Faqs

Generally loft conversions fall under permitted development and you do not need planning permission. Although this may not apply to certain properties that are in conservation area or the loft conversion needing to raise the ridge height. You can find more information here.

Not at all. The old water tank can be decommissioned by our qualified plumbers. Chimney can either be boarded out or totally removed to create more floor space depending on your requirement.

You can easily check this if you have loft access hatch and ladder. Try and measure the distance from top of your first floor ceiling joists to the underside of loft ridge timber. You need minimum 2.5M to achieve the floor to ceiling height of 2M which is minimum requirement. If your loft height falls short of 2.5M, you my need to drop the first floor ceilings to achieve minimum height.

It normally takes approx. 8-10 weeks to complete a loft conversion depending on the type and size.

If your property is suitable for a dormer loft conversion and you are in the need of extra space in the house, you should definitely consider the loft conversion. It is the most economical way to maximise the potential of your property and create more space without having to move.

Loft conversion is the best way to add value to your property. Recent research carried out by the Nationwide Building Society has stated that a loft conversion could add up to 20% to the value of your home. If your property is valued at £500,000, that’s a whopping increase of up to £100,000!

Simply put – YES. Lot conversion is cheaper and less disruptive as compared to an extension which involves foundation, brickwork, etc. Loft project usually requires a steel and timber construction which is quick and economical.

Yes, they certainly do. Research carried out by Nationwide UK confirms that the property price increases as a result of converting your loft. Loft conversions create extra usable space. It makes your property more appealing to buyers. Extensions, which comprise a double bedroom and bathroom can add 20% to the value. One extra bedroom can raise the value by 10%, while an additional bathroom can increase property value by 5%.

Yes, it’s possible. While Victorian and 1930s properties are much easier to convert, new build homes can get the same treatment with extra help. The W-trussed roof of a new build should have the recommended ceiling height of 2.4m to 2.6 m for a loft conversion. By strengthening roof support, sometimes with steel beams, conversions can be accomplished.

There are building regulations on insulation, and they must meet minimum energy efficiency values. If your loft conversion is creating livable space, then, you need warm loft insulation. Insulating over the rafters with tiles, cover cap, and tile battens will create a warm loft. A cold loft, used for storage only, will have insulation between the rafters, often with slab foam.

A minimum of 2.0m roof height is required. If not, raising the roof or lowering the ceiling below will provide the necessary height.

Yes, design-led plans are the most successful, and you can create bespoke designs that fit your home and requirements with an architect’s help. Architects at Good Design & Build provide advanced CAD design drawings for each client.

The increased size limits for single-storey rear extensions that were previously time limited and due to expire on 30 May 2019 have now been made permanent by government. So a single storey extension can be done under permitted development or prior notification and does not need a planning application. This is subject to the type of property, whether it’s in conservation area and few other factors. More information can be found here.

You can build upto 3m for terraced property and upto 6-8m for semi detached or detached properties subject to how your property complies with planning regulations under permitted development. See link above.

Kitchen extension prices start at approx. £45K and can go upto £70K depending on size, type and amount of work involved. Things like aluminium bifold or sliding doors, underfloor heating, larger rooflights are common factors that can influence the price of your extension.

Yes, it does. Adding square footage to your home guarantees an increase in property value. A 10% increase in floor space adds 5% to the value. Buyers also find a newer well-proportioned kitchen an incentive. If you have a lovely home but a dated and narrow kitchen, extending it outwards with upgrades certainly make your property more valuable and attractive.

A new open plan kitchen can add 6% to property value. A Single-storey extension with a kitchen and dining area can add 11%. A Wrap Around kitchen can even increase the value by 15%. A double extension with a kitchen and en suite can make your property worth 20% more.

Suitability is the best place to start. Finding out whether you need planning permission is the first requirement. Property inspection by experienced professionals helps identify your choices to extend and suitability to build. Learning about the total cost of each extension early on will help you decide on a budget.

Yes, it is the only way to make sure your plans are well within the recommended guidelines. When you want a bespoke design to fit your requirements, an architect is the best person to draw up that design. Our Design phase is there just for that; to enable a smoother transition to the Build phase with practical and technical designs that complement your house and your needs. These are essential to secure planning consent and for building control and construction.