Loft Conversion Glossary

Posted by Charlotte

 

At SkyLofts we know that there are many various terms related to loft conversions that you may not be familiar with. We’ve pulled all these together to form a loft conversion glossary of the common terms with an easy to understand explanation that will make you feel more comfortable when speaking with your loft conversion builder.

1. Loft Conversion

A Loft Conversion involves building an additional room/s such as a bedroom and a bathroom in the loft space of your home. If you are looking to increase the living space in your home without eating into your garden with an extension then a loft conversion is a cost-effective way to achieve this.

2. Dormer

If space and headroom within your loft are limited, it may make sense to opt for a dormer style conversion. A dormer is where the roof is extended to give more internal room to the conversion, you can read all about dormers here.

3. Mansard

A mansard conversion where the roof is converted to have two pitches on each side, you can read all about mansard loft conversions here.

4. Hip to Gable

A hip to gable loft is where you change the sloping side of your property (the hip side) to a flat gable end to create a much larger loft space, you can read all about hip to gable loft conversions here.

5. RSJ

RSJ stands for Rolled Steel Joist, which is an ‘I’ beam made of rolled steel. They are typically used to support the floor of the loft conversion and the ridge of the roof.

6. First Fix Loft Conversion

A first fix loft conversion is a part build loft, where SkyLofts will undertake all of the technical and difficult work associated with converting your loft such as installing steels, stairs, and structural work. For more information on first fix loft conversions, click here.

7. Second Fix Loft Conversion

The second fix of a loft conversion includes the electricians and plumbers coming back to complete their works, flooring being laid and doors being hung all in preparation for decoration to take place. A full explanation of first fix loft conversions can be found here.

8. Snagging

Snagging takes place towards the end of your loft conversion, it is a list of imperfections and defects in the quality of the finished work such as decoration niggles. A full explanation of first fix loft conversions can be found here.

9. Rafters

Are the main sloping roof timbers which form the roof structure of a building

10. Batten 

Batten, a small strip of sawn timber fixed horizontal across the rafters and dormer structure to provide a positive fixing to either tiles/slates

11. Binders

Thin strips of timber nailed across the top of the ceiling rafters in lofts to strengthen the structure

12. Cheeks

The side walls of a dimer window

13. Fire check door 

A door that can withstand the passage of fire for a given time

14. Lintel 

A timber, steel or concrete structural member used to span an opening and support the load above, such as a door or window

15. Flashings

A thin strip of lead used to cover joints to roofs and chimneys to prevent leaks

16. Newel Post 

A post supporting the strings and banisters of a staircase, normally found at the top and bottom of the stairs

17. Load Bearing 

Any structural part of the building that carries imposed loads such as a brick wall or steel/timber post

18. MoE 

Means of Escape refers to escape windows, which comply with minimum dimensions that are set out by building regulations

19. Noggins 

Short timber battens fitted between a pair of joists or timber studs to add strength

20. OSB

Oriented Strand Board is a multi-layered board made from strands of wood or fine timber waste, mixed together with a binder

21. Party Wall 

Refers to the wall that separates adjoining terraced or semi-detached houses. The boundaries between two properties, although shared by both are subject to legalisation, more information about the party wall act can be found here

22. Plasterboard 

A sheet of material used for stud walls and ceilings

23. Ridge 

The apex of a pitched roof where the two slopes meet

24. Roof Truss 

A traditional roof structure, comprising of a framed assembly of structural members

25. Sawn Timber 

Timber, cut into commercially sized lengths

26. Spine Wall 

The main internal load-bearing wall commonly found in pre 1970’s properties

27. Stanchion

A vertical supporting beam, made of steel

28. Stretcher 

The side of a brick, visible in walls when laid lengthways

29. Stud 

A vertical timber used in the construction of stud partitions

30. Stud Partition

A series of vertical studs and horizontal noggins nailed together to form a framed position covered with plasterboard on both sides

31. Universal Beam 

A steel beam similar to a RSJ but with a flat top and bottom flanges

32. Universal Column 

A steel beam similar to a RSJ but square in section

Interested in having a loft conversion in Hampshire, Surrey or South West London? Please contact SkyLofts on 01252 500872 , email info@skylofts.co.uk or go to our contact page.

