As an alternative to moving house - which is never an easy option - a loft conversion is a very attractive idea for 1000`s of Southport homeowners. Also, you might like where you live, as it's close to schools and local amenities. Maybe you love your home, but it's just too small!
At Loft Crew, we relish the chance to transform homes, creating much-needed space, adding value to the property and enriching the lives of the occupants.
If this idea appeals to you, it's wise to learn more about the subject before diving in. You are welcome to contact our amazing team for more information, but we'll provide most of what you need right here so that you can make an informed decision.
And when you're ready, we'll create the new loft space you've been dreaming of!
It's no exaggeration to say that a Loft Crew loft conversion will unlock the true potential of your home and will change your life for the better.
Take a look at these positive points to see what we mean:
With these advantages, you can see why thousands of Southport homeowners choose to stay put and expand their existing loft space instead.
See why hundreds have trusted us with their loft conversions. Minimal disruption, maximum satisfaction.
Your choice will depend on your budget and preferences, but the existing roof structure is often a deciding factor, as some loft conversions are only suited to specific types of roof.
Loft Crew will assess your roof space and advise you as to which is the best type of loft conversion for your personal circumstances.
Here's a list of possibilities, along with a quick guide to their potential uses and the property types they are best suited to:
Perfect for: Smaller lofts, tight budgets, minimal disruption.
Limitations
Perfect for: Detached and semi-detached properties, maximising headroom and floor space.
Considerations:
Perfect for: Terraced houses with limited space at the rear, adding light and usable area.
Considerations:
Perfect for: Victorian or Edwardian terraced or semi-detached houses, maximising space and versatility.
Considerations:
Perfect for: creating more internal loft space in hip roofs and maximising space and natural light.
Considerations:
Perfect for: Maximising space and light in most property types, creating a luxurious feel.
Considerations:
Perfect for: Smaller lofts, adding natural light and openness on a budget.
Considerations:
Perfect for: Larger lofts with enough headroom, seeking flexibility and openness for complex layouts.
Considerations:
Perfect for: Transforming neglected loft spaces with limited headroom into spacious and practical living areas.
Considerations:
Raising the entire roof structure requires specialist expertise, and you'll definitely need to submit a planning application, making it more involved than simpler conversions.
Whether you crave a tranquil escape, a vibrant workspace, or an extension of your living area, a loft conversion can be the key to unlocking a whole new world within your existing home in Southport. Maybe you already have something in mind, but if you need some inspiration, here are some ideas based on our previous projects:
The average cost of a loft conversion in Southport is somewhere between £12,000 to £50,000, but there are many factors to consider, such as:
With this in mind, here's the breakdown of the different loft conversion types:
Keep in mind that these are average loft conversion prices and that the actual costs will vary.
For an accurate, up-to-date costing, call our Southport team today, and they'll go through the loft conversion cost calculator.
When planning your new loft conversion, it's easy to overlook the staircase as you are focused on the actual room itself. However, without this vital feature, you won't be able to access your stunning new loft space!
Also, it needs to be a careful consideration if it's going to work practically and aesthetically. The Loft Crew team are experts at picking the right design for the project and installing the perfect staircase for your needs, tastes and budget.
Here's a selection to consider:
The heart of any loft conversion is the staircase, the bridge connecting your existing home to the newly created space above. But beyond mere functionality, your loft staircase installation is a statement piece, setting the tone and reflecting your personal style. At Loft Crew in Southport, we understand this, and that's why we offer a diverse range of options to perfectly complement your dream loft.
Remember, your staircase is more than just steps. Consider incorporating additional features like:
Most loft conversions in Southport don't require planning permission, but some most definitely will.
If you intend to tackle the work yourself, you'll need to look into this before you start. However, when you get Loft Crew on the case, we'll sort all of this out for you.
First, the good news: your project may be covered by Permitted Development Rights (see below for more details). But if you need to submit a planning application, here's what you should know:
While it can be a headache, Loft Crew will steer you through this process and deal with the paperwork wherever possible. With our inside knowledge of the process, we can help things to run smoothly. We cover this in more detail in our post “do you need planning permission for a loft conversion”.
These are pre-approved planning rights granted by the government, allowing you to carry out certain home improvements without needing formal planning permission. This can be a significant advantage for loft conversions, streamlining the process and potentially reducing costs.
It depends! While not all loft conversions qualify, many can be built under these rights, provided they meet specific criteria. These criteria are laid out in the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 2015 (as amended).
Key Criteria
Additional Points:
Professional Guidance. Dealing with all of this can be a headache! Loft Crew will handle all of this for you, and we'll be standing by to assist you with any task you need to complete yourself.
