A loft conversion is the practice of converting an empty space (generally the attic) into a fully functioning room. This room might be a dedicated space for watching movies, a bedroom, gaming room, gym, etc. A loft conversion can completely change the essence of the house and when you have a dedicated space to do something you love, you enjoy the living experience even more.
Loft conversions are of different types and it depends on you on how you want the room to look. It depends on the creativity and the opportunities the house presents.
Advantage of getting a loft conversion
A loft conversion not only allows you to have a dedicated special space but also adds value to the house. Research has proved that a loft conversion increases the value of the house by at least 20% and the value can even go up later. You can use this lofted room as a place to host parties, meditate, play games, and just use it to spend some quality time with your family. The room can also be an extra guest bedroom for when your relatives are in town. The lift also gives a good look to the house and makes it stand out from all regular houses.
How to get started with a loft conversion
There are various types of loft conversions and some loft conversions are simple and some are complicated. You have to understand the structure of the roof, the flooring, and the insulation to know the type of converso that will suit your house. It is generally suggested that you go to an architect or a builder to know more about the plans for lofting but you can do the whole loft conversion by yourself.
You can find blueprints of the house and other important documents in the city library and you can download them or borrow them for free. These documents will help in giving valuable insights about the structure and the layout of the house. These blueprints have all the measurements like the length, breadth, and width of the rooms. You can carry out all the activities relating to loft conversion but it would be a lot of work to carry out alone.
There are pre-assembled lofts available in the market and you can simply purchase the lofted room, get the dismantled pieces delivered to your house, and reassemble them all on your own.
Cost of getting a loft conversion
The cost of getting a loft conversion depends on the type of loft conversion you choose, There are various styles and models of loft conversion you can choose and the maintenance costs of these lift conversions also add up.
Some loft conversions are very cheap and the overall cost for getting a loft conversion can end up costing as little as about £12000 or as much as £50000 or more.
It is better if you set a budget and then go forward with the idea of a loft conversion. When you are on a budget, you can compare the costs and can adjust in suitable places. If you select the best model, equipment, and utilities the costs can go sky high and you will have to make additional monetary arrangements that you can not afford.
What are the planning permissions?
If you are going with a basic form of loft conversion, you can go forward with the conversion without taking any planning permissions. The advanced and complex types of loft conversions demand planning permissions from the authorities because an illegal loft conversion can be a hazard to the house and the neighbors. The local planning authorities can grant you the required permissions and all you have to do is submit the blueprints of the house and the plans for the type of loft conversion.
It must be noted that the planning authorities allow the loft conversion only if the house is suitable for the type of loft conversion.
Various types of loft conversions
Rooflight loft conversion is one of the easiest and basic forms of a loft conversion. This includes turning the existing space into a lift and all you have to is create provisions for allowing light into the room. Their roof should have a strong ceiling and insulation to facilitate general living conditions. This loft conversion is cheap and effective. The only disadvantage can be a limited amount of headspace.
A dormer loft conversion is one of the most chosen types of loft conversion because it is economic and changes can be made according to the needs of the user. There are dorms added to the front, back, or side of the roof to add living space and the owner can choose to add a single form or a full-width dorm. These dorm loft conversions add much more value to the house because they are attractive.
A hip-to-gable loft conversion is also an economic loft conversion model where the roof slopes of one side are taken as a gable and extend over to create a triangle-like structure. This type of loft conversion is spacious. It is mandatory to get permission from the planning authorities when you are going for this type of loft conversion.
A loft conversion is one of the most cost-effective and convenient ways to increase the space of your house while adding some value into it.
Find out to start with your loft conversion ideas with our expert advice to determine the best suitable way to convert your loft.
A loft conversion is a perfect way to add significant value to the house, which can be up to 20% value of the existing property. Many families opt for the loft conversion to obtain more space without enduring costly and stressing the full process of moving.
However, be careful not to outgrow your road, as if you are investing a lot and extending too far, you may end up unlikely to see the return of investment.
