With money tight and the property market uneasy at the best of times, a loft conversion can be a good alternative to moving if you need extra space and there are advantages to staying put and extending into the roof: it’s not as disruptive, you don’t have to pay stamp duty, and you may add value to your current property – SkyLofts have even put together some calculations in their article To Move Vs Improve. But how can you get work of high quality at a price that isn’t over the top? Here we’ve pulled together some loft conversion cost-saving tips.

1. Talk With Friends 

Ask friends for all the details of their experience with their loft build. If they were doing it again what would they do differently, and what do they wish they had known beforehand? Try and find out as much as you can, not only will you learn from their mistakes but you will be prepared for whats ahead when it comes to your conversion.

2. Close Your Eyes and Visualise 

Give thought to exactly what you want, a roof window or dormer; will it be en-suite; and do you want it tiled or slated? The more detail you give your builder early on the more accurate the quote will be. SkyLofts have pulled together a great page full of loft ideas to help inspire you.

3. See The Experts 

Try and obtain at least three quotes from your shortlist of loft specialists. If you do not know your jambs from your joists ask them to explain in layman’s terms what things mean and why they would use specific products.

When speaking to the companies be open and honest, you want to start the relationship well. Tell them you are getting other quotes and that quality workmanship and a good price will be the governing factors. It is sensible to tell them you will call them when all the quotes are in to let them know your thoughts. This is polite and fair as they have taken the time to offer you a quote. Remember that the lowest quote is not always the best one to go for, you may well be compromising on quality.

4. Do Not Make Assumptions 

Check what is and is not included in your quotes. Will they arrange a skip to take away rubbish or will you have to organise and pay for that separately? Does the quote cover installation of power points and lighting? If you have to choose between two quotes what would sway you either way? Perhaps if one includes a couple more sockets, fits the shower door or lowers the price by £500?

5. Cheap does not always equal best 

Your loft conversion is not about cutting costs, it is about getting good work at an equal price. When the quality of workmanship and materials are involved this should have a huge bearing on your choice. Hopefully, the quotes you receive will be reasonable, but if one is significantly more expensive (make sure you are comparing like for like) and you wish to use this company, query it with them, allow them to see the other quotes and give them a chance to explain and revise their quote.

SkyLofts pride themselves on offering their customers quality and service at a reasonable price, if you are thinking of having a loft conversion in the Surrey, Hampshire or South West London area then please contact SkyLofts on 01252 500 872 or email info@skylofts.co.uk for more information.