First of all, you should check with the laws in your Wokingham area to see if there are any restrictions or regulations regarding loft conversions. Some areas won't allow certain types of conversions (like dormer windows or bump-outs), while others have specific building codes that must be followed when converting lofts.
Planning permission is a legal requirement for most major building works in the UK. It's awarded by your local council in Wokingham, and it's designed to protect the character of your area. You can usually get planning permission through the council's website or by calling on their phone number.
You need to decide what your loft space will be used for. After deciding on what your Wokingham loft space will be used for, decide whether or not you want to install an elevator or stairs in order to access it. If you're going with stairs, then make sure they're wide enough so that they can accommodate both children and adults comfortably at all times without being too dangerous! If there are only two of you living here and you both work from home, then perhaps having a home office would be helpful for both parties—it will allow one person to stay focused on their work while still being close enough for conversation if needed!
The first thing you'll need to do before beginning your loft conversion is to check your Wokingham building's regulations. The good news is that most properties will allow a loft conversion, as long as your local council has granted permission for it.
When you convert your attic, you add room as well as value to your property. It makes use of existing space, so you don't have to take up valuable yard area as an expansion would. In addition, loft conversions: • Extensions often cost less per square meter. • Insulation can help your property's energy efficiency. • Because they fall inside your approved development rights, planning clearance is frequently not required.
As a result, your typical home insurance is unlikely to cover you during the repairs, and if they do, it may limit or exclude harm caused by the works. This is when a loft conversion cover comes in handy. So, while your loft is being converted, our coverage protects your house against unexpected catastrophes like fire and flooding.
If you intend to do any building work that would affect a party wall, you must notify any affected neighbors. This is known as serving notice,' and it should be done in writing 2 months to 1 year before construction begins. If your neighbors are agreeable with the planned renovations and you agree on terms for completion, you may not require a Party Wall Agreement or pay a surveyor. You should nevertheless write a schedule of conditions to avoid future problems. This can be agreed upon collectively, or a surveyor can be hired to prepare one.
If you are unable to reach an agreement, a Party Wall Surveyor will be required to draft one. Typically, the owner who is planning the construction work will pay all of the costs connected with drafting the Party Wall Agreement, including the surveyor (s). You can designate one unbiased agreed-upon surveyor to operate for both you and your neighbor, or each of you can have your own surveyor. All party wall survey expenses are paid for by the owner.
The exemption, according to the Government's Party Wall, etc Act 1996, is if the proposed work is required due to a fault or repairs. In this situation, you and your neighbor may divide the expenditures. The amount you each payment will be determined by how much use you each have of the building or wall in question, as well as who is responsible for the fault or repair. The Party Wall Surveyor will determine who pays the fees.
If you would like to discuss the ways in which a Loft Conversion could enhance your Wokingham home, call us on 0208 1020 675 or email to ask us any questions.