Frequently asked questions…

You will find that the majority of lofts can be converted although unfortunately some will not be suitable for a conversion. A lot depends on certain factors such as how your house has been constructed and what headroom in the loft space is available. If you are unsure Valley Loft Conversions are pleased to discuss your requirements with you and answer any questions you may have.

Yes. If your conversion is for habitable accommodation it needs to be planned professionally to ensure that it conforms to building regulations. We offer the services of exceptionally skilled architects who will produce your plans to the highest standards and specifications, which will result in your loft conversion meeting with current legislation.

Due to the relaxation of planning laws and additions of permitted development rights. Many loft conversions only require that they meetbuilding regulations.  However, it is always best that you check with your local planning office to make sure that you are able to use permitted development and that you are not located within a conservation area or that they have not been removed under no Article 4 directions.  Valley Loft Conversions would advise that more information if required can be found on the following link.www.planningportal.gov.uk.

This is a very difficult question to answer as there are so many variables of loft conversions and relevant prices, but as a rough guide you should look to expect that an average conversion will cost somewhere between £25k and £40K this is dependent upon size and finish. It would always be advisable to arrange an appointment so that we can forward a free quotation of your specific requirements.

Generally the construction process can take from 5 to 8 weeks dependant on the type of conversion that is to be constructed and the size of the build involved.  Timescales can also be affected by additional client requested extra works during the build process, bespoke wardrobes/cupboards and decoration requirements would be an example of this.  Lastly of course, as we are in the UK, adverse weather conditions can make an impact to the process of the conversion.  A typical 3 bed semi would expected to be completed within 6 weeks.

A copy of your lofts work schedule will be issued upon acceptance.

The answer to this question is YES.

Valley Loft Conversion can offer a part build service, this would be where the structure would be completed to a stage where your dormer would be weather tight (meaning that the loft is no longer open to the elements) windows would be installed, stairs fitted, internal walls would be constructed and the loft would be ready for whatever first fix plumbing and electrical work would be required by the customer.  However there are different variations such as Valley Lofts also undertake the first fix plumbing, electrics, insulation. This option is always a great way of shaving the overall costing and convenient for tradesmen and DIY‘ers alike.

A party wall is an adjoining wall between two properties. A party wall agreement is an agreement between you and your neighbour(s), which protects both parties when work is being carried out on a party wall. You only require a party wall agreement if you live in a semi-detached or terraced property and share an adjoining wall with another property. If your intention is to transform your loft you are required by law to inform your neighbours of your intentions in writing a minimum of 2 months before the commencement of any works. We are able to discuss this with you during your initial consultation.

Valley Loft Conversions only use quality products and will always supply qualified tradesmen when constructing our lofts but for added peace of mind all of our work is covered by a 10 year structural guarantee.  Any building work undertaken by Valley Loft Conversions will have to conform to current building regulations and as such will be inspected and certificated by a Building Control Officer.

Provided there is sufficient headroom Valley Loft Conversions are able to convert most roof spaces. However it is advisable to think about what type of conversion is required, where the stairs may be located and what changes if any may be needed to upgrade the plumbing system to supply the loft space with heating and hot and cold water. Valley Loft Conversions are always happy to discuss these factors with the prospective client at the initial free consultation.

Roof type
There are main types of roof construction the traditional rafter and purlin roof commonly known as a cut roof (cut from individual timber members and then fixed together on site) or the modern trussed roof (separate timber members that are bolted/connected together at joints following designs usually prepared by TRADA). You will find that generally the cut roof design is easier to convert as it will usually have a steep pitch that would normally allow for the required headroom. Most houses built before the 1960s will have the traditional style of roof construction, with the later houses construction companies tended to turn more towards the trussed roof design as this type of construction was found to be more time effective in building and labour costs.

You will find that as a general rule you will need a minimum height of 2.3 meters to your ridge beam to make a conversion worthwhile. However there are solutions available to the lack of height to the existing ridge beam and would always suggest that you contact Valley Loft Conversions for a personalised consultation if your head height falls beneath this standard as we may be able to help and offer a solution.

An important consideration is where the stairs for the new loft conversion will go. A common solution is to site the new staircase directly above the existing stairs or to remove an airing cupboard which can often be found on the first floor landing as this then leaves a convenient space for the stairs but usually this would mean that the hot water cylinder will need to be either removed or relocated (this would mean a new installation of a water storage facility).