Converting Your Semi Detached House

Posted by Stuart

If you live in a semi-detached house and are considering a loft conversion there are several routes that you can take. Below SkyLofts discuss the options semi-detached homeowners can choose when converting their loft. For more inspiration check out this semi-detached loft conversion in Hampshire.

1.        Roof Light Conversion

The simplest and cost-effective loft conversion for a semi-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.Semi Detcahed Loft 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 rains 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 may 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 planning application, 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.

3.    Mansard

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 inwards. They slope 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. The building work will involve removing the roof. Then the gable end will be built in brickwork or blockwork to match your property and create an attractive finish.

To discuss what type of loft conversions most suitable for your semi-detached home please contact SkyLofts for more information on 01252 500 872 or email info@skylofts.co.uk

 

Converting Your Terraced House

Posted by Stuart

With a terraced house loft conversion, there are several routes that you can take. Below SkyLofts discuss the options terrace homeowners in Surrey, Hampshire, and South West London can choose when converting their loft:

1.        Rooflight Conversion

The simplest and cost-effective loft conversion for a terrace 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.

A roof light conversion requires significantly less construction work than other loft conversion options.  It 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

-Consider fitting them with a thermostat, which automatically opens/closes the windows when your room reaches your pre-selected temperature

-You can opt for them to have rain sensors, which automatically closes the roof light if rains 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 conversion since new regulations were introduced in 2008, is that 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. If your dormer conversion design does require a planning application 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.

 3.    Mansard

Building a Mansard loft conversion normally at the back of a property 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 inwards. The wall slopes 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.

To discuss what type of loft conversion is most suitable for your terrace home and needs please contact SkyLofts for more information on 01252 500 872 or email info@skylofts.co.uk

SkyLofts Intergrated Project Team – The Simple Way To Convert Your Loft

Posted by Stuart

SkyLofts are proud to be able to offer our customers the benefits of an integrated project team who all work together ensuring that their loft conversion journey from initial concept to final build is as simple, and stress-free as possible. At SkyLofts we provide our customers with professional professional architectural designers, qualified RICS structural engineers, surveyors, loft estimators, project managers and specialist trade people and loft teams. This structure means that SkyLofts are able to see a project as a whole from the outset, giving us the ability to foresee potential problems and prevent theses from arising.

With over ten years of loft conversion experience in Surrey, Hampshire and South west London, SkyLofts are able to guide our customers through the planning laws of the local boroughs. We understand how these laws will affect our customers in the real world. This knowledge is of practical importance to our Architects as it allows them to design projects with planning laws in mind. This ensures that your dreams of the perfect loft conversion will not be scuppered by planning laws.

Having specialists from multiple disciplines under one roof enables us to manage projects efficiently and effectively. This is of particular importance for residential conversions where we strive to keep disruption to a minimum. Our structural engineers work in line with our Architects to bring your loft designs to life, and our experienced project managers make sure everything runs as smoothly as possible keeping you informed every step of the way.

Loft Conversion companies that do not provide the benefits of an integrated team are unable to offer such a smooth service. Housing all experts under one roof means that SkyLofts can address any problems that our customers encounter immediately. If a loft conversion is split between architects from one firm and project managed by another, this opens up opportunities for important information to take time to filter through to the right people and mistakes to be made, adding time to your loft conversion process. As SkyLofts is one team we react quickly to our customers’ needs and solve their problems and concerns as soon as they become apparent.

SkyLofts customers are always our first concern and when you choose us to build your loft conversion we will do all the legwork for you.

If you would like to find out more about working with SkyLofts and are interested in having a loft conversion built in the Surrey, Hampshire and South West London area then please contact us on 01252 500 872 or email info@skylofts.co.uk

SkyLofts explains Permitted Development

Posted by Stuart

Permitted Development

In 2008, a ‘General Permitted Development Order’ (GPDO 2008) was introduced. This allowed homeowners to carry out certain building works under ‘Permitted Development’ without the need to obtain planning permission. Legally, you do not need to apply to the council for permission for these types of works as long as they satisfy the required criteria. The GDPO 2008 guidelines do not apply to all properties. We advise that you check with your local authority prior to carrying out any work on your property. Your development must also satisfy certain criteria in order for it to fall within permitted development guidelines.

