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'.

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.

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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.

When you consider the uncertainty filled housing market, you will definitely agree that loft conversion will be a good way of increase your property's value.

When you are carrying out a loft extensions Essex through the services of any competent firm, certain things need to be considered as regards to the project. One of these issues is the loft hatches. What about the loft hatches?

A Few Facts About Loft Hatches

In the United Kingdom, the loft hatches on most properties are normally located just above the second floor landing of the property and before one initiates a loft extension, it becomes necessary that such loft hatches be widened or enlarged for easy passage. This is especially if the loft is being converted into a storage space in which case, a ladder will be needed and there should be enough space to fit in the ladder.

If the existing hatches are not large enough, then new loft hatches can be make from cutting up at least 19mm thick sheet of MDF. This is then insulated but in compliance with the local planning and building regulations. The style of the loft ladder may also play a part in determining how difficult or easy it might be to insulate the loft hatches.

If the existing hatches are not large enough, then new loft hatches can be make from cutting up at least 19mm thick sheet of MDF. This is then insulated but in compliance with the local planning and building regulations. The style of the loft ladder may also play a part in determining how difficult or easy it might be to insulate the loft hatches.

In cases of properties that are making use of a concertina style of loft ladder, then it becomes quite a bit more difficult insulating the hatch when the engineers are carrying out loft extensions. What is done in this situation is creating an insulated box which is designed to sit above the ladder whenever it is not being made use of.

One of the most recommended options when it comes to using an insulated loft hatch is by making use of the numerous available pre-manufactured loft hatches from various companies. Most of these hatches are designed to be very stylish, easy and very practical to fit and most of all, their designs comply with the fire safety rules and the building regulations of every given local planning and building authority.

It should also be known that the price of the hatch depends mostly on the model of hatch you decide to use for your property. Prices could start from 50.00, all dependent on the model. There are several versions available with you making your purchase of this product based on your loft extensions Essex specifications and the access hole dimension.

One of the most recommended options when it comes to using an insulated loft hatch is by making use of the numerous available pre-manufactured loft hatches from various companies. Most of these hatches are designed to be very stylish, easy and very practical to fit and most of all, their designs comply with the fire safety rules and the building regulations of every given local planning and building authority.

What does this mean? It only means that when you buy any fabricated loft hatch unit when you are engaged in loft extensions, you are invariably satisfying or meeting up with your local authority's building regulations while at the same time getting something very trendy and befitting for your property. Most of all, these pre-manufactured loft hatches are very cost effective while providing your building with that professional and perfect finish.

That is not just all. The pre-manufactured loft hatch units can be supplied with fitted frames which are originally designed to completely fit into the openings made especially for them. This is to ensure easy and quick fittings. There is no need for you to engage in any type of finishing on the hatch once it is installed.

In a situation where valuables are to be kept in the converted loft, fitting in a loft hatch that comes with a lock is the safest bait as far as security is concerned.

As far as loft extensions Essex is concerned, you can get the best as long as you work with a professional and competent firm. You can take a bold step today towards gaining more space from your property while at the same time, increasing its market value by a reasonable percentage.

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The loft conversion must take into consideration any "new fire door" rules. Fire doors may literally mean the difference between life and death in an emergency and they must be installed whether or not there is an escape window in the roof. That means that most, (if not all of the interior doors on the property) may have to be replaced and you will need to factor that extra expense into your loft conversion budget. Any doors facing the designated escape route from the loft must be fire resistant for at least 20 minutes. An FD20 grade door is adequate but you may wish to consider upgrading to an FD30 door for extra security measures.

Be sure that intumescent strips are fitted to the door or into the door frame because an FD20 door without them will never pass building code regulations. The way these strips work in case of a fire, they swell up and effectively seal the gap between the door and the door frame to prevent smoke from filling an adjoining room.

A fire resistant door that is left open isn't much use, so it is also recommended that self-closers are fitted to all fire doors. Your local building control officer will be able to advise you fully so that the fire doors installed by your builder meet all regulations.

In case of a fire in the loft, the main escape route is the staircase so it must be near an appropriate exit point like a front or back door. When staircases, whether old or new, are not completely closed with fire doors, the new rooms in the loft must have an appropriate escape route through the roof, such as a large window.

Escape windows in the loft should be easy to get to and close to eaves level, which is vital for aiding in rescue from the outside. In loft conversions where the floor area is greater than 50m square or the loft contains more than two rooms used for living space, other fire safety requirements may be applicable.

Properly installed smoke detectors are essential for fire safety in a loft and are naturally a part of building regulations. It should be remembered that rooms above ground level are more at risk in a fire than those closer to the ground. For this reason, the flooring used should provide adequate resistance to fire coming from below. You'll be able to relax and enjoy your new loft room or rooms knowing that all fire safety requirements have been met.

Want to find out more about loft conversions, then visit the CompleteLofts.com site for details on the loft conversion process.

