If you’re looking to create a new space in your home – be it an extra bedroom, living room, playroom or creative studio – then a loft conversion could be the perfect solution. This type of renovation can increase your property’s resale value and add a whole lot more use to an under-used area of the house that you may not have thought of.
The complexity of a loft conversion will vary depending on your existing roof structure and the results you desire. At the very least, a loft conversion will involve reinforcing the floor and insulating the space as well as installing stairs. At its most complex, it can involve adjusting and adding to the roof space, the construction of en-suites, kitchens and multiple rooms and the creation of dormer windows.
When selecting the right building contractor to carry out your loft conversion it’s important that you find one with plenty of experience and a track record of satisfied customers. A good place to start is by asking friends, family and neighbours for recommendations. You can also look for reviews on the internet and by going out and seeing which contractors are working on homes in your area.
Once you’ve found a few potential builders, arrange to meet and discuss your project in person. Make sure you take a detailed list of all the work you want done and be clear about your budget. A trustworthy loft conversion company will be able to provide a full breakdown of costs so that there are no surprises. They will also be happy to provide references and even give you a tour of the finished loft.
During the building process, it’s possible for you to continue living at home – depending on the type of loft conversion and the height of your ceiling. However, there will be some noise, disruption to utility services and dust during this time. A reputable loft conversion company will be flexible and will try to work around your family’s schedule where possible.
Check that the builder you select offers guarantees and insurances on their work. This ensures that if any issues arise after the building has been completed, they will be able to address them and resolve them quickly and effectively.
It’s also worth checking that the company is accredited with an official body and has adequate public liability insurance. This will protect you in case the company experiences any problems during the building process, or if they need to halt works for any reason. It’s worth requesting copies of these documents and reading them carefully before making any decisions. You can also look up the company online to see whether they have any accreditations or memberships with professional associations. This is a great way to quickly gauge the level of professionalism and standard of service you can expect.