Before you start with your loft conversion, you need to work out whether your loft is suitable for conversion are not. You need to check that your house comes under an allowance for permitted development. It means that you do not require any planning permission to go ahead with your conversion planning. You can ask your builder or architect to visit and check if you need any planning permission.
You should assess whether your loft is suitable for conversion. Mainly you should check three things:
Can take an idea from other conversions on your street
Checking your neighbour's loft can give you a rough idea for more possibilities and conversion designs. Also, you can ask them for any references.
Once you have a plan in your kind about your house establishment, think about how you would like to use it. Perhaps you want an extra bedroom or a playroom or space where you can spend your free time. Also, you can think about changing it into a multi-functional room or in storage as in-built space. However, it entirely depends on your requirement, and if you are not sure you can take help from your family members or your architect.
Who should approach for the loft conversion?
From the four main types of loft conversion, you can choose the most suitable one for you. However, before selecting any, determine your house type, age of your house and budget. For your guidance, here we are sharing brief details about the types of conversion:
There is a possibility that your conversion may not need any planning permission. However, it is always advisable to check it with the council to be sure.
Nevertheless, if you are extending the roof space or exceed specified limits, like if your plan is going higher than the current highest part of the roof, you may have to apply for planning permission. Also, some properties don't have permitted development rights, so without submitting a full planning application, you may not be able to build your extension. But in the following conditions, you do not need to have permission:
Conversion rules
You may also need to check whether your loft conversion is subject to the party wall act 1996. If yes, then you must have adjoining owners notice.
You can contact your contractor for more planning rules information.
Summarization
With the liberty to do all desired things with the extra available space, a conversion not only just adds additional value, but gives freedom of creativity. There is no wonder basement conversions are gaining massive popularity with an ability to convert an unused room into a desirable living space. As North London property prices are rising continuously, many property owners in North London with families finding conversion becoming the best option.
Unlike the loft location at the top of the house, the Basement is located close to the main living areas and has a more flexible range of uses.
However, while converting your North London basement into a habitable area, there are a number of factors to take into consideration.
A basement conversion is a process to convert dark, damp and dank spaces into an inhabitable room. The conversion process combined with excavation and expansion includes varying degrees of a basement conversion.
There are many reasons for converting the Basement. Extra space is one of the primary reasons. As if you are lacking with space, or have a growing family, you need a space that is close to the other living areas of your home. Growing youngs generally want a separate space where they can spend their own time or can stay with friends. Converted basements are also great for storage, or you can convert it into a home gym.
Same type and of property in the same area with damp basements have less value than those with a waterproofed basement. Added extra value is always a plus point when it comes to marketing your property. In most instances, the overall basement conversion cost is less than the additional amount added to the property.
However, if you have decided to create additional storage or living space in the Basement, selecting a professional specialist would be beneficial.
Basement conversion costs may include the following:
Here we are sharing average pricing details for North London basement conversion:
Note: All the cost mentioned above is for a rough purpose, kindly coordinate with the specialist for detailed pricing.
FOR WHAT YOU CAN USE YOUR BASEMENT FOR
The choice is, of course, yours. Maybe you already have a specific purpose of converting your Basement. However, we can suggest a few common types of a basement conversion.
Though there are certainly a few aspects on which you can work, there are other areas which require professionals to cater. Your basement conversion project completely depends on the nature of the project and your skills. A professional explores each area carefully, and you can ask them if there's anything you can do by yourself.
TYPES OF BASEMENT CONVERSION
CAN MY BASEMENT FLOOD?
If you are facing a damp issue in your Basement, it would be not easy to find out the water resource of it. Low-lying areas always stay at risk, and without knowing the cause, it makes it vulnerable to flooding. Common cause of flooding are:
WHAT IS BASEMENT WATERPROOFING
Basement waterproofing includes blocking the passage of water into the Basement, that can be achieved by external waterproofing and cementitious tanking. You can also install a cavity membrane drainage system to manage water intrusion.
Do the following, before getting started by the conversion:
Check with your local authority if any planning permission is required. If you have any conversion specialist with you, then they will take care of the permission procedure on your behalf.