If you're planning a loft conversion on your property in Hertfordshire, you will need to check with your Local Planning Authority to see if planning permissions are required. Please note that building regulations are always evolving to meet improvements in fire, sound and insulation requirements.
Generally, a loft conversion is considered to be permitted development not requiring an application for planning permission. Basically, planning permission is asking if you can do certain work on your home. It may be granted or refused, depending on certain conditions. Exceptions are as follows:

1) You will need special permission for a loft conversion if your home is on designated land. Designated land includes national parks and the Broads, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, conservation areas and World Heritage Sites.

Tip 2. If your roof space is greater than 40 cubic metres for terraced houses or if it exceeds 50 cubic metres for detached and semi-detached houses, you will need planning permission. Also keep in mind that a previous owner may have made additions to the roof space and these additions must be included in the aforementioned volume allowance.

Tip 3. If the loft extension goes beyond the level of the existing roof slope of the principal elevation that faces a highway, special permission is required.

Tip 4. No part of the extension can be higher than the highest part of the original roof.

5) No part of the extension can be higher than the highest part of the original roof.

Tip 6. Any Side-facing windows must be obscure-glazed and more than 1.7 meters above the floor if they can be opened. Otherwise, they must be non-opening windows.

7) Apart from hip to gable, extensions should be set back from the eaves as far as practicable, but at least 20cm measured along the roof plane.

Tip 8. Protected species must be considered before work on a loft extension can begin. If bats are using the attic, a survey may be needed and a license may be required.

It is the homeowner's responsibility to be sure that planning permission is obtained, if required and that building regulations have been followed. However, most loft conversion companies will make all the required arrangements and fill out and file the necessary paper work for you but, ultimately, the homeowner carries the end responsibility.

Therefore, it's in your best interest to be aware of all of the relevant rules and regulations that apply to your particular loft conversion, regardless of whether you need to apply for planning permission and/or building regulation approval, or not. Failure to abide by rules could result in serious consequences, namely having to restore your home to its previous state before renovations, a costly endeavor to be sure.

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The process by which an empty loft or upper attic area is remade or into a functional living space is what is commonly known as a loft conversion. When complete, this area is often used for a number of purposes such as an extra bedroom, a storage area, extra office space or even perhaps perhaps an entertainment room, or a child's playroom. Loft conversions have become quite a welcome and growing trend for those who desire to extend their property without using up extra space meant something else.

This stems mainly from the fact that there are several benefits attached to loft conversions. The process of carrying out a loft conversion is one that is known to be complicated. Although it is possible for you to try out this project as a "Do It Yourself", the fact remains that you would need the services of specialists or professionals who are basically trained to carry out such tasks. Sometimes, the use of a firm that is specialized in this service becomes a better and far safer option.

One particular type of loft conversion, is classified as a conversion of non-residential spaces into residential spaces. These may include structures like: docks, water towers, abandoned factories, warehouses among others. Among the various forms of loft conversions, this type is known to originate in around the 1960s in New York City in the United States.

It actually started in the early days, with individuals creating residential spaces within the upper outdated industrial buildings some of which were actually located right within heart of the city. Back then, the use of the lofts as residential spaces were known to be illegal since the buildings are not designated as residential property.

A bit about the Feasibility of loft conversion:

Before the project of converting your loft to a usable space is initiated, several factors are supposed to be considered. Firstly, the loft space that is to be used for the project should be properly inspected to ensure that the dimensions are such that will make the planed conversion feasible. It should also be ascertained if the space under the roof bridge is spacious enough for headroom.

The standard range of measurement in loft conversions is 2.3 metres although there is every possibility of getting such headroom space at 2.1 metres. There should also be up to 2 metres space above the space for the access stairs. The roof should also be checked for any form of leakage signs and this could be ascertained through dark stains on the roof rafters.

In such cases where leakages are confirmed on the roof of the property, the roof repairs are carried out either prior to or else during the loft conversion process. The exact type of loft conversion should also be decided upon. This decision is mainly influenced by the property owner's taste and budget (but mainly budget.) It is better to initiate a loft conversion process that is within your budget and also complete than initiate the one that is far beyond your budget and stop at the half way mark.

Types of loft conversion Rear Dormer Loft Conversion

In carrying out a rear dormer loft conversion, the builder creates a square end to the rear of your property with a flat roof. In doing this, enough additional height and floor space is created. The properties that are sure to benefit more from this type of loft conversion are the semi detached and terraced properties since one is able to get more rooms or usable spaces within the loft. One other good thing about this particular loft conversion type among other loft conversions is the fact that you may not necessary have to seek permission from your local planning authority before constructing the dormer.

Hip to Gable Loft Conversion

Hip to gable loft conversion involves a process where the sloping side of your building which is referred to as the hipped side is changed to a flat and gable end which tends to create more room space on the property. Space for the staircase is also not an issue when a hip to gable loft conversion is carried out on your property. This type of loft conversion requires permission from your local authorities before you can initiate it.

Front Dormer Loft Conversion – Side Dormer Loft Conversion

When you talk about the front dormer loft conversion or the side dormer loft conversion, it is all about smaller dormers which are actually constructed to flow or flush with the existing property. In a situation where you have already planned a hip and gable construction but could not do it because of the need to obtain planning permission, it becomes necessary to settle for either the front dormer loft conversion or the side dormer loft conversion. If you have decided not to move any property in order to accommodate your ever growing family size, then it becomes beneficial for you.

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