An Interview With Matt – One of Our Skilled Carpenters

Posted by Charlotte

Matt Boon, Loft FitterHow did you first get into loft conversions?

I first started in the loft conversion industry when I left college around four years ago. Its something that I love doing and I have always been interested in construction since a very young age. I think it comes down to the fact that no two days are the same when converting lofts, we work with lots of different people on lots of different types of properties in different areas. One day we can be in Farnborough building a Velux loft conversion and a few weeks later, we’ll be in Guildford or Fleet building an L-shaped dormer, meeting new customers along the way.

Tell us a bit more about what you do at SkyLofts?

At SkyLofts I work closely with Daniel who is my loft team leader. Together we ensure that our loft conversions are built efficiently, in a timely manner and to the highest standards possible whilst making sure all the customers needs and questions are dealt with correctly along the way.

What are the most common problems or challenges you encounter in your line of work?

The biggest problem we face at SkyLofts has to be the weather, particularly through the winter period. Some years it will be the snow or sleet but this year we have had to face the high winds and rain. The weather is never a real building issue as long as we are prepared for it, problems are there to be dealt with so it never hinders our build progress too much.

What’s the best part of your job?

For me individually the best part of working at SkyLofts is looking at the finished product and thinking how it was only 3-4 weeks ago that this loft was a wasted and uninhabitable space, now it’s a clean and usable space which ties in well with the existing property. I also enjoy seeing a satisfied customer at the end of their loft conversion. I have seen customers gain a large master bedroom with en-suite, a nursery or a home office and it was not that long ago that they did not realise the potential their loft held.

What’s your favourite way to unwind?

Unwinding for me always involves some sort of physical activities weather its boxing, snowboarding and in the summer golf on a regular basis.

If you are considering a loft conversion in Surrey, Hampshire or South West London then please contact SkyLofts on 01252 500 872 or email info@skylofts.co.uk to discuss your loft potential.

 

Converting Your Bungalow

Posted by Charlotte

If you are considering converting your bungalow with a loft conversion, there are several routes that you can take. Below SkyLofts discuss the options bungalow homeowners can choose when converting their loft. For some real inspiration check out one of our previous bungalow loft conversion in Hampshire.

Converting Your Bungalow Velux Option

1.        Roof Light Conversion

The most simple and cost-effective loft conversion for a bungalow property is to install roof light windows. The roof windows can be installed to the front and/or rear elevation without altering your roofline. It works best when there is ample headroom throughout your loft so you can make full use of all the available floor space.

A roof light loft conversion requires significantly less construction work than other options and with this simple type of conversion, you do not normally need planning permission. Although there are some exceptions which you can see here. A roof light loft conversion offers many advantages to your loft rooms:

-These windows allow for a large amount of light, making your loft conversion feel spacious and airy

-Roof light windows can be fitted with a thermostat, which automatically opens or closes the windows when your room reaches your pre-selected temperature

-You can also opt to have them fitted with rain sensors, which automatically closes the roof light if rain is detected

-You can control roof light windows via a remote, which is fantastic for high ceilings

2.     Dormer Conversion

A dormer loft conversion is an extension of your existing roof. Which projects vertically from a sloping roof giving you additional floor space and headroom within your loft. Dormers can have a flat or pitched roof and are designed to fit all house styles. An additional advantage with a dormer loft conversion is that since new regulations were introduced in 2008, many Local Authorities allow dormers to be built without planning permission providing the design is within guidelines. This has reduced the cost an

Bungalow Dormer Conversion

d speeded up the process of this type of conversion. Even if your dormer conversion design does require a planning application then SkyLofts will submit all relevant paperwork making it as simple as possible for you.