You may not need any planning permission for converting your existing Basement. As, according to the government planning portal, generally people need approval if they are building a new basement. However, it would be beneficial to check before initiating work, if you need any permission for internal or external work.
Contact your local planning office in writing to get formal approval for initiating your work.
You have a beautiful house but there is always a need for more space. It is very common to see lofted houses in London and getting a loft conversion is the best option when converting to two stories doesn't make any sense. There are a lot of things to consider before opting for a loft conversion. There is also a lot of money involved in getting this conversation started. It costs almost £15,000 for a single room in the roof with a bed and a bath and the price goes up to almost £55,000 if you want a room that is manufactured off-site and then canned into position.
there are certain things that you should know about before you go for a loft conversion. Some of them are mentioned below.
Lofting is not possible if your house is completely packed, you will need a specified amount of free space for lofting. You should consider making a pathway to reach a room and there should be enough sunlight and heating in the room. The roof should be in a comfortable position and the room should measure at least 5,500mm side to side, inclusive of a chimney, and 7,500mm front to back. With enough space, you can use the room however you like, you can make it a kids play area, a mini-movie space, or a calm place where you get some alone time.
Loft conversations do not require any specific permissions but if you are planning to make structural changes then taking permission from local authorities is mandatory. Permission is also required if you want to extend the height of the roof or the dome to create extra space. There are also specific regulations that you have to follow. The loft should be safe and there should be risks or structural damage. There should be proper stairs and ventilation too. If you wish to have a party wall you should inform your neighbors and give adjoining notice according to the Party wall agreement 1996.
The lofted room should have proper insulation and plumbing. There are various other factors that have to be considered but these two make a room resizable. It is impossible to provide insulation to a room if the walls are too thin and add insulation padding and might suck the space of the room and make it too tiny. There should be water and plumbing facilities in the room and most rooms have a washroom so it is necessary to have an efficient drainage system connected to the room.
There are different styles and models of lofts available like Rooftop conversion, Dormer conversion, Hip-to-Gable conversions, etc but not all of them are suitable for a single home. You have to look at the floor, the roof, the structure, and select a type of loft. The cost of following upon different lofts also varies so you have to make a decision wisely.
Loft conversions are common everywhere so you can go around the neighborhood and look out for similar lofted houses and consider the same time of loft conversions they have.
Your financial expenses will not remain the same after you get a lofting conversion. There will be additional expenses to fill up the interior and to equip the room with necessary gadgets. You will have to clean the room regularly and make sure the room is safe from pests and other rodents. All of this increases the expenses and a loft conversion is not cheap. Normal loft conversion costs £15,000 for a single room in the roof with a bed and a bath and the price goes up to almost £55,000 if you want a room that is manufactured off-site and then canned into position. The lofted room which had a bed and a bath could add up to an additional 20% value to the house.
It is necessary for you to tell your insurance company about the loft conversion. You should show them all the documents and make a change to your insurance policy. The loft conversion can increase your insurance premium. You should also notify them about moving to a different place when the construction work is going on. You can also get renovations insurance and this will help you from any loss of raw material, accidents while renovation, and property owners' liability.
A loft conversion is a huge expense and you should be 100% sure if you want to get a loft conversion. It costs a lot and increases your expenses but it also adds value to your house. You have to take care of so many things like electricity, waterproofing, soundproofing, etc but in the end, it will be worth it. The new room will be the perfect place to enjoy your alone time or spend time with friends and family.
Will my loft ideas require planning permission?
Often in residential property concerning scenarios, you will need to get planning permission for converting a loft or attic into a liveable space. Adding an extra space in your attic or altering the roof space beyond its current limits can affect the structural integrity of your house, that is why you may need to follow certain restrictions in place for loft conversions.
Sometimes alterations to an apartment or in maisonettes can extend to other parts of the building. Hence regulations need to be applied to ensure:
The rules of authorised development describe a few specific conversion works that should carry out without the need to seek planning permission.
