LOFT CONVERSION SPECIALISTS
LOFT CONVERSION Ingatestone
Offering customised conversion solutions
All works covered by a 10-year guarantee.
About Loft Care
Providing Bespoke Conversion Solutions
DORMER CONVERSION
Ingatestone
A Dormer loft conversion in Ingatestone of your home allowing for additional floor space and headroom in the loft to perhaps incorporate a bedroom(s), bathroom, and or an office workspace.
A Dormer conversion in Ingatestone is a box-shaped structure that is built into the original pitched roof. It creates a large room with plenty of headroom and ample internal dimensions. With a flat rather than sloped roof, the main dormer windows face directly outwards letting in plenty of natural light whilst boasting great views.
A dormer conversion in Ingatestone can be a great option for attics that have limited space or a low head height. It will give you more space and make it easier to convert. Internally a dormer in Ingatestone will have a horizontal ceiling and vertical walls compared to the normal diagonal sides of a conventional loft, thus restricting its use. Spaces of up to 50 cubic meters can be obtained as new living areas under permitted development rights.
HIP TO GABLE CONVERSION
A Hip-to-Gable loft conversion is suitable for any detached, semi-detached, or end-of-terrace home with a hipped roof, where three equal sides slope downwards from above. This work requires major changes to the roof. A gable wall is built up to the ridge point and a new section of the roof is built to fill in the gap. The new loft space is constructed by turning one of the sides of the hip roof into a gable roof, creating a triangular-shaped, vertical end wall, aiming to match the appearance of your home using brickwork, clockwork, and or tiles giving the impression the converted space has always been there. The new gabled section of the roof creates additional height and floor space for the new loft room. Hip-to-gable conversions usually follow alongside with a dormer conversion, thus expanding your loft space even further, but is not always necessary. By unlocking this unutilized living space there’s a real opportunity to add significant value to your home.
Due to the technically detailed work involved with the nature of this build, which involves replacing one side of your sloping roof with a gable end wall, a Hip to Gable loft conversion tends to be slightly more expensive than a regular Dormer conversion.
MANSARD CONVERSION
Ingatestone
An L-shaped Mansard conversion creates even more space than a rear Mansard as a further room is added to the rear of your property.
A Double Mansard conversion will create the largest loft conversion available. This type of addition comprises a front and rear Mansard, essentially creating an entirely new story at your home.
At Loft Care, we can advise on planning and building regulation requirements you need to meet before starting your conversion.
A Mansard in Ingatestone is often the most expensive loft conversion due to its size and the skilled construction work required for the build. Further factors that increase this type of conversion are planning permission fees, plus additional work needed for the shared party wall.
VELUX ROOFLIGHT CONVERSION
Ingatestone
Velux windows come in many styles and colours to fit your needs. These award-winning units have been produced for many years now and supply much more than just light and ventilation. Their super sound insulation properties can reduce noise pollution by up to 50%, regardless of whether they are powered by mains energy or solar energy. Some windows can also open and close automatically, protecting you from the elements.<br />Blackout blinds are also available on Velux windows, whether you’re using them for bedrooms or bathrooms this option provides you with additional privacy required in those areas. This option will stop your room’s highly insulated walls from getting too hot in the summer.
Using Velux Windows
in Ingatestone
Further factors that increase this type of conversion cost are the required work needed for the shared party wall agreement.
LOCAL AREAS WE COVER
LOFT CONVERSION
Loft Care can provide a complete design and planning service package, ensuring you maximize your loft space at your property, whilst working to a budget and taking into consideration the latest building regulations and strict planning guidelines from your local authority.
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PROCESS
If you are considering getting a loft conversion constructed at your property, and are interested in finding out the process, let us take you through step-by-step as to what the typical loft conversion schedule looks like, so you can get an insight as to what to expect.
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DESIGN & PLANNING
Depending on which tailored service you decide to use our architects and structural surveyors will attend your property to complete a full site survey for building regulation drawings that you will require to fully understand the layout and potential your property has.
