permitted development allowance. If there is insufficient allowance, then planning permission will have to be applied for. All proposed loft conversions will need to meet the latest building regulations. If appointed, Bespoke Renovation will be able to help and advise you in this area.
Will Plans need to be drawn up for my loft conversion?
Yes, this is needed by the local authority building regulations. All worked must be verified by structural engineers and authority inspectors before construction can commence. Bespoke Renovation again can manage all planning aspects of the project on your behalf. Roof enlargements and alterations such as loft conversion are permitted providing that they do not exceed the highest part of the existing roof and do not materially alter the shape of the dwelling.
What if my planning application is rejected?
Don’t fret we are here to help.
Will a loft conversion add value to my home?
Yes to get an idea see our page on Loft Conversions/Lofts
How long does a Loft Conversion take?
Typically loft conversions timescale will differ with each property and the complexity of the project. This is dependant on the size of the loft, type of conversion and any pre-maintenance work that will have to be carried out. The conversion will typically take place 4 to 6 weeks from date of permission is granted and the conversion itself should take approximately 6 weeks before being fully completed.
How quickly can work commence?
See our how we work page - which gives an outline of timings for you loft conversion or small extension.
Will there be much disruption to our daily lives?
A building project such as a loft conversion will have some impact on the daily routine of the household at some stage depending on the scale and type of the project involved. The way we plan out our work schedules is to keep disruption at a minimum where possible. We will also keep you regularly informed and give good notice of major work and impact to prepare the household. We recognise that trust is important and will safeguard every client’s privacy and intrusion rights.
What are your payment arrangements?
A deposit will be required to secure the Loft Conversions sale, which will be 10% of the overall quoted price for the project. Then payments will be required on a step by step process as work is carried out and completed, so the customer can verify that they are happy with the progress being made.
Which geographical areas does your business cover?
Bespoke Renovation covers all of Essex and Hertfordshire as well as South West London in areas such as Twickenham, Kingston, Richmond, Fulham, Chelsea, Hammersmith, Tooting, Putney and Clapham. We are also expanding into NW, N and E London.
Can I see a completed Loft Conversion?
Yes, we are proud of our projects and more importantly so are our clients. Please call 0800 917 7531 or email info@bespokerenovation.co.uk to arrange a viewing.
How many different type of Loft Conversion are there?
There are five types of Loft Conversion, which are Hip-to-Gable, Dormer, L-Shaped, Mansard and Velux. For more information see Types of Loft conversions.
How will I know which Loft Conversion is most suitable for me?
The type of conversion could be dependent on the layout or style of the property. We would be happy to advise – please call 0800 917 7531 or email info@bespokerenovation.co.uk.
Will you arrange plumbing and electrical Installation?
Yes, at Bespoke Renovation we offer a comprehensive service and we will provide plumbing and electrical installation to make any loft conversion as quick and easy as possible. We would recommend using our own team for all services because they are specialists in loft conversions and building extensions.
Are loft conversions built in the winter, as well as summer months?
Yes, at Bespoke Renovation, we offer our products and services to our customers all year round.
Do you install Velux Windows?
Yes, we do install a variety of Velux Windows which can be shown when requested.
What are Permitted Development Rights?
Permitted Development Rights come with most houses, and they enable you to build a certain additional volume without planning permission.
Permitted Development Rights enable you to extend up to 15% of the existing house in volume, or 70 cubic metres, whichever is greater. For terraced houses, this is reduced to 10% or 50m, in both cases, the maximum enlargement is 115 cubic metres, the volume is reduced to 10% or 50 cubic metres within a conservation area.
The extensions must be no higher than the existing house.
Roof enlargements and alterations such as loft conversion are permitted providing that they do not exceed the highest part of the existing roof and do not materially alter the shape of the dwelling.
Loft dormers are permitted if it adds less than 50 cubic metres to the volume of the roof space for detached and semi-detached houses (40 cubic metres in terraced houses). The dormer must not face the highway and it must not be higher than the existing roofline. If your planned loft does transgress on any of these points, it doesn't mean that it is prohibited, but you will have to apply for planning permission.
Any previous roof space addition has to be included in the calculation and building control inspectorate will always be involved.
We will be happy to help you and advise on the above areas during the project.
Thinking of a Loft Conversion
contact: Nathan on: 0800 917 7531 and 01279 624 944
or email: info@bespokerenovation.co.uk