To find out whether your loft conversion needs any planning permission or not, you can consult with your builder. However, your loft conversion may not need any consent if it's meeting with such conditions:
These above mentioned conditions are only applicable for houses. You may need to seek planning permission if you live in:
Fortunately, now you can easily apply for planning permission online, via the planning portal.
You still need to follow certain relevant building regulations which are outlined on the Government website and from the planning portal, you can seek building regulation approval. Having these permissions assure that your loft conversion is structurally stable and secure and have been established accurately. However, building regulations requirement and type depend on the kind of conversion.
Such as if you are planning to have a liveable space and want to use it as a regular part of your house, then you may have to seek building regulation approval. Creating an additional space needs a wide range of alterations and could affect the original building architectural integrity .
As per 2019 Annual Homeowner Survey, 27% of homeowners found that planning permission is a significant obstruction for getting home renovations done. An experienced and right contractor can help in determining local planning restrictions, and preferences to ensure that project is tailored accordingly.
Though before you apply for permission, meet with your local planning authority for more understanding, as it can help them in dealing with your planning application when you go for the formal submission.
Contact Building Control to discuss your proposal, and they will also let you know if any documentation or process has to fulfil before starting the work.
Important building regulation that you should consider are:
Party Wall Agreement
You need a party wall agreement to ensure that work is done appropriately and won't endanger your neighbour's property if your conversion is going to affect the wall that joins your house to your neighbour's. This agreement will be done between your neighbour, and you and you both need to sign on the papers. Before signing off the papers to proceed with work and to go ahead, a surveyor comes to inspect the designs and as per the site and other things, may ask for any further documentation.
Visit the government planning website for more details.
Will my new loft conversion designs add value to my house?
Creating an additional space is always beneficial when it comes to adding real value to the property. Every house owner, when thinking for extra square feet, they also think to add additional cost to their project.
However, if you own a home in the capital, your property values may be significantly higher than other areas.
DO INCREASE MY ACCOMMODATION REALLY ADDS VALUE?
The answer is - YES!!!
On average, a typical extension can add up to £100,000 + value at your home. Because not all conversion types and houses are equal, the value can differ depending on the location, transportation, size and as our graph shows.
However, there are ways three primary ways which give you additional space while increasing the value of your property are:
Though, as per a Nationwide report, these three major types of conversion can add a value of up to £74,000 to a property., there are many areas that need proper consideration when you go for a loft conversion, for an excellent selling point when renting or selling a property.
A perfectly well loft conversion can add 20-30% value in your existing house. However, it can be an overwhelming process for most, who have not gone through any significant work before.
Don't worry!! Nothing is here to be despair. You can find a lot of experienced builders who can help you in understanding the procedure. Also, here we are sharing a few useful tips to maximize your property value.
First, go through with your loft structure before moving ahead with any designing idea. It will help you understand whether the planning has any profitable return.
As an example, a kitchen extension usefully enhances existing domestic facilities and adds value; it does not provide any additional space. Here opting for a loft conversion offers far more potential to increase the space.
Plus, check that your existing loft should have a proper headroom for a simple roof window addition. Be sure the area is safe as converting the loft should have enough head roof. However, it may require planning permission and can take a long time. Hence prepare yourself in advance, as planning applications add significant cost to your project, which comes off as a remarkable profit at the end.
Though we are nor asking you to become a conversion expert, understanding the difference and type of conversion can be helpful for you. Each conversion has their own advantages, and knowing about them will help you to choose the right one to fulfil your requirements.
Dormer loft conversions
If your space is a bit restricted, dormer loft conversion would be an ideal choice for you. It is also known as a simple flat roof dormer and generally requires no dramatic changes but can appear unsightly from the outside. Coordinate with your architecture to get the designing ideas to make it more attractive.
Pros of Dormer loft conversion
Hip-to-gable conversions
This is an ideal conversion type for end of terrace and detached homes with a vertical wall to form a new gable end. It is becoming an increasingly popular option across London.
Pros of Hip-to-Gable conversion type
It adds additional space and is constructed by raising the party wall which involves replacing the roof slopes with steeper sloping sides. Although it is suitable for all types of houses, it is the best option for terraced houses.
