Thinking about converting your loft into a beautiful, functional living space? You likely have plenty of questions about the process! Whether you’re wondering about planning permission, the potential value added to your home, or the construction timeline, we’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) to help you navigate the world of loft conversions. Read on to get the answers you need to start planning your dream loft project.
Yes, our estimates are without cost at this point and are valid for 1 month.
In accordance with contractual law you are automatically given 14 days from the date of your signature to cancel without cost.
If you stand on the ceiling joist directly below the apex of your roof and measure from the ceiling joist to the underside of the apex you will require a minimum of 2200mm.
You may require planning permission or a certificate of lawful development. This will be determined by our Architect.
Usually we can but this requires additional support to the rafters which is included in our design. You can read more information about truss roof loft conversions here ››
Yes, we have hundreds of completed jobs and our surveyor will be able to arrange for you to view a property of similar design in your area. You can read testimonials from loft conversion clients here ››
We also have a gallery of finished loft conversions, and case studies showing our work.
Yes, we can arrange for electrics, plumbing and heating to be included in your loft conversion. All our electricians and plumbers have the appropriate certification to carry out the work. You can read more about our loft conversion process here ››
No, the construction of your loft conversion is carried out from the outside, all materials are taken into the loft through the roof, and the only time we are working within the living quarters of your home is when we fit the staircase at the end of the construction period. Therefore it is not necessary for you to move out of the house during construction.
Yes, all our work is supervised by us. This gives you the opportunity to discuss any alterations you may wish to have during the construction of your new room. We also assure that the quality of the work is to the standard of our company.
Yes, all the work carried out by this company carries our company guarantee. As we are members of the Federation of Master Builders you have the option to take up additional cover.
Yes, we can provide a part build loft conversion package that includes planning, approvals, structural floor, stairs, and dormer/VELUX. This is a minimum package which enables you to complete all the internal works yourselves.
Having a chimney stack in the loft is very common in most properties built before 1960 and this will cause no problem or additional expense while converting the loft. If the chimney stack is not in use and no longer required it is often advisable to remove the chimney to avoid unnecessary maintenance at a later date.
Most loft conversions to terraced and semi-detached properties can be fully completed to a finish ready for decorating within 8 weeks. Please see the ‘How Long Does a Loft Conversion Take‘ page on this website for further information.
A loft conversion that has full building regulations and planning approval will add value to your property. The increase of value can be between £20,000 and £100,000 and is dependent on the number of factors such as area, type of property, size of conversion, size of property prior to the conversion and the current property market. To get a more accurate figure that your property will increase by contact 3 local estate agents for an estimated value and take an average between them.
Charles Grosvenor Ltd always ascertian if a property is in a conservation area or is a listed building as the proposed loft conversion will have to be designed with these constraints in mind, this procedure will reduce the chance of the loft conversion being refused planning permission. Should a design be refused planning permission, within a conservation area or not, we work with the client and directly with the planning officer to agree the necessary amendments to assist with a design being approved. If a compromise cannot be reached the refusal decision can be appealed against, however this process can take a considerable time.
Yes. Charles Grosvenor understand the challenges of the winter months and prepare accordingly. Your loft is sealed prior to any exterior work limiting heat loss. You can read more about how we convert lofts in the winter here ››
We can build from clients own plans providing that we are satisfied that they are adequate to obtain the necessary approval, the way in which the loft conversion is designed is the most cost effective to construct and the design will not cause unnecessary disruption (such as internal brick piers and beams below the ceiling when it is not needed). We would prefer to use our own architects and structural engineers as they only design loft conversions and have perfected all the aspects of the plans in order to obtain the maximum amount of space and storage.
We would try to design the staircase to be fitted over your existing one to give the continuation of handrails and balustrades etc and to avoid losing space from an existing 1st floor bedroom. However this would only be possible if there is sufficient headroom to the new staircase leading to the loft conversion and the headroom to the existing staircase is not compromised.
Yes, the roof can be restructured to enable you to make better use of the space. There needs to be sufficient volume so that when introducing a new floor or mezzanine level, there will still be around 2.4 meters of headroom on the main floor and at least 2 meters in the new zone that is created. If limited space is left, we would strongly advise to introduce new dormers to the existing roof.