Dormer loft conversions are usually situated at the back of your property. Though smaller and more traditional dormers can be found at the front of some buildings.

SkyLofts can provide guidance on the size and placement of dormers that best suit your needs and home.

For more ideas on bungalow loft conversion look at this completed project in Surrey

3.    Mansard

A mansard loft conversion is a conversion installed to the rear of your property.  Building a Mansard loft conversion opens up your roof, so you can make the most of your loft space. This type of conversion has aflat roof with a back wall that slopes inwards. These slopes are at an angle of 72 degrees incorporating windows in the form of small dormers. Mansard conversions almost always require planning permission, this is due to the large changes in your roof shape and structure.

Mansard loft conversions often require more construction work than other types of loft conversions, but result in creating a lot of additional living space in your home.

4. Hip To Gable

The majority of houses that have hip roofs tend to have a relatively small internal volume.  So for a conversion to be practical, a hip to gable loft conversion is usually the most suit

able solution. A hip to gable conversion involves changing the sloping or ‘hipped’ roof to create a vertical gable end.

Converting Your Bungalow Rear Dormer Conversion

This gives a much larger loft room with significantly more usable floor space. A rear dormer can also be added to your property to increase your loft space further. The building work will involve removing the roof and then building a gable end in brickwork or blockwork to match your property and create an attractive finish.

Check out this hip to gable loft conversion for more inspiration

To discuss what type of loft conversion is most suitable for your bungalow please contact SkyLofts for more information on 01252 500 872 via our contact page or email info@skylofts.co.uk

Customers Speak of Their Completed Loft Conversion in Guildford, Surrey

Posted by Charlotte

Here at SkyLofts when we have completed a customer’s loft conversion we enjoy going back a few weeks later to see how they are settling into their new space. Below we caught up with Richard and Alison Corste in Guildford to discuss their new loft conversion.

What made you decide on a loft conversion?

With a new baby on the way and Finley’s ever growing toy collection our house felt like it was getting smaller and smaller, we love the area we live in and the schools are fantastic so we really wanted to stay put, that’s when we decided on a loft conversion.

What steps did you take when looking for a loft conversion company?

It was very important to us that we chose a reputable loft conversion company, we knew we would be spending quite a bit of money so we wanted to ensure we could trust the company that would be converting our loft. We heard SkyLofts advert on 96.4 Eagle Radio and arranged an initial meeting with Stuart, as well as two other loft conversion companies.

What set us apart from our competitors?

Stuart was very quick at responding back to us and we did ask a lot of questions! He made us feel very relaxed in his company and the knowledge he has in terms of planning permission, building regulations and visualizing the best way to make the most of our space in the loft was fantastic. The itemized quote he produced gave us piece of mind that we knew how much everything would cost, the other companies we had round lacked the confidence and knowledge we expected.

Did your project manager keep you involved throughout your loft conversion? 

Stuart was only ever a phone call away and he constantly kept us updated throughout the whole process, everyone we met throughout the conversion was fantastic. He was always happy to discuss any issues we had and promptly came back with solutions keeping the whole project on track timing wise, which is exactly what we needed with the pending due date of baby!

What are you using your loft conversion for?

We now have our own bedroom upstairs with an en-suite and nursery for the baby. Stuarts attention for detailed meant that the space was used wisely and we are both thrilled with the built in wardrobes that Dan made in the bedroom and nursery. We really would not hesitate to recommended SkyLofts to anyone that is considering a loft conversion.

Loft Conversion Surrey

If you are considering a loft conversion in Surrey, Hampshire or South West London then please contact SkyLofts on 01252 500 872 via our contact page or email info@skylofts.co.uk to help move your loft dream in the right direction.

 

Advantages To Using A Loft Conversion Designer

Posted by Charlotte

Our Loft Conversion Designers

When choosing to convert your loft with us we can also help you design your loft if you have yet to appoint somebody to do so. When working with SkyLofts we have our designers on board at the very early stages of planning. Giving them the opportunity to understand your lifestyle and what you envision for your loft. They will listen and interpret your ideas. So that your personal design is tailored to your needs, one that not only works but is also a pleasure to live in both now and in the future.

