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Can I have a loft conversion?
The very first consideration is whether or not your house has enough height within the loft to be able to have a conversion. To check this a measurement needs to be taken from the TOP of the ceiling joist (A) within the loft, to the BOTTOM of the roof ridge board (B) in the apex of the loft as shown in the diagram to the left.
This measurement must be at least 2.2metres (2200mm)
If your loft does not have this height, there are further options
where the ridge of the roof may need to be lifted to provide the
required height.
Are there any regulations or planning issues involved?
All conversions still require the Local Authority (Building Control Department) to check the conversion at various stages. Elite
Lofts will only use your local building control officer to check
and certificate your loft conversion - and NOT a private
building control officer as used by some other companies..
Building regulations can sometimes affect which types of conversion are available to you, according to the type of house you wish to convert, and the area you live in. In some cases we may need to apply for Planning Permission from your Local Authority.
You will not require permission if your conversion does not exceed 40 cubic metres, for a terraced property, or 50 cubic metres for a non-terraced property. This condition only applies to properties that are not located in a Conservation Area or at the junction of two public highways (including bridleways and footpaths)
I want a conversion - should I get some drawings made up?
We will arrange for our draughtsman to visit and draw up the initial plans for the conversion.
The drawings are then sent to you once complete. as long as you are happy you then sign them and we shall submit the drawings together with the structural calculations to your local authority.
Once the local authority has approved them we can then start your conversion
What is the party wall act?
The Party Wall Act (1996) applies throughout England and Wales. It provides a framework for preventing and resolving disputes in relation to party walls, boundary walls and excavations near neighbouring buildings.
Anyone intending to carry out work of the kinds described in the Act must give adjoining owners notice of their intentions
If you can not get written agreement from your neighbours you will need to employ the services of a party wall surveyor.
Further advice is available from your Local Authority or you can read the
Party Wall Explanatory Booklet on the Department for Communities and Local Government website
You can download a sample letter for your neighbours by clicking the following link:
party wall letter
Will I get a certificate for the work?
Absolutely, all work is carried out to strict regulations enforced by the Local Authority who will check the conversion at agreed stages. No work is allowed to carry on until each stage is checked and signed off. Upon completion the local authority will then issue a completion certificate.
All electrical work is undertaken by our Part 'P' registered electrician as required within domestic premises who will issue a completion certificate once finished to show that your loft conversion meets all the current electrical regulations.
All plumbing works are carried out by our approved Corgi registered plumber and all other work is carried out by our own direct craftsmen as we do not use sub-contractors on our lofts.
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