Loft conversions can add 20% to the value of your home and provide you with a brand-new living area. They’re an excellent way to maximize what’s already there in your house while providing flexibility for teenagers or guests to stay over.
When looking for a Dorking conversion, there are various types available depending on your requirements and budget. For instance, hip-to-gable loft conversions may be your ideal solution.
Budget
When considering a loft conversion Dorking, the cost will depend on the size and style of extension you wish to create. Additionally, how many windows you install will have an impact on your budgetary decisions.
When considering a conversion project, three primary options include dormer, hip to gable and mansard extensions.
These all involve replacing one or both end sloping sections of the roof to provide extra headroom. They’re popular among homeowners and can significantly boost your home’s value, so if you want to increase its resale price in Dorking or South East England, these options should always be taken into account.
Your conversion project cost should include all necessary work, such as sanitaryware and electrical fittings. Additionally, it’s likely you’ll have to pay for a Party Wall Survey and reach an agreement with your neighbors before work commences.
Planning permission
If your loft conversion meets certain guidelines, no planning permission is necessary. These include volume limits of 40 cubic metres for terraced houses and 50 cubic metres for detached or semi-detached properties.
Under Permitted Development rights, roof conversions cannot exceed the existing height of the roof nor extend beyond its plane at the front (known as “principal elevation”). Verandas, balconies with raised platforms and Juliet balconies are all allowed under permitted development regulations.
Permitted development is a more lax form of planning, yet it doesn’t offer many design freedoms such as choosing what type of cladding you can use. That’s why getting full plans approved before beginning any construction should always be done.
Design
When it comes to loft conversion design, you have several options available. Your choices depend on your property style, roof height, available space, conservation area and local planning regulations.
For instance, a hip-to-gable conversion could be ideal if your roof has a hipped shape and you wish to maximize the interior volume of your loft space.
Mansard conversions are another popular option. This involves replacing one or both slopes of your roof with a new structure, featuring vertical gable ends on each side.
Your architect should submit drawings to your council that demonstrate that your conversion complies with permitted development rights, thus saving you the expense and hassle of a full planning application.
Building work
A loft conversion is an excellent way to expand the space in your home without having to relocate. You can use it for many purposes, from creating a bedroom or office room to providing extra storage room.
However, you must take into account the building work needed for a loft conversion in Dorking. A reliable architect can advise you on the most suitable method of transforming your roof space.
Depending on the age and construction of your house, building regulations approval may be needed for a loft conversion. For instance, if it’s three stories high, adding a sprinkler system and second escape stairway helps reduce fire risks and ensure everyone remains safe during the conversion.
Completion
Loft conversions are an increasingly popular option for homeowners seeking extra living space without having to relocate. They’re especially popular in Dorking, where home prices tend to be high and space is at a premium.
If you want to convert your loft, you will need a builder who can assist with planning and completing the work in accordance with building regulations. This may involve working with an architect who will draw up plans or hiring a specialist builder.
Once the work is complete, you must obtain a Building Control certificate to prove that it was done according to building regulations. This legal requirement for all conversions can be fulfilled through either your local authority or an accredited inspection company.