Loft Conversion Criteria

– Loft conversions are not considered lawful under permitted development for houses on the designated land. Designated land includes national parks, areas of outstanding beauty, conservation areas and world heritage sites.

  • – To be considered permitted development, any additional roof space created must not surpass the following volume allowances.

40 cubic meters for terraced properties

50 cubic meters for detached and semi-detached properties

You must also take into consideration that any previous roof additions must be included in the above-mentioned volume allowances.

– An extension beyond the plane of the existing roof slope of the principal elevation that fronts a highway is not considered lawful under permitted development.

  • – External materials need to be similar in appearance to the existing property.
  • – Verandas, Balconies or raised platforms are not considered lawful under permitted development.
  • – Any side facing windows must be obscured glazed and non-opening unless the parts which can be opened are more than 1.7 meters beyond the floor of the room in which it is installed.
  • – Rear roof extensions must be set back as far as practicable and at least 20cm from the rear eaves.
  • – Roof extensions must not exceed the original ridge line of the property.

Please note, work on a loft or a roof may affect bats. Protected specifies need to be considered when planning work of this type. A survey may be needed and if bats are residing in the building a license may be required. 

If you are thinking of having a loft conversion in Surrey, Hampshire or South West London and would like more information please contact SkyLofts on 01252 500 872 or email info@skylofts.co.uk

Snagging, First Fix, Second Fix, Confused? Let SkyLofts Explain.

Posted by Stuart

You might have heard of phrases like snagging, first fix and second fix, but what do they actually mean? If it is the first time you’ve been involved in a renovation, then you might have to get used to some new jargon. You will soon notice that, despite your tradesmen’s varied roles, the people involved in the project use a set of common phrases to describe stages of the build. Take some time to understand these and you’ll be better equipped to follow the timeline of your build. SkyLofts have put together a little dictionary of terms that may come up during your loft conversion.

First Fix

The first fix basically includes everything in the first stage of the build, up to and including the plastering.

Depending on the scale of your loft conversion, this will most likely include all of the main construction: Steelwork, floors, walls, and ceilings. The other two main elements of this stage of the build are water and electrics: the electrician will ensure all the cables are in place for your electrical supply, whilst the plumber will sort out all of the pipework, ready for your water supply.

The first fix is probably the most complicated to coordinate. SkyLofts are there to ensure that tradesmen work together with electricians and plumbers, making sure that all the elements of your build are done efficiently and in a timely way. Will the electrician be ready to put the cables in once the walls are built? Will the plasterers be ready to finish the walls when the cables are in? Sometimes it can only take one element in the chain to slow down the whole timing plan. SkyLofts managing your conversion will mean you do not have to worry about this as they are highly experienced in the step by step process of loft conversion stages.

Second Fix

The second fix can be thought of as everything from the plastering until the finished project.

For your electrician, this will include wiring plug sockets, light fixtures, and other integrated electrics. For your plumber, it will mean connecting sinks, baths, loos and showers to the pipes. Builders, carpenters, and specialised trades will put in new hard flooring or carpets, hang doors and leave your loft conversion ready for decoration.

After the dirty work, it’s time for painting, papering, tiling and other interior design work. It’s this decoration that will suddenly transform your loft conversion into a liveable space.

You might think that your conversion ends here, but your project is not completed until it has been thoroughly checked. This checking and fixing is called snagging.

Snagging

When everything is finished according to the paperwork, then it’s time for you and your SkyLofts project manager to take a detailed look at every aspect of the work done and produce a list of ‘snags’. The snagging list will include any defects in quality of the finished work such as simple decoration niggles.

This is your chance to make sure that absolutely everything is how you want it. Is the finish exactly what you asked for? Does every single plug socket, window lock, and door handle work the way it should? Is the paintwork and tiling up to scratch? The snag list should be as detailed as possible and should include a note of who is responsible for each snag, together with an estimate of the time it will take to fix it.

When choosing SkyLofts this final step of the conversion should not cause you too much worry, as we pride ourselves on project management throughout the whole process leaving your snagging list as short as possible.

