Loft Conversion Arkley

ARE THE HOMEOWNERS IN ARKLEY REQUIRED TO OBTAIN A BUILDING REGULATIONS APPROVAL BEFORE DOING A LOFT CONVERSION?

Depending on the nature of the work, Arkley loft conversion projects may require Building Regulations permission. If your structure has two or more stories, any work done must adhere to strict rules for any adjustments. These standards apply to certain types of loft conversions in order to ensure the safety of the building's fire escape system or the staircase leading to the next story. These regulations are also in place to guarantee that the new loft conversion has adequate sound insulation, that the new floor is physically sound, and that the entire construction, including the roof, is solid. The Building Regulations may apply differently depending on the scope of construction. Because of the comprehensive nature of the construction, the restrictions will most certainly apply if you want to line the wall, board out the loft, or add a stair to it.

HOW MUCH DOES LOFT CONVERSION IN ARKLEY COST?

The cost of a loft conversion varies greatly, beginning at about £45,000. Loft conversions in Arkley aren't significantly more expensive than in other parts of the UK because of their location.

WHY DO MOST HOMEOWNERS IN ARKLEY OPT FOR A DORMER LOFT CONVERSION AND HOW MUCH WILL IT COST?

When building a loft, most homeowners choose a dormer loft conversion. This is because it provides more usable space with more head height than a simple skylight conversion. A skylight conversion is typically the less expensive option, but it does not provide as much space or head height. A straightforward dormer conversion, for example, is one of the most common types of conversion, but perhaps you want something more akin to an L-shaped dormer, extending over the double-storey extension below? If this is the case, the cost of completion will be higher, possibly due to the addition of features such as French or bi-fold doors to access a roof terrace, for example. Similarly, any additional structural work required to create the additional head height under the dormer window, as well as the need for planning permission, will raise the cost of the dormer loft conversion. 

WHAT TYPE OF LOFT CONVERSION CAN I HAVE IF I RESIDE IN A CONSERVATION AREA?

A common misconception about conservation areas is that they are to be free of development. This is not strictly correct, but there are certain limitations and considerations when it comes to home extensions. These are primarily concerned with preserving the general style and character of the surrounding environment. This means that any work that significantly extends or changes the roofline, such as a dormer conversion, will require very specific permission to proceed. This does not rule out rear dormer or hip-to-gable conversions in conservation areas; if they meet the requirements of the planning permissions governing the location, they may be accepted. However, for less intrusive conversion work, such as Velux or Mansard conversions, permission is rarely required (so long as the property in question is not a listed building). These styles add no new structure to the existing structure, leaving views unobstructed and the design intact.