How Long Does a Loft Conversion Take?

An estimate customized for your project should be provided by your builder.

1. The roof is inspected to determine whether it is suitable for conversion the builder, surveyor architect, designer, and build a business will be able to inform you if converting your loft is an alternative. Make sure you have permission to plan and then apply for the permission if necessary.
2. Plans are designed by your preferred designer or loft conversion specialist, builder as well as a design-build firm.
3. Find an architect who will take your plans and a brief, and ask for three quotes before you hire.
4. Select your builder, sign an agreement, document your project, and then finalize the plan. (Plan ahead, as the majority of skilled builders won’t be available right immediately).
5. Make sure you have your final contract brief in place and tidy up the loft area by removing any water storage tanks that are not needed and safely removing chimney stacks if there are any and they’re not part of the brief for the contract.
6. Electrical wiring as well as any other service (such as pipework) that are connected to joists and rafters must be removed and relocated. An electrician is required to be present on the site in the event that your builder is not competent to handle the job. Plumbing services may also be needed in certain instances.
7. New floor joists have been fitted.
8. Any new wiring or pipework could be put in.
9. Floors are insulated to comply to the specifications of building regulations. Don’t over-deck the joists with floorboards until the building control inspector has approved at this stage.
10. The floorboards can be laid. Flooring made of waterproof grade is a great option and is essential for bathrooms or loft spaces.
11. Rafters are strengthened in accordance with the requirements of structural construction. Once they have been reinforced old, no longer needed purlins, collars, and struts can be taken off.
12. Dormer windows are put in place if they are part of your plans typically occurs after scaffolding is put up. The roof will be removed and bad weather can delay the process. A Construction Control inspector will check that the roof strength requirements for the structure are met.
13. Roof lights can be installed and the timbers around them reinforced.
14. The staircase is installed. The staircase could be put in place later or earlier than this, based on changes. It is easier to get access when the staircase is installed.
15. External cladding is secured and roofing covered. The new structure is now expected to be weatherproof. Ridge and soffit vents have been set.
16. Windows that have been fitted to new openings.
17. The roof is also insulated. Building Control will check the insulation is in compliance before covering the insulation and rafters are over the insulation.
18. Partition walls are made. Most often, they are constructed out of studs made from timber and then filled with insulation, and then finished with plasterboard for decoration.
19. Wallplates can be positioned between studs to offer safe fittings for things like sockets, radiators, and switches.
20. In the beginning, fixing electrical systems and plumbing is carried out.
21. The electrical system is upgraded when needed (see the loft conversion building regulations).
22. Install access panels to access. They can be used to access the plumbing, switches for electrics, and water. Access panels to storage beneath the eaves could be constructed now as well.
23. Plaster boarded walls can be found in the wall (new wall studs will be plasterboarded).
24. A skim coat of plaster is put on.
25. A skirting board and architrave were installed.
26. For bathrooms or the loft bathroom, after the wall plates are in place and it is confirmed to ensure that the services are accessible to access, the walls need to be covered with the cement-based aqua board and ready for tile. The extractor fan could be added.
27. Second fix plumbing and electrics as well as fitting and connection of radiators.
28. Final decoration.