Interested in having a loft conversion in Hampshire, Surrey or South West London? Please contact SkyLofts on 01252 500872 or email info@skylofts.co.uk to get started on your ‘first fix’

SkyLofts Top Conversion Tips

Posted by Stuart

1. Do your research:

Make sure your loft is suitable for a conversion. There is not much point in putting a load of preparation in only to find out at the last minute that you can’t go ahead. SkyLofts can easily recommend if your property is suitable for a loft conversion.

2. Find the right tradesmen: 
Choosing the right company for you loft conversion is the single most important thing. Choosing a loft conversion specialist like SkyLofts is your best option and with previous loft conversions in Hampshire, Surrey and South West London for you to view, it gives you an opportunity to see our work first hand

3. Cover the Costs:
You should have a good idea of how much your loft conversion will cost. SkyLofts offer all our prospect customers  a free loft quotation.

4. Get Permission:
Be sure to go through all the relevant planning permission and regulatory processes. You might think you can cut corners to save money or time, but it will not be worth it in the long run. When choosing a specialist loft company like SkyLofts they do all this for you, making it as stress free as possible.

5. Be A Good Neighbour:
Be sure to discuss your plans with those that live around you. You will not get away with trying to sneakily convert a loft. It is best that everyone knows up front what’s on the horizon and party wall agreements need to be considered, you can find out more about wall agreements by clicking here

6. Extend or Convert:
Some people are happy just to convert their loft and take the space that they gain as it comes, but you could considering whether extending even further and making the most of that extra room is worth it. You are making a substantial investment already, why not go a step further? SkyLofts can help and advise on extending further to gain more space in your loft.

7. Go Green:
If you’re committed to a loft conversion then it is a perfect opportunity to add green credentials to your home by including solar panels and better insulation. This is another inclusion which will incur more cost but make you savings in the long run.

If you have an questions regarding loft conversion in Hampshire, Surrey or South West London then please contact SkyLofts on 01252 500872 or email info@skylofts.co.uk

SkyLofts Guide To Party Wall Agreements

Posted by Stuart

Anyone contemplating a loft conversion especially in a semi-detached or terrace house is obliged under the terms of the The Party Wall Act 1996 to notify their adjoining neighbours.  Before you do any work on a loft conversion that will impact on a wall that you share with a neighbour, you should find out if you need a party wall agreement. To make this easy SkyLofts have provided you with a guide of what you need to know below:

What Is A Party Wall?

Walls shared by adjacent properties are usually jointly owned by the two owners and are termed party walls. However, a party wall isn’t only the wall between two semi-detached properties, it can also be:

A wall forming part of only one building but which is on the boundary line between two (or more) properties.

A wall which is common to two (or more) properties, including where someone has built a wall and a neighbour has subsequently built something butting up to it;

A garden wall, where the wall is astride the boundary line (or butts up against it) and is used to separate the properties but is not part of any building; the floors and ceilings of flats, apartments, and maisonettes.

Party Wall Agreements

Why Does A Party Wall Matter?

Both owners legally have rights to the whole wall, as both buildings rely on the same wall for structural support. So each side needs to know in advance if the other is planning to play around with it. Most loft conversions involve building new structural beams into shared party walls, so neighbours want to be reassured that the structural work will not damage their property.

What Work Can Be Done Without Notice Or Permission?

You don’t need to notify anyone if you are only doing small jobs, such as putting up shelves, pictures and wall units, plastering, or electrical rewiring, for example.

What Work Does Require A Party Wall Agreement?

The types of work covered by the Party Wall Act 1996 include: demolishing and/or rebuilding a party wall, increasing the height or thickness of a party wall; inserting a damp proof course; cutting into the party wall to take load bearing beams; underpinning a party wall.

When Do I Need To Give Notice?                                                                                                       

If you think that any work you are proposing might have an effect upon the structural strength or support function of the party wall, or might cause damage to the neighbouring side of the wall, notification must be made by serving your neighbour a formal ‘party structure notice’ at least two months before doing any work to the existing party wall. If in doubt, advice should be sought from a local Building Control Office or professional surveyor/architect – When choosing SkyLofts we do this all for you.