As we consult our designers at the earliest planning stages this allows them to foresee any problems and understand your objectives. Allowing them to develop creative solutions and propose ways to reduce costs, both in the construction and operation of your loft conversion.

Our designers look beyond your immediate requirements to design a flexible loft space that can adapt to the changing needs of your family, ensuring that you achieve the best possible result for your conversion.

A well-designed loft can, and should, increase your homes long-term value. Our designers will be able to plan and design a loft that achieves this. Therefore saving you money and maximising your investment.

Before you speak to one of our designers about your loft requirements it is worth discussing some of the below points as this will be key in defining the vision of your finished loft conversion and for us, it is our central reference point that will guide the direction we take:

  • Your reasoning and expectations for your loft conversion both in the short and long-term
  • Who will use your loft space and what will they use it for
  • A design direction: Contrasting or in keeping with the existing building
  • Will your loft conversion be contemporary or traditional
  • Are there certain materials, fixtures or finishes you favour for your loft conversion

Once we have designed your loft conversion and sent you the plans, there are a few things we would recommend you assess before we are both happy to submit to the council:

  • Does the layout of the loft rooms give you everything you have asked for?
  • Does the layout of the loft make the best use of the space?
  • Do the proportions of the loft rooms replicate those of the rest of the house or could they be improved?
  • Could the windows being used in the loft be better positioned?
  • Will the layout of the loft rooms let you include the furniture you need?
  • Is head-height reasonable throughout the loft space?
  • How much storage does the loft plan provide you with?

If you are considering a loft conversion then please contact SkyLofts via our contact page.

 

How To Make Your Loft Conversion Look Bigger

Posted by Charlotte

In a small space, everything counts and sometimes due to the shape of your loft these rooms can have many nooks and crannies which make your loft rooms appear smaller. SkyLofts have pulled together a few ideas from Pinterest (credit is given where possible to the owners and in now way shows our own work) that will allow you to make your loft rooms feel and look bigger by simply applying a few clever tricks.

 

 1.    Use Light Colours and Clever Contrasts

When it comes to decorating your new loft rooms consider using cream and icy blue colours, this is a great colour combination that gives the illusion of a small space looking like a larger living area. Walls that are light and brightly coloured are more reflective, making the rooms feel open, airy and spacious.

 

2.      Add built-in furniture  

Opting for built in furniture can instantly transform the look of your loft conversion and is a great way of utilizing awkward spaces. Unlike free standing furniture which can leave a lot of wasted spaces, fitted furniture not only eliminates excess clutter but will make your loft conversion look more seamless. If you opt for built in storage such as wardrobes, try taking them all the way to the ceiling, giving the illusion that the room is taller.

 

3. Let In Natural Light

Natural light can do wonders for small loft spaces, making them feel bright and airy despite their size. You should avoid blocking natural light into you loft conversion and the use of Velux windows are a great way of avoiding this. If you are not using Velux windows then curtain poles should be used on windows mounted as close as possible to the ceiling of your loft conversion, using fabric curtains that fall right to the floor. This helps give the illusion of height and space. If possible try and have your curtain poles extend beyond the window recess so that curtains can be drawn back helping to make the room look wider. Better still, opt for blinds as these give a cleaner and less cluttered effect to a loft room. Letting in as much natural light as possible also has its benefits, you can find out about these on SkyLofts blog post Your Loft Conversion, Natural Light. Naturally Beneficial.

 

 4. Use Mirrors 

You probably have a pretty good idea on where to hang the mirrors in your new loft conversion rooms, but if placed correctly they can be one of the best tools to make a small space look bigger. One way of creating the illusion of space with mirrors is by using a long skinny mirror and turn it on its side when hanging it on the wall, as it instantly makes any wall look longer. You can also use mirrors on your wardrobe doors, this will double your rooms visual space and works best when you can take the mirrored doors from floor to ceiling, wall to wall.

