Loft Conversions

Converting unused loft space is one of the easiest and most affordable options for extending your home. Whether you need the extra space for a new bedroom, office setup or self-contained living area, building upwards is frequently the most effective solution. Investing in and upgrading your home can be a more worthwhile way to spend your money rather than sinking it into stamp duty, moving costs and legal fees that you won’t see a return on.

Loft conversions often have their own unique challenges, however, depending on the requirements of each individual project. For a room that you can live in and enjoy for years to come, it’s important that you choose a competent building firm, with the proper skills and knowledge to complete the job professionally.

Builders West Sussex has extensive experience creating beautiful loft conversions, working on homes across Sussex to transform neglected attics into valuable and inviting rooms for the whole family.

WHAT CAN YOU USE A LOFT CONVERSION FOR?

One of the most common uses for a loft conversion is to create an additional bedroom in a home. This is ideal if your family is starting to outgrow your home but you don’t want to move, for example, if you already have children sharing a room. Kids need their own space, and a loft conversion is a great way to achieve it without uprooting your family.

Office space is at a premium in our homes with many more people working remotely these days. If you have someone who works from home a lot then a loft conversion is a great way to create dedicated office space. Busy households don’t typically make for productive environments so somewhere to work in peace is essential.

Another way a loft conversion improves the quality of your home life is to simply open up more space for family time. Your loft conversion can become a dedicated room for watching movies, relaxing and socialising or hosting guests.

LOFT CONVERSION SERVICES

We know that every family needs something a little bit different, to meet the unique needs of their home. While most of our customers ask us to handle the entire loft conversion from start to finish, we’re just as happy to complete all the technical structural work to a high quality, for keen DIY-ers to step in to finish the job. Our process is about communicating with every customer to deliver a project exactly as they imagine.

The first step is a no-obligation consultation appointment, where we listen to your property refurbishment needs, and make some suggestions about design possibilities. If you are happy with our suggestions then we’ll get to work creating a plan for your loft conversion and schedule a time that suits you.

A FULL CONVERSION SERVICE INCLUDES:

– Feasibility Survey
– Architectural plans
– Structural support for roof and timbers
– Building and insulating internal walls and floors
– Tank repositioning (if required)
– Velux window installation
– Adding flat or pitched-roof dormers
– Electrics and plumbing
– Stair installation
– Plastering
– Doors, skirting and finishing touches

You may already have technical plans for your loft conversion or wish to use your own designer. If this is the case, we can provide a cost estimate for completing the work and once you are satisfied with our quote, begin working on the required elements.

Alternatively, our team can make the necessary structural alterations, such as roof timber openings, installing windows and stairs, and making everything watertight, for you to complete the next stages yourself. Our level of service can be entirely tailored to your requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q:        Is my loft suitable for conversion?

The vast majority of lofts are suitable for conversion to provide you with extra habitable space in your home, though some building projects may be more complex than others. Building Regulations require that a loft conversion has a minimum ceiling height of 2.2 metres, as measured from the floor to the top of the ceiling joists. A low ceiling will require additional work such as raising the roof, lowering the ceiling in the rooms below or using thinner insulation. Whatever the issue may be, Builders West Sussex has years of experience in all types of loft conversions and are well placed to find a solution to potential problems.

Q:        Will I need planning permission to convert my loft?

Most residential loft conversions fall under ‘permitted development’, meaning no planning permission is required. However, it is always recommended that you check with your local planning authority and obtain their written confirmation before you go ahead with any building work. If your property is located in a Conservation Area or is a listed building, or you are wanting to convert the loft of a leasehold property, permitted development rights do not apply. At Builders West Sussex, we can help with professional advice and assistance to enable you to obtain whatever necessary consent you need.

Q:        Does a loft conversion add value to my property?

It is generally recognised that a loft conversion is one of the most effective home improvements you can make that adds real value to your home. A well-designed and executed loft conversion can increase the property value by 20% or more. Many homeowners take the wise decision to ‘move up, not move out’, realising that it is far cheaper and more cost-effective to convert unused attic space in your home than selling up and moving to a larger property.

Q:        How long with it take to convert my loft?

Every loft is different, and every homeowner has their own requirements. Most of our customers prefer Builders West Sussex to take on the entire project, but some only need us to carry out the technical, and structural work and are happy to finish the job themselves – we can do as little or as much as you require. The timescale for the completion of a full loft conversion depends on the complexity of the project. As a rule of thumb, a straightforward Velux or dormer conversion will take in the region of 6-8 weeks, while more involved hip-to-gable or mansard constructions, particularly where planning permission is needed, can take much longer.

Q:        What next steps should I take to get my loft conversion started?

If you are considering a loft conversion for your home in Burgess Hill, Haywards Heath or anywhere in West Sussex, please get in touch with Builders West Sussex to discuss your plans with us. We can be reached on 01273 841707 or 07775 832518 or you can send an enquiry via the Contact Form. We will arrange to come out to your home to assess your loft, consider your requirements and provide you with a free summary quotation within a few days, with information on the next steps if you want to proceed.

Q:        Should you inform your insurance about a loft conversion?

When undertaking any building work in your home it’s important to inform your insurance company. A loft conversion is going to change the original value that your policy is based on and you need to check whether you have sufficient buildings and contents insurance.

Where We Work

With over 50 years of experience, our portfolio includes loft conversions in various property types across Sussex; from Chichester to Hastings. We’ve worked extensively in the Haywards Heath and Burgess Hill area, and in homes throughout the South Downs, including Fulking, Hurstpierpoint, Ditchling and Plumpton. For more details, see the areas we cover, or contact us today.

Contact Us

Need more space? A loft conversion could be the answer. We have over 50 years’ experience providing loft conversions and more conversions across East and West Sussex. Whether you need a simple loft ladder installed or a full conversion with skylights and storage, our experienced team can handle it. For a free, no-obligation quote on your loft conversion project, contact us today on 01273 841707.