Question 1

Can my loft be converted?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Many people who look up into their loft think they have no means of using it as a room because of all the ‘W’ shaped roof trusses that form the structure of the roof. We can remove these and construct steel or timber trusses which run the length of the loft and provide all the necessary support.

Question 2

Is my loft too small to be converted?

Accepted Answer

In order to comply with building regulations, your loft has to be a minimum of 2.4m or 7’8″ at its highest point (i.e. the apex of the roof). Those measurements are taken from the top surface of the ceiling boards below to the felt at the very apex of the roof. With that in mind, we can make the most of even the smallest lofts with the imaginative use of dormer windows and staircase positioning.

Question 3

How will a loft conversion affect my home?

Accepted Answer

Bolivia Lofts undertakes all conversions with minimal disruption to our clients. You will be able to continue living in your property throughout the conversion. Our staff are highly professional and experienced in working with domestic clients. We will ensure your home remains habitable, clean, and safe throughout the entire process.

Question 4

How much space will I realistically achieve from a loft conversion?

Accepted Answer

This is entirely dependent on the size of your property and height of your loft today. We would be more than happy to discuss your requirements. Please call us on 01256 592915  so that we can provide you with an idea of the floor area available and a conversion estimate.

Question 5

I would like a bathroom in the loft conversion, what impact does this have?

Accepted Answer

Bathrooms do require additional considerations, particularly ensuring the water supply to the loft is sufficient to meet your expectations. Often, when placing a bathroom in a loft, we recommend removing traditional tanks and installing an unvented water system. When designing your conversion, the position of existing bathroom services will be taken into consideration to ensure services are available. Your surveyor will be happy to discuss these options with you.

Question 6

My house is timber framed, is this  aproblem when completing a loft conversion?

Accepted Answer

No. We have undertaken several conversions of timber-framed properties already. Just contact us to discuss your requirements!

Question 7

How long does a loft conversion take?

Accepted Answer

For an average-sized home, we would normally be able to complete your loft conversion in an average of six to eight weeks from commencement of work, depending on the size and scope of works.

Question 8

How much does a loft conversion cost?

Accepted Answer

The cost of a loft conversion varies significantly from project to project. We offer a free no-obligation estimation service for all customers, so you can get all your figures in order before committing to any works.

Question 9

Do I need planning permission for a loft conversion?

Accepted Answer

Any major modification or extension to your home may require formal approval from your local authority planning department to ensure it complies with local guidelines.

However, since a change to the national planning guidelines in late 2008, the majority of loft conversions comprising Velux-style roof windows and many types of dormer have become exempt from requiring planning permission — provided they conform to the revised rules set out under the national legislation. The legislation, known as permitted development (PD) rights, allows modifications to properties without the need for planning permission, subject to the following limits and conditions:

A volume allowance of 40 cubic metres for terraced houses
A volume allowance of 50 cubic metres for detached and semi-detached houses.
No extension beyond the plane of the existing roof slope of the principal elevation that fronts the highway
No extension to be higher than the highest part of the roof
Materials to be similar in appearance to the existing house
No verandas, balconies or raised platforms
Side-facing windows to be obscure-glazed; any opening to be 1.7m above the floor
Roof extensions not to be permitted development in designated areas
Roof extensions, apart from hip to gable ones, to be set back as far as practicable, at least 20cm from the eaves

Full details can be found on the UK Planning Portal.

Question 10

I have a water tank and chimney in my loft, is that a problem?

Accepted Answer

Using our own plumbers, we can easily reposition any plumbing to maximise usable space in the loft. Chimney stacks usually have to remain in position but can be removed (often subject to planning).

Question 11

Will I need a dormer window?

Accepted Answer

Nearly all loft conversions can have a dormer window, which can provide useful extra space in a tight loft and add light and outlook to a room. Some smaller lofts may require a dormer at the top of the stairs to provide the necessary headroom as you climb the stairs into the loft.

Question 12

Do you provide Velux windows as part of the loft conversion?

Accepted Answer

Your surveyor will work with you to specify roof windows and dormer windows to achieve your objectives. At Bolivia Lofts, we use only industry-leading Velux roof windows that provide more flexible solutions along with outstanding reliability.

Question 13

How does the cost of a dormer loft conversion increase compared to a Velux only?

Accepted Answer

An individual dormer window does increase the cost of the conversion; however, these do provide additional space within the conversion and, in some cases, are a requirement. Where dormer windows are not required, a number of Velux windows can be used and combined to create larger banks of windows that will allow more light into a room than a dormer window. A large bank of the larger Velux windows will often be comparable in cost to that of a single dormer window.