 

5. Use A Day Bed

A daybed is a great way to create the illusion that your new loft room is more of a small sitting area instead of a bedroom that has been taken over by a bed. Daybeds often have storage built in underneath which helps to make the most of your loft space.

 

6. Paint The Ceiling 

Consider painting the ceilings of your new loft rooms, the trick to effectively opening up a small space like this is to keep the colour contrast between the walls and ceilings to a minimum. Painting the ceiling the same hue as the walls helps to erase the shadow lines that visually define a space, making the room feel light, airy and larger.

 

7. Put Up Wall Shelves 

A bedside table or a bookcase can take up a lot of floor space in a loft room, try replacing these with wall shelves. The use of wall shelves can provide a more open feeling and extra floor space, while giving you all the room you need for your essentials.

 

8. Opt For Stripes 

Not only are stripes in at the moment, they add colour and pattern to any design scheme. One of the many advantages of using stripes is their cunning ability to disguise rooms small shortcomings. In a room that has a low ceiling try hanging wallpaper with vertical stripes, this will create the optical illusion that the walls are taller than they actually are. In the same way that striped wallpaper can make a room feel wider, striped carpet can also create the illusion that your room is longer than it actually is.

 

For more loft conversion inspiration visit us on Pinterest.

If you are considering a loft conversion in Surrey, Hampshire or South West London then please contact SkyLofts on 01252 500 872 or email info@skylofts.co.uk to help move your loft dream in the right direction.

Converting Your Detached House

Posted by Charlotte

For your detached house loft conversion, there are several routes that you can take. Below SkyLofts discuss the options detached homeowners can choose and for real inspiration check out one of our previous conversions on a detached house in Fleet, Hampshire.

1.        Roof Light Conversion

The simplest and cost-effective loft conversion for a detached house is to install roof light windows without making any external alterations to your roofline. It works best when there is ample headroom throughout your loft so you can make full use of all the available floor space.Detached House Velux Conversion

A roof light conversion requires significantly less construction work than other loft conversion options and with this simple type of conversion, you do not normally need planning permission, although there are some exceptions which you can see here. A roof light loft conversion offers many advantages to your loft rooms:

-These windows allow for a large amount of light, making your loft conversion feel spacious and airy

-Roof light windows can be fitted with a thermostat, which automatically opens or closes the windows when your room reaches your pre-selected temperature

-You can also opt to have them fitted with rain sensors, which automatically closes the roof light if rain is detected

-You can control roof light windows via a remote, which is fantastic for high ceilings

2.     Dormer Conversion

A dormer loft conversion is an extension of your existing roof, which projects vertically from a sloping roof giving you additional floor space and headroom within your loft. Dormers can have a flat or pitched roof and can be designed to fit all house styles. An additional advantage with a dormer loft conversion is that since new regulations were introduced in 2008, many Local Authorities allow dormers to be built without planning permission providing the design is within guidelines. This has reduced the cost and speeded up the process of this type of conversion. Even if your dormer conversion design does require a plann

ing application SkyLofts will submit all relevant paperwork for you.

Dormer loft conversions are usually situated at the back of your property. Though smaller and more traditional dormers can be found at the front of some buildings. SkyLofts can provide guidance on the size and placement of dormers that best suit your needs and home.

Check out this loft conversion in Crowthorne

3.    Mansard

A mansard loft conversion is a conversion installed to the rear of your property. Building a Mansard loft conversion opens up your roof, so you can make the most of your loft space. This type of conversion has a flat roof with a back wall that slopes. This slopes inwards at an angle of 72 degrees incorporating windows in the form of small dormers. Mansard conversions almost always require planning permission, this is due to the large changes in your roof shape and structure.

Mansard loft conversions often require more construction work than other types of loft conversions. But result in creating a lot of additional living space in your home.

