Monday 27 February 2012

Loft Conversion an alternative to moving house


Quality loft conversions can be really good for home improvement in the UK as a result of their numerous benefits. It is also an alternative to moving house if you are looking for an extra room.

In today's uncertain housing market, moving to a larger home is not always the best option. On top of the expenses incurred just to gain one or two extra rooms, there is also the hassle and stress of moving to be considered. In cities like Clapham and Wimbledon where the housing market is constantly of a high price, it can be a big risk to move house just to gain an extra room and it could turn out that you end up losing a lot of money.
 
There are many reasons homeowners may need extra space. Perhaps you have a growing family or a new baby or a teenager who craves more privacy. Maybe you're considering moving an aging parent in to live with you or you could use the extra space for a home office.

There are various options of loft conversion available and the style you choose will be influenced by the type of house you live in or the area, but rest assured most houses can be done, including those with modern trussed rafter lofts. The various styles for a conversion are roof light, front/side dormer, gable, wrap around, and mansard and rear dormer conversion. Whatever your needs or wants, a loft conversion is one of the most cost effective and efficient ways to add to your living space without actually moving.

Several factors must be considered before undertaking a loft conversion. An inspection will be made to ensure that there is enough space in the loft to make a conversion feasible and that the area under the roof bridge allows for adequate headroom. There must also be enough space for the access stairs. The roof will be checked for any signs of leaks.

When choosing a builder please do the usual, check their credentials, don't pay money upfront, make sure you have a contract, make sure they have a schedule of how they are going to undertake the work and don't just give a job on price alone. If you get multiple quotes and one of them is cheaper then be careful as they are either going to try and hammer you with hidden costs or have not priced it correctly and the job will be done on the cheap, if they can finish it at all.

Once you have decided to accept the loft design company's proposal, they will begin the process of obtaining planning permission, if required, a certificate of lawful development and building regulation approval. Where appropriate, they prepare and submit detailed structural engineering calculations to your local building control department for approval. Most companies handle all of the paperwork associated with your conversion.

Once permissions are received work can begin on your new loft conversion at a time convenient to you. A reputable loft conversion company handles everything, right up to the time when your new loft is ready to be decorated.

Hazelbrown.co.uk provides the best loft conversion services in Wimbledon, Clapham and London.