Are you thinking of converting one of your unused rooms or office space into a more habitable space for your family or colleague? Then this guide is for you! Aloft conversion helps in transforming your space into a much utilised and functional room. This process is popular among many property owners here in the UK.
Nevertheless, a new loft installation is a technical process that may require a specialist company such as Cardiff based CharlesJames Developments.
Furthermore, having a specific timeframe set for your loft conversion may not be possible. On many occasions, loft projects are different and are affected by other variables. However, a loft conversion usually takes an average of six to eight weeks.
This guide will discuss five factors that affect how long your loft conversion may take. And the step-by-step weekly expectation guide if you hire the services of a professional.
Factors That Determine How Long a Loft Conversion Take
Before you decide on the timeframe you want your loft conversion to take, you should consider the following essential factors.
#1. Planning Permission
If your loft conversion is on permitted development, then you don’t need planning permission. But if it entails changing the roof space, it exceeds the specified limits and laid out conditions. Consequently, you will have to undergo a planning process.
However, any loft conversion that entails a flat requires a planning process that validates your designs. This process ensures your design pass through the laid-out building regulation in the UK. However, this is not an issue to worry about if you hire the services of a professional designer. To be on the safe side, ensure a detailed design is done and sent to the building control before starting the initial work on the ground. The entire processes are time-consuming, affecting the ideal time your team had planned to complete your loft conversion.
#2. Structural Integrity
Your structure’s firmness is also a determining factor in how long it will take your loft conversion. Nonetheless, a loft conversion not only creates extra space but also entails building an extension on your loft. Although the attic’s weight may not affect your building’s structure, it is essential to check out if the beam and pillars can carry any extra weight addition.
These processes entail exposing the foundation of your building to inspect its viability. However, even after your loft conversion professional has assessed the details, it is vital to invite a building control officer who will also conduct his assessment. In case the foundation is weak, and building requires an underpinning to support the extra weight. This action may alter the loft conversion budget and the ideal timeframe planned to complete the project.
#3. Visualise the Space Before Working on it
The most significant challenge people who are planning a loft conversion undergo is visualising the space. Most of the time, when people use their house plan drawing, they think the area is more than it is. But once the roofline factors in the plan, it becomes more restrictive.
A straightforward layout is critical in any loft conversion and getting it right on the first attempt saves time. It also keeps you on track since there are no changes done on the initial plan.
#4. Installing a Bathroom
If you want your loft conversion to have a new bathroom or room, the project may slightly take longer. A new bathroom may require an architect’s services to plan how water and waste pipes will pass in new space. To accomplish your loft conversion with these added specifications will require additional labour and time.
#5. Unforeseen Situations
When you assess your loft for the first time, you will note down all the challenges you are up against. But this is not always the case. Sometimes you may encounter bats in your loft, a situation that requires you to have a license before any work commences. Also, the owner may decide to increase the number of rooms in the loft, which increases the time your loft conversion takes.
Average Loft Conversion Timeline
In case you intend to have a loft conversion, the following is a standard weekly guideline. This guideline will inform you of the expected weekly work schedule.
Week 1 and 2
During this first phase, the loft conversion team will start by organising the general construction work. However, any required material, equipment’s or other necessary deliveries will arrive on-site for work commencing. Depending on the loft conversion type, the construction work should be fully ongoing in the second week.
Week 3 and 4
In this second phase, the loft floor, internal stud walls, floor support, insulation, and ventilation should be complete within this time. In the fourth week, the team should finish fixing the windows and external roof.
Week 5, 6, 7, and 8
In this third phase, the team should complete the staircase and the loft connected to the house. When fixing the stairs, ensure the team works on other works like handrails, plasterwork and bannisters. Finally, the loft work ends when you engage a plumber, electrician, painter and carpenter.
Final Thoughts Generally, it will take approximately six to eight weeks to complete a standard loft conversion. However, the above factor may derail your loft conversion process, forcing your project to take a more extended period than expected. When you contact professional loft conversion services, use the above general guide to give you the standard weekly work expectation