4. Hip To Gable

The majority of houses that have hip roofs tend to have a relatively small internal volume. So for a conversion to be practical, a hip to gable loft conversion is usually the most suitable solution. A hip to gable conversion involves changing the sloping or ‘hipped’ roof to create a vertical gable end you.

This gives a much larger loft room with significantly more usable floor space. A rear dormer can also be added to your property to increase your loft space further. The building work will involve removing the roof.  Then building a gable end in brickwork or blockwork to match your property and create an attractive finish.

To discuss what type of loft conversion in Surrey, Hampshire or South West London is most suitable for your detached house please contact SkyLofts for more information on 01252 500 872 or email info@skylofts.co.uk

SkyLofts Explain The Building Inspector Visits

Posted by Stuart

No matter what your dream loft may be, you will need to make sure that your plans comply with building regulations. Each and every loft conversion needs to be inspected for approval. Either by local authorities Building Control or by independent, regulated building inspector such as Quadrant AI. No matter who is charged with inspecting a loft conversion, a building notice is required before any construction work can begin.

During a loft conversion, three inspections will take place. After the final inspection has taken place and the work has been passed, a completion certificate will be issued.

It is important that you keep the building inspector happy during your loft conversion. When you are working with SkyLofts we handle the plans and building inspections for you. But it is still good to know what to expect. The role of the building inspector is to be involved with your loft conversion from the very start and throughout the various phases of the building project. UK building regulations cover a number of elements of a loft conversion. Below SkyLofts have pulled together the main things the Building Inspector will be looking for.

STRUCTURE

The first thing the building inspector will look for is the structural integrity of the floor. Using your loft as living space will mean that the floor has to hold more weight than it did originally. The existing timbers were only designed to support the weight of the ceilings below. The structural strength of the new floor of your loft conversion must be sufficient enough to hold the added weight. So new and larger joists will need to be inserted alongside the existing ones in order to provide more strength. The building inspector may also expect to see steel beams inserted into each party wall on padstones, upon which the new floor is built. This way, the new floor is totally independent of the ceiling timbers below. The building inspector will also make checks on the structural integrity of the loft conversion as a whole, including the roof.

FIRE SAFETY

Very high on the building inspectors list of priorities will be fire safety. They will expect to see a means of escape should the worst happen and a fire breaks out. In SkyLofts experience, the building inspector will insist on fire doors throughout the property. Along with the installation of fire alarms that have been wired into the mains. To find out more about your loft conversion and fire regulations check out SkyLofts Article.

STAIRS AND ACCESS

The building inspector will want to see stairs to the new floor of the conversion that have been safely designed and installed. Any staircase to the new living space must be wide enough to allow anyone to use them easily in case of an emergency.

HEADROOM

Your loft conversion must offer sufficient headroom and a high enough ceiling height for it to be a practical living space. This applies both to the living area itself and the staircase up to the conversion as well.

INSULATION AND ENERGY EFFICIENCY

The walls, roof slopes, ceilings, new windows and doors installed in a loft conversion will be measured to determine how much heat passes through the glass and framework. The amount of heat lost must not exceed a certain limit. Even if the rest of your property does not comply with this standard, your new conversion must have sufficient insulation to meet the building regulations.

In terms of keeping sound transference to a minimum, insulation between the conversion and the rooms below must be sufficiently effective. As must the insulation in any new internal walls. If you live in a terraced/semi-detached house, you may find you need to improve the insulation between yours and your neighbours’ lofts to help reduce sound transfers.

VENTILATION

To ensure your new loft conversion meets building regulations it must be ventilated properly. There should be a window that is a twentieth of the total floor area of your new living space. There should also be a mechanical fan of sufficient power if you are installing a bathroom into your loft conversion.

If you are thinking about having a loft conversion please contact us via our contact page.

An Interview With Our Company Director Stuart

Posted by Charlotte

 

Tell us a bit more about what you do at SkyLofts?