Considered as the cheapest conversion type, do not alter or expand the existing space at all. It requires less structural work for installation than others.
Pros of Roof Light loft conversion
Convert your garage
Like as a loft conversion, you can add new rooms in your garage which can be done without any planning permission and add great value in your property.
Update your kitchen
Even a small makeover in your kitchens such as fixtures and fitting can impact on your house.
Renovate your rooms
Renovating your house as new trends such as -an open living area can give your home a makeover by opening up your living and kitchen areas.
Many house owners find themselves in difficulty to choose between loft conversion or moving. Here we are sharing a few points which can help you to understand why loft conversion is preferable as an alternative to moving home.
Pros of Loft conversion
Space is space no matter what you create on it. However, converting and remodelling your existing property within the planning regulatory can give you additional space.
It also determines the value, and as a loft tends to add a whole new room such as bedroom, study room, kitchen, it can turn your two-bedroom home into a three-bedroom which ultimately increases the value. It is a considerable investment & potentially increases a home's value by around 21%.
It is easier to understand it as:
Building a loft conversion offers you a plethora of incredible benefits and improves both the aesthetics and value of your home.
Work from home might sound attractive, but it can be not easy and productive if you do not have proper space and peace. Many professionals who work from home consider converting their loft into a private home office where, without being distracted, they can focus on their work.
Going upstairs for work has many benefits as the attic is a slightly apart space from the rest of the house and gives proper ideal space for work.
If you are inspired by the idea of converting your loft into an office space, you should take some time to think through the details of designing and space uses.
Also, before going to convert your loft into an office, you must see that the loft should have a suitable size to transform into an office space, and you can work here for a long time. As you may require a large desk, personal computer, chair, papers container and bookshelves, hence your loft should have a sufficient head and floor space to cope up with all these requirements.
Instead of making your attic dusty storage space, with the following modification ideas, remodel it into an idyllic working space.
Practical Considerations -
Opt for loft ladders as they serve as a suitable alternative for the standard staircases with their lightweight and foldable features. Instead of a permanent obstruction, it also helps to maximize the space, and you can hide them when you are not using them. Loft ladders also effectively reduce the need to reinforce the loft floor and you can establish its standing as a separate space from the rest of the house.
Build into nooks -
During the loft conversion work, often space ends up with several nooks and crannies which are created for structural supports and the angle of the roof. You can utilize those nooks to build shelves for books and files. It can add useful extra work and storage space at either end.
Colour theme -
Groupe the lashings of colour together on every surface in a perfect sense of order. Colour-coding provides several benefits as it is easier to find what is placed where.
Make it multi-tasking -
Many home offices function as multi taking place. You can use it as a spare bedroom, a small storage space. Transform it in such a way to create an impressively multi-functional space. Corners can provide the spot for some recessed shelves, and you can adjust a small bed for resting there.
Windows -
Allowing natural sunshine is one of the most significant aspects which needs proper consideration while converting your loft into the office space. Proper sunlight makes the loft an attractive workspace and improves your mood with the presence of natural light. Also, being exposed to sunlight improves your sleep quality, productivity, sleep efficiency, and your overall health.
Depending on the pitch and your loft layout, you can opt for a suitable window type, while converting your loft into an office space.
Come off the wall -
Often while people convert their loft into the office space, they position the desk up against the wall, instead of making that face out into the room, that allows space for someone else to sit at the desk, especially if you are working on more collaborative projects. Utilize that empty wall as a storage space, cope with a bank of neat cupboards to give the whole comfortable feeling.
Stay willowy -
Keep your room more cult free by occupying a few essential furniture as the bigger the desk, the more clutter. Nowadays, most of the people working at a laptop do not need a big space or big desk, hence avoid the desk impinging the rest of the room. However, you can go for the sleek, long desk, on which you can keep a few of your books, table lamps, pen stands or other required things.
