Loft Conversions

January 19, 2012

The Costs of An Attic Conversion

Loft conversion costs are much more reasonable than you may think.

If you are thinking about an attic conversion, there are 2 major factors that should definitely be taken into account. First off your attic conversion plans must consider the peak of the attic from floor to ridge, which must always be at least 2.1 metres otherwise it is not likely that permission will be granted. Secondly. the point of access must also be considered. There must be sufficient space on the level below to put in a staircase broad enough to allow beds, wardrobs etc to be moved into the attic.

Planning authorisation is not typically required for attic conversions but you would be advised to check with your local planning office. Building regulation approval is critical so an architect or a package firm of attic converters will probably be needed. An attic conversion can increase the value of a property by 20% and can be completed in a comparatively speedy time – say four to 6 weeks, depending on the size of the conversion.

One side of attic conversion work occasionally comes as a wonderful surprise to householders. Normal life and routine will barely be upset during the construction period apart from the final stages of work when the staircase is fitted and access between the new attic and the main property will be made. This is down to the fact that access to the loft space will most likely be gained via the roof and not via the house in the construction period.

The square metre cost of loft conversions is reliant on the floor area concerned. In this type of work, the floor area is known as the noticeable expanse of floor that can be seen so it excludes the dead area behind the new vertical wall and the junction with the roof. The cost also is dependent upon the quality of the specification required but usually a square metre cost of between £600 and £700 may be used for a project in a 2 level house. This would lessen a touch in a bungalow and increase in a 3 level property.

Standard prices for an attic conversion will vary all of the way from £11,770 to £15,000. These figures assume the external size of the conversion as being between 4.5 x 4.5m and 4.5m x 6.5m and covering a floor area of between 16.80m.sq and 25.00m.sq. These figures are estimates and will need adjusting for the area of the project. VAT and any loo fittings are excluded from these figures.

Bryan Spain leads the cost research for Know The Cost.Bryan Spain is a Quantity Surveyor who is an expert in the price of construction projects. He has had 68 books published together with a substantial number of articles on building and civil engineering costs. He has also appeared on the BBC's Watchdog programme about the activities of cowboy builders. Also, he's involved in the self building arena of the building industry and is the author of the top selling book 'Guide to Home Improvement Costs'.

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January 17, 2012

If You Are Thinking About A Loft Conversion Then You Should Use The Right Builder To Maximise Space

Kelly and Soder are experts in extending and improving houses throughout Surrey and the South East London. All works are carried out by talented craftsmen, who conform with all regulatory necessities.

If you need a builder Kingston or any other local area they can be helpful. Covering areas such as Sutton, Epsom, Richmond, Wandsworth, this is what we provide.

Getting the design right

Kelly and Soder are builders that understand just how critical it is to enable your extension or loft conversion to blend into the current house as well as surrounding houses.

We hear your ideas and prepare a compassionate design. Using a winning blend of traditional building abilities with the latest technology we ensure the design is kind to your pocket and the environment. Our experience permits us to deliver your project with minimum disturbance and permits our clients to relax in the certainty that their project will be carried out by completely trained personnel who conform with all current regulatory needs.

On acknowledgment of our detailed guess a meeting will be arranged with your local planning authority to enable us to pinpoint the level of control (planning restrictions) that might have been implemented to your development.

We intend to advocate the most acceptable form of dormer, extension or conversion that may add extra value to your home as well as enhancing your living space or creating an extension or loft conversion which will distinguish your home from your neighbours.

Getting the interior right

Our expertise permits us to plan your project to ensure the least possible disruption to your house during the progress of works. Our dedication to our clients doesn't just stop at the end of your build, if requested we then go on to helping you design the interior by appointing our own interior designer who will listen to your ideas and then advise you how best to create your ideal living space from the right choice of colors through to furniture. Naturally you are completely free to develop your own ideas but we are always freely available consultation. Our team of carpenters allows us to create attractive fitted wardrobes in the hardest of areas enabling valuable storage.

The main bedroom to your extension or loft conversion might be composed of a luxury en-suite bathroom benefiting from having co-ordinating suite and ceramic tiling. Your kitchen extension can be fully supplied and installed by our own team of qualified and experienced fitters giving you imperative cabinets and work tops.

Living the dream

Over time we have established connections with other companies who provide services that you will require like carpeting or real wood floors thru to curtains and blinds, as we have used their experience hundreds of times in the past, we get extremely generous discounts of which we pass straight back to you the customer.

If you would like to learn more about employing a builder for a loft conversion richmond or double glazing surrey please use these links to discover more info.

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December 20, 2011

Increase the Value of Your Property with These Top Tips

The housing market has taken a severe knock over the past few years but it still remains one of the best places to make investments. Taking out a home equity loan or short term payday loan to complete home improvements and increase the value of your home can be a good move. When the time comes a tidy house is more likely to appeal to prospective buyer and could speed up the speed of the sale.

When looking to improve the value of your home, there are several projects which historically add the most value and have the best overall return on investment. Some of the most commonly used are listed below:

Redecorating

It's amazing how a coat of paint can brighten a house up and create a fresh, clean look. Light, neutral colours will create the illusion of space and allow potential buyers to see the room for what it is and not be sidetracked by any decorating disasters.

New Flooring

New life can be breathed into houses with the addition of new carpets or flooring. New carpet will also help to get rid of any stale smells which maybe lingering. Go for something neutral and plain when picking any new carpeting.

Add a Bedroom

Amongst the best ways to increase the value of your house would be to add on a bedroom to your property. Property prices tend to escalate based on how many bedrooms and bathrooms that they've got. In some scenarios adding a bedroom could be expensive since it will call for you to build an additional area. However, many attic spaces could actually be effortlessly and inexpensively converted to an extra bedroom.

Convert Your Kitchen

You could also add value to your home be remodelling your kitchen. A home's kitchen is often a place where people congregate regardless of whether they are cooking or eating and when home buyers are looking at homes, it is often one of the first aspects of a home that they look at. By modernizing your kitchen area you could raise the value of the house instantly and make it far more marketable if you are looking to sell. Some of the best improvements to bear in mind when you are trying to upgrade your kitchen would be to get new cupboards, install granite work surfaces, or purchase more fashionable and coordinating appliances.

Energy Efficient Improvements

Within the last couple of years much more emphasis in property design has been on getting more energy efficient and reducing the carbon foot print. Due to this increasing trend, making changes to your house will raise the value of it and get more possible buyers if you are looking to sell. Several of the most effective improvements to make would be to install energy efficient windows and doors. These products help keep your home at your preferred temperature, which will reduce your energy bills throughout the year. Also, installing energy efficient home appliances in your kitchen and laundry room will further reduce your energy and water costs each year.

First impressions count for a lot when attempting to sell a house. Possible buyers go a lot by gut instinct, so if they get a good first impression when they set foot in a property it can significantly help to actually to closing the sale of the house.

Short term loans UK can relieve the economic pressure while you get yourself on top of things again.

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