Loft conversions can take as little as 8 weeks (not including design and permissions), but the duration of your loft conversion depends on the type of conversion, whether you require planning permission, how quickly party wall agreements are reached, and whether you require plumbing or other additions to your conversion.
Loft Conversion Quotes
We always quote specifically for your home and requirements, so every loft conversion begins with an appointment for a member of our team to meet with you and discuss your plans. We provide you with a quote to complete your building works, including an exact list of what is and what is not included in the costs.
Once you have accepted the quote and instructed our team to begin your loft conversion, we put together a work specification, payment schedule, and contract to be signed off before work begins. We always schedule a pre-start meeting around 1 week before work begins so you can ask the site foreman any questions you may have. This is also when we will sign exchange contracts.
Design & Architectural Plans
Hatch Construction has a list of approved architects and structural engineers available, and we are always happy to refer you to one of our trusted partners. They will take care of the whole planning permission and design process for you, and will create detailed plans so you get exactly what you want from your loft conversion.
If you prefer to use your own architect, it’s important to ensure that the price includes a full set of working drawings as well as outline drawings to be submitted as part of the planning application. If you are unfamiliar with the planning process, it’s best to ask the architect to manage that aspect of your loft conversion as well.
If the work involves a shared wall, it’s best to let your neighbour know about your loft conversion as soon as possible. You can submit the paperwork to them via our party wall surveyor, but a less formal approach is often better received. This part of the process can take a few minutes, or a few months, depending on whether or not your neighbours agree to the work.
Building Your Loft Conversion
Once all of the preparations have been put in place and you are happy with the loft conversion plans, building work will commence. We have put together a simple timeframe below as a general guideline, but your loft conversion could take more time (especially if you have opted for a Mansard loft conversion or you have unusual interior finishes).
Stage 1
If necessary, our team will erect scaffolding and receive the first batch of materials. We create access to your loft through an opening in the roof – our team will not need access to the main interior of your house at this stage.
Stage 2
Our team carries out structural alternations to the roof space, and may need to add steel joists if the structure needs reinforcement.
Stage 3
Loft floor joists are installed, and our team begins to build Dormers separately if we are building a Dormer loft conversion. We complete external roof work at this point, including roofing, leadwork, soffits, and guttering. We also complete the first fix for electrics and plumbing.
Stage 4
Your Dormers are completed at this point, and the loft floor is installed. We also install your roof windows and construct internal walls. Our team will also insulate your walls and install roof ventilation.
Stage 5
The walls of your loft conversion will be plastered at this point, and we will create an access opening for your new staircase. Once the opening is created, our team can install the staircase. This is the first time we will need access to the interior of your home, and we will keep you informed as work progresses so you can plan around this stage.
Stage 6
The new staircase area will be plastered and we will complete the second fix of electrics and plumbing. Our team begins decorating your loft conversion interior at this point, as well as hanging doors, installing skirting, and adding handrails and spindles to your new staircase.
Stage 7
Decoration should be completed at this stage. Our team will thoroughly clean the area and remove all waste before you inspect your new loft conversion. You have the opportunity to let us know if there are any minor changes you’d like to make. We work under a 100% satisfaction guarantee, and will always ensure that you are happy with your loft conversion.
Stage 8
Your preferred changes will be carried out and the loft is ready for your final inspection. This is also when we schedule the building control inspection and provide the certification for your completed loft conversion to be signed off.