If you are considering a loft conversion, then you’ll want to make sure you get it right first time. You’ll need to consider how the work will impact your daily life but also how the use of the loft will affect life after it is completed.
- Will there be additional noise from the loft if it’s over an existing bedroom? Will adding a bathroom ease morning congestion, or do you need a home office? Choose whatever use suits your needs and you’ll add significant value to your home.
- Everyone will have their own ideas about what they want their conversion to look like but be sure to consult with a professional for the design phase. There are numerous regulations and structural rules that need to be complied with. It’s also a way of getting the best advice to keep costs down too. Finding a company that specialises in loft conversions is the best move.
- Ask to see some of the company’s previous work and conversion projects and get feedback from their customers. Most quality companies like Caines Lofts will love showing off their great craftsmanship. This will also help you to get to know the people who will be working on your own conversion.
- Get some storage space solutions and buy Longspan Racking which can be sourced from sites like rackzone.ie/pallet-racking/long-span-shelving
- Having a thorough structural survey is another excellent place to start before commencing work on your loft. A conversion can add significant weight to your property, so it would be best practise to ensure the process will be supported structurally. This is also a good way of finding out whether your plans are possible before you go ahead and attempt a DIY job which could turn into a nightmare scenario. Safety is paramount so consulting with professionals is the only sensible way forward.
- You’ll also want to be confident that you’re not making any changes to your property that might void your building’s insurance. Fire safety is another precaution you’ll definitely want to take seriously.
- Establish the cost before any work begins so you don’t get any nasty surprises half way through the job. Be wary of a cheap quote. Many less reputable businesses will use this as a way of getting the job and then insist on add-ons which will come out more expensive than some of your original quotes from reputable companies. Quality and confidence is everything so if you can’t afford it now, then save up until you can and don’t be tempted by ‘too good to be true’ offers.
- Be upfront about your budget and a good company will help to design a conversion that’s within that budget. Remember that some windows are more expensive to install than others and if you want to add radiators or a bathroom to your conversion, your central heating might need upgrading to handle it. Make sure you are aware of all the possible costs.
- If your conversion involves a party wall, then make sure you have a ‘party wall agreement’ in place or all your hopes could be dashed. A good conversion company can arrange this for you.