Loft conversion recommendations and advice...

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by TomJH on September 13, 2011 at 19:09

Hi Toby, I notice that down Stanley Road there have been quite a few conversions - usually evident by the Velux window on the front pitch. Probably a good idea to knock and ask who they used. They may let you have a look the work. This will give you idea of layout and design options. Although they can be quite standard due to restrictions on the structure. Also ask the cost - maybe make a list and make some comparisons. Be careful about floor to ceiling heights, sometimes they put steels in which lift the floor level up too much - the ridge height will be pretty much fixed as you are on terrace. You may also need a party wall award. Worth an informal chat with the neighbours - you never know they may be keen to do a joint project which can offer you some buying power.  I am a QS working mainly in the commercial sector but I have contacts for engineers, architects (planning permission will be needed for a rear dormer plus they can help with building regs), party wall surveyors who do private work if you want to go that route. Top tip - look into engineered timber joists - they are light and quick to install and will save space giving you the max floor to ceiling height - much better than steel. If you have any other questions am happy to meet up for a chat.  Tom

 

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Permalink Reply by TomJH on September 13, 2011 at 19:14

http://www.jji-joists.co.uk/

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Permalink Reply by Toby Travis on September 14, 2011 at 7:06

Hi Tom

Thanks for your very full and informative reply. We've already been to see one loft on our road, but it's a good idea to call and see the others if possible. They're small houses and I think there probably is a very limited number of feasible layouts possible. Also the RSJs vs timber joists is an interesting issue which I'll look into. As we get further down the road with this I'm sure I'll be coming back to you with questions and about the architects and surveyors you know - would be great to have recommendations on these.

Many thanks

Toby

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Permalink Reply by TomJH on September 14, 2011 at 12:48

An Architect is a good starting point.

I know a young guy who has just been made redundant so is looking for some cash work. Planning can take a weeks to process (about 6) so its nice to have it under your belt when talking to contractors - its also useful to have dwgs to give to contractors to ensure they A) know what you want B) are all pricing the same thing.

Let me know if you want his details. He lives in Cockfosters.  You can always invite him round for an informal chat to start with.

 

Tom

 

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Permalink Reply by Toby Travis on September 16, 2011 at 9:11

Yes, please send me the details of the architect you know in Cockfosters - it seems like a good idea to get the plans ready first before getting quotes from builders. I'm assuming the architect can do all the calculations for load-bearing etc - or would we need a structural engineer to take a look as well?

 

Cheers

Toby

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Permalink Reply by Christine Campbell on September 16, 2011 at 9:38

Hi Toby

 

We had a loft done recently and my husband is a builder and he did the majority of the work himself, you are more than welcome to pop in and have a look if you want.

 

We are on Russell Road, my number is 07944877185.

 

Christine

 

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Permalink Reply by Chris on September 16, 2011 at 10:08

hi Toby,

 

We are about to embark on a loft conversion. We have contracted Sunlight Lofts who were recommended to us. They seem good so far and are very accommodating to suggestions. A&M have been used by a few of my friends and they seem happy with them.

What I have found through this process is the difference between the architect or loft company route. Loft companies are cheaper and work with lofts all the time so can be quite efficient. However if you wish to deviate from their standard package it may mean having to source materials yourself.

I think I would have prefered using an architect because I deviate from the norm, but a loft company is so much cheaper; it depends on your budget. It's worth getting a few quotes from both. 

I wish I had known about Tom's architect friend earlier! 

Chris

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Permalink Reply by Toby Travis on September 16, 2011 at 10:21

Hi Chris

 

Thanks for the advice, I'm going to phone Sunlight for a quotation.

 

Interesting about the difference in price between the architect and loft company routes. So far we've had two quotes - one from a loft company and one from contractors who would work from an architect's plan (which, admittedly, they haven't seen yet) - the latter is much the lower quote (about 2/3rds of the cost).

