DESIGN

Should you choose to accept our quote and instruct us to proceed, we will have our architect Mr. Len Montgomerie produce detailed drawings based on precise structural engineers calculations. Upon your approval, where necessary, we submit the designs for local authority determination under the 1990 Town and Country Planning Act, section 63, which is normally processed within 3 months. We will then present Building and Fire Regulation plans to the Local Authority Building Control for inspection. Once they are satisfied, the Statutory Commencement Notice will be submitted to the Building Control Department. 3D visualizations Our 3D Design Visualization service can help you realise the full potential of your property and Interior Designs by actually allowing you to see what can be achieved, before the work is done! Ever wondered what your loft, kitchen or bathroom would look like with a specific Interior Design or colour scheme!
 

TYPICAL PROJECT ESTIMATE

As a guide the following fees would generally be expected for most Loft Conversions;
Whilst it is not possible to be completely accurate with costs until a loft room design has been
fully discussed and the full extent of the design work has been accessed I can give a
guideline to the probable fees involved.
For most 3 or 4 bedrooms houses with a traditional cut and pitched roof requiring one or two
rooms plus an en-suite the design and drawing fee would be in the order of £1500.00
For modern houses with a trussed roof or bungalows with larger floor areas the fee would be
in the order of £1650.00
Both of the above include the preparation of drawings, full specification, engineers
calculations for structural members, O.S. site map, block plans and making the necessary
applications on the ‘clients’ behalf. Also included within the design proposal are any
requirements for dormer windows and hip to gable extensions.
Please note: We arrange both Planning Permission and Building Regulations applications.
£150.00 deposit will be required at the first visit, whether this is to carry out the full survey
after instruction or only to make a feasibility study on your behalf.
Application fees and inspection fees are not included in the above costs. These fees vary
from Council to Council and will be advised by the Local Authority in due course.
The average total cost for Building Control is appox. £650.00
Planning Permission is currently £172.00 & Lawful Development is currently £86.00
I trust this information is of use to you, do not hesitate to call us or email if you require any
further information or clarification.
 

LOFT CONVERSION GUIDE

Loft conversion is a common practice in creating additional living space. Apart from the advantage of having extra space, loft conversions can also add value to homes. But before starting any loft conversion work, there are certain regulations that you need to check. In this guide for loft conversion, you’ll determine whether you need planning permission and which building regulations you need to comply.
Planning Permission on Loft Conversion
Most loft conversion do not require planning permission because it falls under permitted development rights. However, you need to adhere to several parameters. If you exceed the limits or your home is in a conservation area, you need to apply for planning permission. Before starting work, always check with your local planning office.
You don’t need planning permission if you follow the following parameters:
Volume of additional space must not exceed 40 cubic metres for terraced houses and 50 cubic metres for detached and semi-detached houses.
No extension should exceed the plane of existing roof slope at the principal elevation or front of the house.
Extension should not be higher than the highest part of the roof.
Roof extensions, apart from hip to gable ones, to be set back, as far as practicable, at least 20cm from the original eaves.
Materials should be similar in appearance of the existing house
No verandas, balconies or raised platforms.
If the windows face the side, it needs to be obscure glazed. It should also be 1.7 metres above the floor.
The roof enlargement cannot overhang the outer face of the wall of the original house.
If you own a flat or maisonette, please know that there is a separate regulation for this housing type. Also, Restricted zone and other designated areas such as national parks or heritage site do not allow roof extensions.
Loft Conversion Building Regulations
Having no planning permission requirements does not mean you don’t need to follow building regulations. You may refer topParts L, K, B and P of the Building Regulations. You need to follow specific building regulations:
Floors and Junctions
Building a loft will require new floors, beams and junctions. Your existing and new structural elements must be able to carry the load of your new loft. Consult a professional if you are unsure about this.
Walls
Building new walls to support any existing or new roofs where existing supports have been removed. You also need to ensure that there is enough sound insulation between rooms.
Windows
Any loft requiring new windows/dormers will need to follow certain regulations.
Roof
Roof enlargements due to loft conversion required to follow roof building regulations. Including compliant roof insulation.