Attic/Loft conversions?
By nancygibson
@nancygibson (3736)
France
February 3, 2007 4:58am CST
We have a fairly typical stone 1890s end of terrace house in the Welsh valleys, with big attics which we would like to convert so we can have a couple of extra rooms up there. Currently, the ceiling joists are only strong enough to support the ceiling so we'd need to put new rafters in to support the floor. Has anyone done this themselves, or had anyone do this for them? I'm after insights, ideas, tips, tricks and inspiration.
1 response
@john_essex (199)
•
11 Oct 07
While a loft conversion can be done as DIY, it's a fairly major piece of work. Most conversions will require steel work to be installed, you can do this yourself but it's heavy and dangerous work.
We are currently thinking about having a conversion done on our house, we found some good information about loft conversions at www.aboutloftconversions.co.uk it was an easy going site that explained a few things in an easy way.
Most of the people we had in for estimates would do a 'part build' for you, they would do the main structural work and you would complete the finishing, i.e. platerboarding, electrics, decorating etc. Our estimates for the whole job ranged from £15k to £30k, we didn't get any quotes for the part build but I'm sure it would bring down the cost by quite a bit.
Dont forget that you will also need to inform the local council and all work will have to meet building regulations. In some areas or if you are having dormers you may also need planning permission.
