Reply to: Costs of New Loft extension

[northernladuk]

In posh areas you just ask your neighbours who did theirs. If they allow you to have a good look at it then you hire them.

He's in a terrace and to top it off it's in Liverpool. That option is not going to work.

[SueEllen]

I generally find getting some bloke you know to do things works out much better and cheaper though perhaps that is not an option for people in posh areas with no builder neighbours.

In posh areas you just ask your neighbours who did theirs. If they allow you to have a good look at it then you hire them.

[d000hg]

Regarding fire doors and the like, do you also have to have a 2nd (emergency) exit to comply with the regs?

I house we looked at had the potential to convert both the loft AND the cellar, tempted but it's a LOT of work.

[northernladuk]

If you don't have anything constructive to say, why not just STFU?

Constructive? I see what you did there but you are right it is General. Since when did any post in here require a constructive reply??

This is _GENERAL_, and actually I was planning to ask about loft extensions too. It's a perfectly reasonable question IMHO.

From a two poster newbie.. Riiiight

Anyway. Dimprawn liked my comment so it must have been good.

[filthy1980]

just used that building sherif link and it's scared the crap out of me, might just have to withdraw from this potential purchase

[xoggoth]

I generally find getting some bloke you know to do things works out much better and cheaper though perhaps that is not an option for people in posh areas with no builder neighbours.

[Halo Jones]

I thought that unless you put approved staircase in with correct fire doors and everything you won't get it passed as another room which means you can't advertise your property with an extra bedroom and can cause issues with selling if you haven't had it done properly?

Correct - (mostly) that is the commonly held view of Building Control - the Architect / Designer / You will contact an approved BC & get them to sign off the design prior to construction.

You may find you have to change doors elsewhere in the house (on the stairs & landing) to bring it all up to date & inline with current Regs.

[northernladuk]

I thought that unless you put approved staircase in with correct fire doors and everything you won't get it passed as another room which means you can't advertise your property with an extra bedroom and can cause issues with selling if you haven't had it done properly?

[Halo Jones]

I would like some advice from any builders or contractors that deal with these types of conversions.

I am in the construction trade but commercial not residential.

Conversions have lots of unique issues that you will rely on the builder to spot & allow for in his quote.
I suggest you get at least 3 written quotes from local (preferably recommended) builders & closely read the exclusions & assumptions & any rates marked PS (Provisional Sum).

Party wall has a host of legal requirements on acoustic & thermal properties & you don't want to go down the road of knocking holes in it.

Most conversion specialists will have a M&E operative so get them to do it.

Check who is down to do planning & building control

[OwlHoot]

Another odius and pointless sockie?

If you don't have anything constructive to say, why not just STFU?

This is _GENERAL_, and actually I was planning to ask about loft extensions too. It's a perfectly reasonable question IMHO.

[I just need to test it]

Uncanny. The builders started work on our loft extension on Friday.

[northernladuk]

Another odius and pointless sockie?

[d000hg]

DIY - Home Improvement - Do It Yourself - DIYnot.com is quite a good forum both for DIY talk, and getting advice from tradesmen or those who have had work done professionally.

[Antman]

Building Sheriff- Comprehensive Building Cost/Price Guide

The thanks button is down there on the left of this post.

[ChimpMaster]

Ummmm this is an IT contracting forum.... are you sure you're on the right site here?

Anyway, £30k to £40k with dormers, 2 months. You have enough space to get a nice double bedroom with an en-suite WC & shower room.