Should I Talk To My Neighbour First?

It would be advisable to discuss your plans with your neighbour first. You may find that they have no objections, or would go halves with you on the work because they consider the job needs doing, too. Even if they are not 100% supportive of your decision they will no doubt appreciate being asked for their opinion. Regardless of whether they agree to the work being undertaken, and if the planned work to an existing structure falls under the Party Wall Act, formal notice must be served.

What Does The Formal Notice Cover?

The formal notice document will include: the name of the owners of the property where the work is being undertaken and their address; the owner’s names of the adjoining property; a description of the proposed work; a proposed start date for the work; a statement that the notice is being served under The Party Wall etc Act 1996; and the date the notice is being served.

When Should Notice Be Served?

The person applying for the notice and who is intending to carry out the work must serve a written notice on the owners of the adjoining property at least two months before the intended start of the work.

How Long Does The Recipient Have To Respond?

The neighbouring party should respond in writing within 14 days of receiving the notice whether they give their consent or if they are registering dissent (not giving their consent). If a neighbouring party does nothing within 14 days of receiving the notice, the effect is to put the notice into dispute.

What Happens If There’s A Dispute?

Firstly, no work may commence until all neighbouring parties have agreed in writing to the notice. If the original notice is disputed, a revised notice can be issued subject to mutually agreed changes being made. If an agreement can’t be reached, a surveyor is appointed to determine a fair and impartial award. Once an award has been made, all parties have 14 days to appeal to a County Court against the Award.

When Can Work Commence?

Work can begin once an agreement has been reached, the notice has been accepted and permission granted. Of course, all work undertaken must comply with the notice. All the agreements should be retained to ensure that a record of the granted permission is kept.

What Doesn’t A Party Wall Agreement Cover?

The Party Wall Act 1996 does not affect any requirement for Planning Permission or Building Regulation Approval for any work undertaken. Likewise, having Planning Permission and/or Building Regulation Approval does not negate the requirements under the Party Wall Act.

To further understand party wall agreements when undertaking a loft conversion in the Surrey, Hampshire and South West London area please contact SkyLofts on 01252 500872 , email info@skylofts.co.uk or go to our contact page.

Traditional Pricing Vs Skyloft Pricing

Posted by Stuart

SkyLofts Vs ArchitectSkyLofts provide all our customers with a professional, but personal approach when it comes to our design and build service. Our professional team include professional architectural designers, qualified RICS structural engineers, surveyors, loft estimators, project managers and specialist trade people and loft teams, all working together to provide SkyLofts customers with a model that makes converting your loft as simple and as stress-free as possible.

With traditional methods of building loft conversions, the customer would be expected to discuss with an individual architect/designer a total budget that they would be wanting to spend on their loft and would be expected to hire this architect/designer for approximately 8-10% of the total loft conversion cost.

Once drawn, designed and specified with both the architect/designer and customer, the plans would then be submitted to individual loft conversion companies to quote separately known as the tendering process.

Once all the tenders are received from the relevant loft conversion companies, customers then often find out that their original budget that was previously discussed with the architect/designer was not feasible because the loft design had been over engineered and designed for what the customer originally wanted to pay and discussed with the architect/designer in the first place.

With SkyLofts, we work closely with you every step of the way, as the professionals, we offer you a fully itemised quotation that is free and with no obligation, right at the start of your loft enquiry process, even with difficult items that are un-priceable without working drawings (such as steel beams and sizes etc.) all have provisional sum allowances. We price these items without any working drawings using our local building experience and loft knowledge, so we can offer you a service, a design and a fixed price that suits your requirements right from the very start. Throughout every step of the design process, we work very closely with you, involving you  to make sure that the loft is designed, managed and built to the original agreed price that was discussed right at the very start of our working relationship.

SkyLofts are very proud of our internal streamline systems, and to build every loft conversion through our single step by step process between the customer, the SkyLofts design team and our professional loft building teams.

If you live in Surrey, Hampshire or South West London and are considering converting your loft, call us on 01252 500872 for a free, no obligation quotation or email us at info@skylofts.co.uk for more information.