A cosy retreat -
It is not necessary to have a large dormer to tuck in a workstation; you can make your small loft into a cosy escape. You can keep your desk on one side, and cupboards on the other side, under the eaves.
Are you working from home? Do you have a proper dedicated space for work? Are you looking for a remodelling? If not then contact with House extension London to make your loft in an ideal space to work in.
There are various loft flooring options to choose from while beginning to board your loft. Some options are cheaper than others but often have some drawbacks and therefore need to be thought of, very carefully. We'll take you through the description, advantages and drawbacks of some of the common loft flooring and boarding approaches:
This is the cheapest method of all and you can do it all by yourself, if you love DIYs and have fun creating your own space by yourself.
But, the major drawback with this type is that it does now allow enough airflow and doesn't leave the space any room for the recommended insulation depth, which is usually between 240-270 mm.
The alternative for laying chipboards directly on the joists is to buy and lay insulation boarding over the joists.
But, insulation boarding is expensive and does not really solve the insulation problem.
Attaching counter battens at the top of the joists raises the level of the floor. Then the boards can be laid on the top.
The advantage of using counter battens is that it does allow enough space for insulation and airflow.
This is to use a raised floor system. This kind of flooring is the job of an expert and gives a professional finish to the loft.
The advantage of LoftZone StoneFloor system is that it solves the airflow problem and takes the best care of insulation. It is a modular system which is unique and patented. It provides an extra storage space and this type of flooring system is the only loft flooring system that complies with the building regulations. LoftZone StoneFloor flooring system is strong enough to provide a safe deck for access along with keeping a check of the insulation underneath.
Hence, this can be considered as the best loft flooring system also, if you are ready to spend on the quality of it.
Installing loft boarding and flooring is of great advantage and brings you many benefits like an added storage space which can be used for various amazing purposes.
If you have read the above, you know by now that each flooring system has different advantages and different disadvantages. If you want to DIY your flooring system, you can do that too or if you want to get professional help, that can also be done very easily. All of it completely depends upon your personal preferences and the kind of use you are looking out from your new loft conversion. Hence, we recommend considering our experts at Loft Conversion London to give you detailed advice on which flooring system would suit your requirement the best. We understand that different people have different tastes and how the issue of insulation can be a bigger concern for some and for others, just the storage bit matters. For some, doing and creating the space all by themselves can be of great excitement and hence we drive with the mission of helping people fulfill their dreams and ambitions and converting their loft in the way they have always wanted and imagined it to be.
If you want to add up space but moving in isn't an option, loft conversion is a great way for you to get started with creating up additional space in your existing house. But before Loft conversion, one is required to keep a check of all the laws in that particular area, other considerations and obviously a lot of planning is required. The most important factor that comes into our minds while thinking of loft conversion is the cost and how to calculate loft conversion costs. Here, we are going to talk specifically about that.
The most important factors on which the cost of loft conversion will depend upon are- structure of your, roof, the available space you have, what kind of alterations do you want to make, installing a staircase and obviously the cost related to the amount of interior design you want to add up and beautify the space.
Converting your loft is a relatively cheap and an easy way to add up space in your house. A loft can work as a storage space, an additional living space, a lounge area, an office, s guest room, a children's play room, a home cinema or even a gym. Sounds amazing, right? But, the question remains the same, that - how much does a loft conversion cost? We let you discover the average price of a loft conversion along the course of this article.
One of the biggest loft conversion cost calculation factors is the location you live in. To simply this, here is a list of some average loft conversion costs for areas in the UK for 20 m sq. standard space.
Northern Ireland - £8,580
Scotland - £12,012
Wales - £10, 639
Northern England - £11, 669
Midlands - £10, 868
Yorkshire - £11, 669
East Anglia - £11, 097
South East England - £12,012
South West England - £10,686
The average cost for one room in the loft conversion starts from around £15,000 and goes upto as much as you can afford. This minimum cost will include -
The actual cost will vary on the quality of products you want to invest in for all of these factors.
