Can I have a Loft Conversion?
In most cases, Yes. A survey will need to be carried out to asses exactly what you can have and we can also determine a potential layout of your new space.
How much do loft conversions cost and how long can they take?
The answer, as you may have guessed, is not that simple. Cost depends on the type of property you own and the type of conversion you have designed. Time scales also depend on the same factors. As a rough guide a simple velux window conversion, (the widows which lay flat on your roof line and pivot open) can cost around £18,000. This type will usually provide one extra room. A full dormer conversion, (changing the roof line from a regular sloping roof to a square section, usually to the rear and/or side of your property) can cost around £24,000 upwards. This type could include two bedrooms and a bathroom but of course, we would need to carry out a proper survey to give you a more accurate quote. Time scales can be around 6-8 weeks for completion, again, depending on the complexity of the structure.
Will I need architects plans for a loft conversion?
Yes. This can be arranged by us, but if you have an architect that you would like to use that is absolutely fine.
Do I need planning permission from my local authority?
This depends on your individual circumstances and at our first meeting we can discuss your specific situation. However a rough guide for this is as follows: You do not need planning permission if you answer no to all of the following:
a) Are you in a conservation area?
b) Do you need to build your roof line higher? (This normally is the case if you have a very low roof and need to obtain extra head height)
c) Do you want a dormer on the front of your property?(The side is usually acceptable, even if seen from the front)
d) Have you added space to your existing dwelling, for example adding an extension to your property or building a garage whether attached to your property or not?
Even if you have added space you can still have a loft conversion without the need to apply for planning permission. This can be discussed at our first meeting.
You will, however, need building regulations approval. This is done by submitting architects plans to your local authority. In short, this means that your local building control will check that the work done to your property is carried out so that the new structure is safe and secure and conforms to the latest regulations which include fire safety and environmental issues.
Do you need finalised plans to give an accurate price for the work?
Yes. After our first meeting we can give an indication of what the price is going to be but when we have the final plans, (which we can arrange for you), we can give a definite quotation. This is because the structures between different buildings are not the same. For example some may require 2 steels and some may need 12. If you have obtained a 'precise' quote from another company without plans, then be careful as they may have topped the price up to cover any eventuality. Some may price low to get the contract, only to charge extra money for items they have not allowed for because they have not priced from final plans. We will only give a final price once we have the finalised plans.
Do you guarantee your work?
Yes. All our work carries a 5 year Labour and Materials guarantee.
As a company, how experienced are you?
I have been in the construction industry for over ten years and all our trades people have carried out time served apprenticeships. I personally have been involved in a wide range of projects, including working on the Brighton Pavilion, restoring a 17th Century Farmhouse and working on numerous loft conversions and extensions and also building houses from scratch. Having worked for several builders and building a good name within that fraternity, it was decided that I finally set up ACS Building Services which has been trading successfully for 6 years now, specialising in high quality loft conversions, extensions and general internal alterations.
Do you employ your trades people on a full time basis or do you use sub-contractors?
All carpentry works, which accounts for about 70% of an average loft conversion, are carried out by myself, the proprietor of ACS, and my tried and tested carpentry colleagues. All other trades are sub-contractors, which is a far greater benefit than employing the separate trades on a full time basis. The reason?
Firstly, we are a small firm and do not take on too much work at any one time so there is not enough continuity to, say, keep an electrician busy on a full time basis.
Secondly, any tradesperson worth their salt will be working for themselves, and we insist that all people working under the ACS banner are able to carry out their work to an extremely high standard. If you want the best then you won't find them working full time for someone else.
Do you just do lofts or can you undertake other types of work?
We are able to carry out a wide variety of works.
On the larger side we specialise in loft conversions, extensions and general internal alterations like taking out walls or creating extra rooms for example en-suite bathrooms within bedrooms. On the lighter side we build custom made furniture to go in your newly completed loft conversion or extensions, general refurbishment i.e. laminate flooring, kitchen fitting and we also cover a painting and decorating service.
Do I need to move out while works are being carried out?
No. If it's a loft conversion, a lot of the work can carry on without us even having to enter your front door. Access throughout all of the works can be done via a scaffolding tower which will be erected on most sides of your property (where relevant) and we don't actually break through your ceiling to fit the staircase until at least two thirds of the work has been carried out. If it's an extension and we can't access through the side or rear then we will need to enter through the front but there is no need for the upheaval of moving out. We do our best to ensure that we cause as least disruption to your living as possible.
I've noticed that you are not a member of any building federation or similar. Why is this?
It costs a lot of money to become a member of these bodies and with the following factors, I feel that I would prefer not to increase my overheads.
I have qualified in my main trade as a carpenter at the highest level, (NVQ, City and Guilds Level 3), of which I produce my certificate at our meeting and give you a copy to keep.
Every single one of my previous customers are totally satisfied with all the work that I have carried out for them and I do provide their contact details which you are able to check upon.
I have a full portfolio that I provide at our initial meeting for you to keep and look through.
Finally, every single aspect of the job is checked on site personally by an allocated local building control officer. It is their job to make sure that everything is done exactly as it should. Their criteria are very strict and would only pass something if it is up to the high standard it should be.
All these factors put together mean that I don't feel the need to increase my yearly overheads consequently making me more expensive by joining one of those groups.
I've made up my mind and I think we're going to go for it. What do we do next?
Contact me on either 01273 730093 or via e-mail to arrange a time for me to come around and have a chat to see what you would like to achieve with your new space. You will need to get plans drawn up for planning permission purposes and/or building regulations so if you don't have an architect that you would like to use then we can arrange this for you and sort out all the necessary paperwork with the local council on your behalf. We can talk about all these fine details at our first meeting.