What To Expect During A Loft Conversion

Posted by Stuart

So, you have decided to convert your loft and now want to know what happens. We’ve pulled together this handy step by step guide that shows you what to expect during a loft conversion.

Stage One:  

An inspection by SkyLofts specialists of the inside of the roof space provided the home owners as to its suitability for conversion. The main features that should initially be considered are head height and access to the loft once it has been converted. SkyLofts can advise you on whether or not your loft is is suitable for a conversion.

Stage Two:

After SkyLofts have confirmed that your loft is suitable for conversion plans with SkyLofts recommended architect will be drawn up, this will provide a basis for cost analysis.

Loft Conversion Drawring

Stage Three:

With SkyLofts obtaining building control approval, work on your loft conversion can begin. The first place to start is by clearing the loft and then the electrical wiring and other services that are attached to your joist and binders must be removed and rerouted, this can also provide a great opportunity to replace and improve your original wiring. Scaffolding on the outside of your property will also be erected to minimize the amount of times we have to access your loft via the inside of your home.

loft conversion pipes

Stage Four:

New floor joists can now be fitted aswell as new wiring and any pipework that is required can be installed.

Stage Five:

The spaces between your joists are then filled with insulation and then following building control inspections arranged by SkyLofts the joists can be covered with floorboards held in place with screws. A water-resistant grade is a good choice and one recommended by SkyLofts.

Loft Conversion Surrey

Stage Six:

Work will now start on rafter reinforcement in accordance with your structural requirements and dormer/mansard and velux’s will be installed. After this SkyLofts will arrange for a Building Control Officer to inspect your loft conversion so far, ensuring that the roof structure reinforcements are as specified.

Stage Seven:

Next SkyLofts will install your main staircase structure, handrails and spindles where required. Once this is fitted you will be able to see your new loft for the first time.

Loft Conversion Stairs

 

Stage Eight:

Your loft roof is then fully tiled and cladded to make them fully waterproof and ridge and soffit vents are fitted.

Back Camera

Stage Nine:

Your loft conversion windows can then be fitted and insulation is placed between the rafters. SkyLofts will then arrange for Building Control to inspect before the rafters and insulation is covered.

Stage Ten:

The partition walls are erected with timber studs and additional noggins. A quilt is placed within the spaces between the studs as the plasterboard is attached.

FLEET_3851

Stage Eleven:

The wall plates fitted between studs will provide a secure fitting for items like radiators and can also be used to secure the boxes required for electric switches and sockets. At this stage the first fix of electrics and plumbing will take place.

Stage Twelve:

Plasterboard are then attached to the studs and rafters with drywall screws providing the basis for the decorative plaster skim. Following this your loft conversion can be painted as required, and door architrave and skirting can be fitted and painted.

IMG_1009

Stage Thirteen:

Wall and floor tiling if required can then be completed and shower room items can be positioned and fitted. The second fix electrics and plumbing can also take place now. Radiators are fitted in place and connected to the central heating system and your loft conversion is completed.

So there it is, your step by step guide on what to expect during a loft conversion.

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

Why Hiring A Professional Loft Conversion Company Is So Important

Posted by Stuart

Loft Conversion Company

An experienced loft conversion company can offer you with very detailed information surrounding your loft. Such as the potential designs and elements required for your conversion and where best to place your new staircase. Along with the type of conversion best suited to both the inside and outside of your home. All the relevant information regarding building regulations. Including the total cost of the conversion and the time for your project to be completed.

SkyLofts Velux Installation To Our Loft Conversion In Fleet, Hampshire

 

A qualified loft specialist like the team at SkyLofts can offer you with different conversion options for your loft, providing you with valuable tips and suggestions according to the nature of your loft space. With vast experience and expertise the entire loft conversion process is made much easier. We will guide you through your loft transformation and assist you in creating customised designs. A builder that undertakes all sorts, from two story side extensions to a garage conversion will not have the expertise to undertake your loft conversion from start to finish.

Flat Roof Construction 1

 

If you would like to discuss your loft conversion potential and obtain a free quote please contact SkyLofts.

01252 500 872

info@skylofts.co.uk

SKyLofts a profession loft conversion company in Surrey, Hampshire and South West London.