A party wall is any wall shared with your neighbouring property. This includes shared walls between terraces, semi-detached houses, and even the floor or ceiling separating your loft conversion from their living space.
The Party Wall Act 1996 protects both you and your neighbours when undertaking any kind of building work near or on a shared wall. It ensures any necessary structural alterations are carried out safely and minimises potential disputes.
If your loft conversion involves any work that could affect the shared wall's structural integrity, you need a PWA. This includes:
This agreement outlines the rights and responsibilities of both parties during the construction process. It typically covers:
It's important to understand that your neighbour is not legally obliged to sign this agreement. This doesn't necessarily mean that the work can't go ahead, but it can cause complications as they may seek a court injunction.
Hopefully, the matter can be resolved well before this, but we always recommend that our clients maintain a civil, amicable and open relationship with neighbours to avoid any potential legal issues.
Loft Crew is happy to liaise on your behalf and reassure your neighbours if they have any concerns about the work to be carried out. We cover this in more detail in our post “do I need a party wall agreement for loft conversions”.
No matter the size or scope of your loft conversion, building regs approval is always required if you plan to use the space for habitable purposes. This means converting it into a bedroom, bathroom, living area, or any other room intended for human occupation. Even minor alterations, such as adding roof lights or installing fixed stairs, necessitate approval.
A registered building control officer will issue a completion certificate after the final inspection, but only if all regulations are met.
The key points that will be checked by the building control officer are as follows:
Structural Stability - This focuses on the load-bearing capacity of your existing structure and any new elements introduced during the conversion. It ensures your loft can safely support its intended use and withstand potential loads like wind and snow. This might involve calculations by a qualified structural engineer.
Fire Safety - Fire safety regulations prioritise the safety of occupants in case of a fire. This includes requirements for fire doors, compartmentation, fire-resistant materials, and mains-powered smoke alarms. The specific requirements depend on the size and layout of your loft conversion. Existing doors to the staircase must be replaced with a fire door capable of twenty minutes of fire resistance.
Means of Escape - Clearly defined escape routes are essential in case of a fire or other emergency. Aside from fire doors, all first-floor habitable rooms must have an 'egress point' such as a window big enough and low enough to escape through. Regulations dictate the width, headroom, and accessibility of stairs, landings, and other escape routes, ensuring safe and quick evacuation.
Ventilation and Thermal Performance - Proper ventilation prevents dampness, condensation, and mould growth. Regulations specify minimum ventilation requirements and standards for thermal insulation, ensuring your loft is well-ventilated and energy-efficient.
Drainage - Effective drainage systems prevent water ingress and damage. Regulations address the design and installation of gutters, downpipes, and any additional drainage systems required for your loft conversion.
Disabled Access - While not always mandatory, depending on the size and purpose of your loft, regulations encourage provisions for disabled access. This might involve wider doorways, accessible toilets, and features that cater to individuals with disabilities.
Energy Requirements - Building regulations promote energy efficiency in new construction. Depending on the size and complexity of your loft conversion, you may need to meet specific energy performance standards, potentially involving insulation upgrades or renewable energy sources.
Building regulations exist to ensure the safety, structural integrity, and energy efficiency of your conversion. Failing to comply can lead to serious consequences, including:
We will ensure that your conversion is safe, legal, and complies with all requirements using our own experience as well as advice from architects, surveyors and building control specialists.
At Loft Crew, we don't just sell dormer loft conversions; we craft them with passion and expertise. Our team of experienced professionals will work closely with you to understand your needs, budget, and aesthetic preferences, guiding you towards the perfect loft conversion solution.
We offer:
Ready to take the first step towards your dream loft? Contact the Loft Crew Southport team today for a free consultation, and let us help you choose the perfect loft conversion to elevate your existing living space and your lifestyle.
A loft conversion transforms your attic into usable space, adding living area without the footprint of an extension. This can significantly enhance your home's value and functionality.
Most loft conversions in the UK fall under 'Permitted Development' and don't require planning permission. However, permission is necessary if you extend beyond specified limits or alter the roof structure.
The cost of a loft conversion varies based on size, type, and finishes but typically starts from £20,000. Investment depends on the complexity and desired specifications of the project.
Several loft conversion types exist, including dormer, mansard, hip-to-gable, and Velux, each offering different benefits and suited to various house styles and planning constraints.
A standard loft conversion can take between 8-12 weeks to complete. The timeline may extend depending on the project's complexity and any planning permission requirements.
Yes, a loft conversion can significantly increase your property's value, often by up to 20%. It's a cost-effective way to add living space and appeal to potential buyers.