Another popular option for loft conversion is Hip to Gable loft extension. This includes converting the slope side of the roof into the fat edge and adding up additional space in your loft. This type of loft conversion costs between £30,000 - £35,000. The cost will increase if you want to make additional changes too, in the loft.
Another common option for loft conversion that is being mostly opted for is the dormer loft conversion, which means extending the outwards from the back side of the loft and converting the loft in a box shape. This type of loft conversions are also known as kennel or box conversions. These add up to a lot of extra space and the cost of such dormer loft conversion ranges between £19,000 and £30,000.
The most costly loft conversions are when you want to change the roof structure altogether. Changing the roof structure is considered to be the most expensive and the most difficult kind of loft conversion ever. This is because it mostly requires removing the entire roof and re-building it in the desired way. People of for changing the roof structure in two cases -
This type of loft conversion does require the homeowner to take permissions, which adds up to the cost even more. The average cost of changing the roof structure begins £40,000 and goes upwards to unimaginable extent, depending upon the quality, quantity and desirability of the outcome.
The cost also varies depends on the type of and number of windows that you want to add up-
Hence, these are the common aspects you'll need to know about while calculating the cost of loft conversion.
Be smart while building your house extension, to save money. We are listing 7 tricks to help you in making value-adding decisions.
Choose a reliable architect and explain to them what exactly you want as an outcome.
2. Leave time for paperwork -
A planning permission commission almost takes 8-14 weeks to provide a lawful development certificate. It's advisable not to start any extension work without getting approval from the council. As the delay in paperwork can delay your extension work too, so do that on priority. Ensure that all your appraisal, survey work, building control, and party wall matters get settled before you begin. If you start doing this early, you may get a more competitive quote.
3. Use standard materials and features -
You can get a lot of ready-available and easy to use products. Generally, if you are looking for a custom-made solution, you can eliminate the costing from the initial estimate. Keep it simple using precast beam and block solutions for the block-work for the walls, ground slab, brick, render or timber cladding for the exterior coatings, and can use softwood for the roof frame structure.
4. Check your agreement and break down your quote -
Before starting any extension work gets a tight contract, so, if anything turns during your project, it will give you a proper way to handle inflating costs. Get a fully cost quote from the builder so that you will be aware of the price of each element, and if anything gets changed, you can refer to the original price per unit.
5. Eliminate problematic groundwork -
Avoid building near trees, drains or other services or if you have a detached house, try not to extend too close to your neighbor's house, it may affect their foundation, and they may apply for a Party Wall Act.
6. Compare suppliers -
Compare different supplier price rates form choosing an architect to sourcing a builder. Try soliciting 4-6 quotes for all supplies and finalize the best one. However, we can sometimes say it's possible that the cheaper one will not be the best. House extension London offers value, quality and trust and handles your entire contract precisely to give you the best outcome.
7. Save money on a planning fee -
Expert Architects at House extension London helps you to keep costs down and build low-cost development simultaneously consolidating a high-value design. We will help you throughout the making process of the Planning and Building Regulations applications. It would be the best idea to invest money to those who will look after your interest.
You can avoid paying the fees associated with the planning permission
if your extension comes into the Permitted Development criteria. However, House extension London always advises for an initial pre-consultation inquiry.
8. Hire a project manager -
Whether you're building a two-storey rear extension or a renovated kitchen or just removing your conservatory, a project manager is always relevant to consider.
A project manager will help you to stay updated about the work progress. Also, he will keep an eye to the trades person and will try to complete the work within the timeline.
9. Get the design accurately -
An improvement to the drawings will always require more hours from your architect; on the other hand, any changes during the construction process can cost you more labor, time and materials. Decide the design in one go, as replacements always acquire in extra costs that only become apparent later on. A perfect design ensures that everything is happening in the right place. It becomes crucial when dealing with loft conversions as it has a complexity of having different roof pitches, stair's headroom and the available quality space. However, use the 3D model to make the designing work easier.
10. Negotiate trade discounts -
House extension London uses its own trusted suppliers, and get special prices for their loyalty. We offer the best deal in the market.
We keep our costs down by using basic specifications. Get in touch for more specifications.