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CONSIDERATIONS
Your existing roof is designed to keep out the elements and is used for internal storage. Following a loft conversion, your roof will have to cope with significant loadings, for example, new RSJ supports, a new floor structure, and some form of Dormer or Hip to Gable conversion style. Roofs can generally be divided into two types.
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NEW REVIEWS
Loftcare offers a wide range of home remodeling services across London
FAQ
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. How high does my loft area need to be for a conversion?
A loft conversion requires there to be approximately at least 2.2 meters in height from the top of the floor joists to the bottom of the ridge board. If not, your property might be eligible for several different types of loft conversion. Depending on the property’s structure, we could lower your existing ceiling joists to enable sufficient height required to construct a loft conversion.
2. Do I need planning permission for my loft conversion?
Planning laws changed in 2008, meaning most loft conversions could be possible without the need for planning permission thus making the process a lot simpler for many homeowners.
This law change means that homeowners can extend their roof space by adding a dormer or hip-to-gable conversion by 50 cubic meters for a detached or semi-detached property and by 40 meters for a terraced house. This is called the permitted development allowance. However, there are several exceptions to the permitted development allowance rule, namely, flats and maisonettes will always need planning permission. If the property is located or listed within a conservation area, or if the roof height is being increased then these will require full planning permission and meet the policy design guidelines of your local council.
3. What is building control?
The building control office located within a local authority is in place to ensure any building work undertaken conforms to building regulations, this includes, design, construction methods, and approved materials.
Internal loft alterations (even non-structural ones) may affect fire safety, so prudent to contact the local authority.
4. If we are required to submit a full planning application, how long will it take for a decision?
Normally the council will advise of their decision within eight weeks.
5. What if my neighbours object?
6. What is a party wall agreement, and will I need one?
A party wall is an existing wall or structure shared with an adjoining property, for example, the wall between two terrace houses. As most loft conversions may affect the structure of a party wall you will need to notify all adjoining neighbours. Typical works:
- Changing the height of a party wall.
- Breaking into a wall to insert a structural beam.
- Underpinning a party wall where needed.
The above is covered by the Party Wall etc. Act 1996
7. What is a party wall agreement, and will I need one?
A party wall is an existing wall or structure shared with an adjoining property, for example, the wall between two terrace houses. As most loft conversions may affect the structure of a party wall you will need to notify all adjoining neighbours. Typical works:
- Changing the height of a party wall.
- Breaking into a wall to insert a structural beam.
- Underpinning a party wall where needed.
The above is covered by the Party Wall etc. Act 1996
8. How do I serve a party wall agreement?
Next steps - give notice in writing to all owners of when you plan to do it, and how it will impact them. Served at least two months before the work on the party wall is due to start. Your neighbour may agree to work starting earlier but is not obliged to, they have 14 days to respond. Any agreement from other owners must be gained in writing.
If agreement on the work is not reached, an "agreed surveyor" can be appointed to draw up an "award". This award will typically set out the work to be done, how and when it will be carried out, and will include a report on the existing condition of the adjoining property. These costs are typically covered by the owner of the property converting their loft.
9. Is there disruption when constructing a loft conversion?
Throughout any building works there will always be some sort of disruption. With the process of converting a loft, most of these works (85/90%) are carried out in the loft area, therefore minimizing the risk of disorder. The only time you will potentially experience any disruption will be when the team breakthrough your existing ceiling for the new staircase to service the new loft area, this will be no longer than 2 days.
10. Health and Safety & Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM 2015)
At Loft Care, we are continuously committed to ensuring the health & safety along with the welfare of our employees, contractors, clients, and the public. We are fully aware of our legal duties under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.
Separately, we ensure the implementation of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM 2015) in the domestic construction sector, guaranteeing these duties are passed on to the contractor.
CONTACT US
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Address
Church Lane
Loughton
Essex
IG10 1PF
Phone
0800 002 9411
info@loftcare.co.uk
