Loft conversion adds space to your home by transforming a space into a functional room which can be used for various activities depending on your requirements and preferences. It presents an easier and less disruptive way of increasing liveable space at your home.
In our blog post, we have described the process of loft conversion, including its phases, time duration and common factors that can cause delays.
Phases of Loft Conversion
These are three phases of loft conversion which help ensure a smooth process for getting the required results:
Design Phase
This phase helps bring your ideas and expectations into a visual design with the help of blueprints or architectural drawings. It also involves making any required adjustments beforehand according to your requirements. You can also prepare for planning permission if required by deciding the size and layout of the loft conversion and the facilities inside it, along with the cost estimation.
Planning Phase
This phase includes getting planning permission (if needed) from your local authorities and purchasing materials and products required for installation. This phase may require more time and saves you from the hassle of home insurance and property selling process by having all the documents already available.
Building Phase
After the approval from your local authority and the required products’ arrival, the construction process begins from the exterior roof work to the internal fittings. The duration of this phase varies with the type of loft conversion being installed and ensures that all the safety standards are met.
You will have to search for a professional company that can provide these services for the loft conversion.
Factors Affecting the Loft Conversion Process
The duration of a loft conversion project depends on the following:
- • Loft conversion type
• Already installed loft condition
• Loft size
• Weather conditions
• Roof height
• Roof structure
• Roof pitch
• Finishing pattern/design
Approximate Timeline for Loft Conversions
Weeks 1-2
These are the preparation stages in which all the required materials and tools are organised, and the roof is prepared for conversion.
Weeks 3-4
During these weeks, interior work is done for flooring, insulation, and stud walls and final touches are given to the loft.
Week 5-7
During this time, the staircase is installed to access the loft and the electric, plastering, and plumbing procedures are also completed.
How Long Does a Loft Conversion Take?
The answer to this question depends upon the size and requirements of the project. However, on average, the time duration varies with respect to different loft conversions as follows:
- • Roof light conversions (4 weeks)
• Dormer conversions (5 weeks)
• Hip-to-gable conversions (6 weeks)
• Mansard conversions (7-8 weeks)
Common Causes of Process Delay
There are some common reasons why loft conversion might take longer than usual to complete the process:
- • Insufficient and unclear planning
• Non-compliant planning with Building Regulations
• Unrealistic expectations
• Party wall problems
• Addition of dormers
• Wrong assessment of existing roof condition
• Unforeseen circumstances
Loft Conversion Benefits
A loft conversion provides you with these benefits:
- • It does not require you to relocate your house, saving you from the hassle of shifting house.
• It increases your home’s monetary value.
• It adds extra living space to your home that can serve different purposes.
• It allows you to view aesthetic scenes from the top of your roof.
