There will always be some degree of mystery surrounding completion times for every building project. This can be due to various unpredictable causes, including material wait periods, unforeseen occurrences, and the weather. Weather conditions are critical during the construction phase of loft conversions, influencing whether work can continue or must be temporarily halted.
There are various methods that construction crews can lessen the effects of bad weather on your loft conversion project. Installing a tin hat on a floor above the loft level on scaffolding is the most frequent approach to mitigate the effect of heavy rain or stormy weather.
A tin hat is made up of corrugated tin sheets mounted to scaffolding above your roof to keep it protected from the elements. A tin hat is highly recommended if your loft conversion is being built during the winter months. During the summer, though, you may be able to complete your loft conversion without using a tin hat. A tin hat typically costs £3k + VAT, yet it can help you stay on track with your project.
The type of loft conversion you have made on your property might also influence whether or not you require a tin hat.
Only one side of the roof is removed in skylight loft conversions and rear dormer loft conversions, exposing only one angle to the elements. In the winter, a thick polyurethane sheet can be used instead of a tin hat to cover this. You'll probably need a tin hat for the front and back mansards, as both sides of the roof will be removed. The same is true for hip-to-gable rear dormers, as well as rear and l-section loft conversions.
Keeping the inner area dry is crucial for loft conversions since you don't want any leaks to seep down to the level below.
While a tin hat may appear to be a costly alternative, it will help to preserve your home and keep the construction process on track. If you don't have a tin hat, you'll always risk having to extend your completion time. Unfortunately, one of the elements our teams cannot forecast is the weather. Thus there must be some wiggle room with completion times due to the weather.
Another reason your loft conversion may be delayed is because of the weather. Certain building materials and phases, such as brickwork and blockwork, do not perform or operate well at low temperatures.
Temperatures below three degrees Celsius may necessitate a temporary pause to your project before the brickwork or blockwork can be completed. If the building must be halted due to weather, your Project Manager will always notify you, and they will make every effort to complete your project within the specified timeline.
The eight essential elements listed below will help you understand what a loft conversion entails, how it will affect your home, and whether it is the best approach to expand your living space.
The integrity of Structure - Few people realise that a loft conversion is about more than just adding square footage to your home. Even though adding a loft extension would only add a tiny amount of weight to your home, it is critical to ensure that the structure of your home can support the additional weight.
Height of the head - Before you begin a loft conversion, ensure your loft is high enough to sustain the transformation. Some lofts just aren't tall enough, which can lead to a slew of problems down the road. According to building codes, a standard loft must be at least 180 centimetres above ground level.
Regulations for Construction - You don't need to file for building rules permission because a loft conversion is considered a minor home renovation project, although it wouldn't harm to do so. So, before hiring a loft conversion professional, it's a good idea to get your project approved; nevertheless, you may be able to proceed with the job without doing so.
Natural Light And Windows - The beauty of loft conversion is that you don't have to make major changes to allow natural light. Skylights are an excellent choice for your new loft area since they will supply all necessary natural light. Skylights can also help you save money on your energy expenses.
Fire Prevention - There are safety issues to consider while changing the construction of your home, especially when it comes to fire safety. While loft conversions in bungalows have little impact on fire safety as long as the windows are large enough to serve as an emergency exit, the same cannot be accurate for two-story structures.
Insulation - If you want to make your new loft comfortable to live in, you'll need to insulate it. One of the most significant components of loft conversion is heat insulation, but due to changes in energy efficiency rules, this is no longer as simple as it once was. Insulation will almost always have to be installed between the rafters.
Stairs - One of the most complex components of loft conversion is effectively constructing the steps to your new loft. Because lofts are typically narrow and cramped, finding stages that will fit might be tricky. While little steps are OK because they do into the limited loft space, getting furniture up is impractical.
Storage Areas - Be prepared to lose some storage space when you convert your loft. As a result, your attic may appear cramped, narrow, and overburdened. As a result, you'll have to get creative to make storage space in your new loft.
When it comes to selecting the best time to conduct a loft conversion, your initial instinct might be to go with spring or summer. In actuality, a loft conversion can be completed in the winter as well.
While we love to complain about the weather, the UK has a benign climate compared to other countries. Summers are rarely hot, and daytime temperatures rarely drop below zero for an extended length of time, even in the dead of winter.
Let's begin with the most obvious option. The summer months are ideal for construction since the days are longer, and the temperatures are warmer. It's a better time of year for your project because there's less possibility of bad weather and possibly less rain. However, because building businesses are busiest at this time, it may be more challenging to acquire a slot with your first pick.
Building businesses may be less busy during the winter months, making it an excellent time to finish your loft. Then you may look forward to relaxing in your new home during the coming summer months!
Winter is commonly thought to be a wrong time for loft conversions. Any reputable builder, on the other hand, is well-equipped to work all year. Even if the weather is terrible outside, the builder works undercover, keeping your property protected from the elements.
Exceptional extremes like heavy snow or storms can cause minor delays, but we can make it work thein our typical British weather, rain or shine.
It all boils down to what works best for your schedule. Please notify your builder if you have any upcoming activities, such as holidays or visits, so that they can work around your schedule. It's also worth remembering that the beautiful British weather is always a gamble, no matter how meticulously you plan. On the other hand, a respected builder will be able to work to the same high standards regardless of the season.
Contact our team on 020 3951 8426 to schedule a free, no-obligation site survey with one of our trained surveyors if you're considering a loft conversion.