 

I'd like to have a say in the materials used (wooden windows, maybe timber joists, green insulation) so the architect route may be best.

 

Toby

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Permalink Reply by Chris on September 16, 2011 at 11:54

Hi Toby,

 

If you're interested in the green route, which I am, then have you heard of The Muswell HIll Sustainability Group?

Through them I found Ecomodus, a company that supplies renewable energy and building solutions. I spoke to Dermot Barnes at Ecodomus who helped set up the MHSG. He is very nice and helpful. See below for contact details.

It may be worth speaking to him as I think they do loft conversions or at least are involved in them. They do supply wooden doors and windows from sustainable sources and he gave me advice on green insulation, also I plan to buy solar panels from them.

It will be interesting to know how your build goes. Interesting that contractor cheaper than a loft company however architect fees are expensive I believe.

Definately I would advise talking to Dermot. He was so helpful.

chris

 

Dermot Barnes
improving the sustainability of buildings
5-6 Lonsto House, Princes Lane, London N10 3LU
Telephone 020 84442512
Mobile- 07887 998578
http://www.ecodomus.co.uk/



Toby Travis said:

Hi Chris

 

Thanks for the advice, I'm going to phone Sunlight for a quotation.

 

Interesting about the difference in price between the architect and loft company routes. So far we've had two quotes - one from a loft company and one from contractors who would work from an architect's plan (which, admittedly, they haven't seen yet) - the latter is much the lower quote (about 2/3rds of the cost).

 

I'd like to have a say in the materials used (wooden windows, maybe timber joists, green insulation) so the architect route may be best.

 

Toby

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Permalink Reply by Diana Ferguson on September 16, 2011 at 12:18

Hi Toby

Rooftop Rooms did extensive work for a friend of mine, including a loft conversion and building a kitchen extension on the back of her house. She was very happy with the work they did. They handle the whole thing for you including the specification (they have an in-house architect) and planning permission, as well as the build. They are based in Enfield and their address is: 

www.rooftoprooms.com/

Good luck.

Diana

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Permalink Reply by Toby Travis on September 16, 2011 at 12:30

Hi Diana,

 

Many thanks for the recommendation - I've booked Rooftop Rooms in to give me a quote.

 

Toby

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Permalink Reply by Toby Travis on September 16, 2011 at 12:34

Chris,

 

I think I talked to someone from Ecodomus at the Highgate Festival this year. I'll certainly give them a ring to discuss sustainable options. It seems to me most of the specialist loft conversion companies pay lip-service to green practices but are hazy on details.

Chris said:

Hi Toby,

 

If you're interested in the green route, which I am, then have you heard of The Muswell HIll Sustainability Group?

Through them I found Ecomodus, a company that supplies renewable energy and building solutions. I spoke to Dermot Barnes at Ecodomus who helped set up the MHSG. He is very nice and helpful. See below for contact details.

It may be worth speaking to him as I think they do loft conversions or at least are involved in them. They do supply wooden doors and windows from sustainable sources and he gave me advice on green insulation, also I plan to buy solar panels from them.

It will be interesting to know how your build goes. Interesting that contractor cheaper than a loft company however architect fees are expensive I believe.

Definately I would advise talking to Dermot. He was so helpful.

chris

 

Dermot Barnes
improving the sustainability of buildings
5-6 Lonsto House, Princes Lane, London N10 3LU
Telephone 020 84442512
Mobile- 07887 998578
http://www.ecodomus.co.uk/



Toby Travis said:

Hi Chris

 

Thanks for the advice, I'm going to phone Sunlight for a quotation.

 

Interesting about the difference in price between the architect and loft company routes. So far we've had two quotes - one from a loft company and one from contractors who would work from an architect's plan (which, admittedly, they haven't seen yet) - the latter is much the lower quote (about 2/3rds of the cost).

 

I'd like to have a say in the materials used (wooden windows, maybe timber joists, green insulation) so the architect route may be best.

 

Toby

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