I am the director and founder of SkyLofts, I have had a passion for the building industry since I can remember and have always enjoyed being involved in loft conversions so starting up my own company was inevitable. Every day at SkyLofts is very different so I really do not have a regular day to day routine, which makes running SkyLofts much more exciting as you never know what is round the corner. One minute I can be enjoying a coffee with a customer and discussing their loft potential, the next I can be onsite coordinating a timber delivery. I am extremely passionate about our customer service and will usually focus on managing our customers and coming up with new ideas for ways to better serve our loft customers. I will always believe that our customer service sets us aside from other loft companies.

What’s happening/anything exciting for SkyLofts in 2014?

We have so much planned for 2014, starting with building a loft in early January which will be a great way to start the year. We have lots of exciting advertising opportunities planned in the local area and will continue to support local charities. I almost forgot that the most exciting thing for 2014 will be making more customers happy with their new loft conversion.    

What are the most common problems or challenges you encounter in your line of work?

This is a tricky one, most of the problems I have encountered along the way with SkyLofts I have now put in place systems to avoid those problems going forward.  For the moment I would say it has to be timing, I spend a lot of time liaising with our customers and onsite managers to find times that suit everyone so that we can keep our projects running to tight schedules.

What’s the best part of your job?

I love the fact that no one day is ever the same, I enjoy coming up with new ideas that will help grow Skylofts as a loft conversion company in the Surrey, Hampshire and South West London area and the best thing of all is making our customers realize that they can obtain at least an extra bedroom and bathroom without eating into their garden through a loft conversion.

What’s your favourite way to unwind?

I am a huge Formula One fan so can always be found following that over a weekend when it is on, I love cooking and like any other man I do enjoy a few beers down the pub on a Friday night but more often than not it turns to work talk but I love what I do so it still counts as unwinding. 

If you are considering a loft conversion in Surrey, Hampshire or South West London then please contact SkyLofts on 01252 500 872 or email info@skylofts.co.uk to discuss your loft potential and if you really want you can contact the lovely Stuart directly on 07778 110 900.

Customers Speak of Their Completed Loft Conversion in Fleet, Hampshire

Posted by Stuart

Here at SkyLofts when we have completed a customers loft conversion we enjoy going back after a few weeks after to see how they are getting on. Below we caught up with Judy and Andrew Francis from Fleet, Hampshire.

What made you decide on a loft conversion?

All four of us were squeezing into a two bed house with both Emily and Eden sharing, they needed their own space and me and Andrew wanted an en-suite bathroom. We did not want to lose any garden space so a loft conversion was ideal for us.

 What steps did you take when looking for a loft conversion company?

It was important to both of us that we chose a reputable loft conversion company, we knew we would be spending quite a substantial amount of money so wanted to get the best quality we could for a reasonable price. After having our first initial meeting with Stuart at Skylofts and seeing a previous loft conversion that Dan had built we knew we could put our trust in you to leave us with a loft conversion we would be happy with.

What set us apart from our competitors?

At the beginning Stuart was prompt in replying to all our emails, very helpful with any questions we had and was always very professional and accommodating to our needs and thankfully we have this throughout our loft build. But the initial meetings definitely made SkyLofts stand out for us compared to the other companies we approached.

Did your project manager keep you involved throughout your loft conversion? 

Stuart was only ever a call away and we were always consulted about issues and kept in the loop with regular progress reports, which was extremely reassuring at every stage of the build.

What did you find best about SkyLofts customer care?

Everyone that we dealt with throughout our loft build from SkyLofts was reliable and we continuously felt confident that our best interests were being looked after.

What are you using your loft conversion for?

We now have our own bedroom and en-suite, as well as a study for when Andrew works from home and the girls have school work to complete. It has made the house so much more spacious and I absolutely love our en-suite,  Tom’s decorating skills and recommendations have had so many complements.

Keep an eye out on our gallery page for photos of Judy and Andrew’s loft conversion in Fleet, Hampshire.

If you are considering a loft conversion in Surrey, Hampshire or South West London then please contact SkyLofts on 01252 500 872 or email info@skylofts.co.uk to help move your loft dream in the right direction.