Home extensions and renovations Converting a loft: running the project

Key steps

• Work out if your loft can be converted
• See where you can fit in a new staircase
• Get a survey from a member of the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) to confirm feasibility
• Gain planning and building regulations approval for your loft conversion
• Lay protective coverings on carpets to ensure builders and contractors coming into your home won’t trample in dirt
• Create a dormer, if required
• Create a temporary access to the loft space
• Strengthen the existing floor
• Relocate any existing water tanks, pipes, wiring and telecoms (first fix)
• Insulate the floor area to latest standards
• Put down the new flooring
• Install the chosen windows
• Create the internal space with partitions, if necessary, and board up the existing structure to create an internal wall. Ensure it is insulated
• Second fix wiring, plumbing and telecoms
• If not done already, create the new staircase
• Plaster the boarding
• Decorate and furnish
• Get appropriate certificates

Don’t forget: a bad job won’t add value. So even if it costs a few thousand more to have a professional conversion that comes with a valid guarantee, it is worth the expense. Look for companies with the longest guarantee, ten years or more, and always make sure that it is still in force should they go out of business – it may well pay back in the long run.