Attention: Please take a moment to consider our terms and conditions before posting.

Loft Conversions.

seth plumseth plum
in Not Sports Related
New roof and loft conversion considered, but not getting ripped off is more of a worry than even the cost. They say the most expensive roof/loft is the one you have to pay for twice.
Any advice or experience out there? Especially with regard to decent companies.
«1

Comments

  • guinnessaddickguinnessaddick
    My sister had her loft done about 5 years ago, I think cost about £30k and it was a good job. In fact the same builder has done about half a dozen in the same road, however she lives in Chelmsford, don't think the builder will come south of the river.
    Cheaper than moving.
  • SparrowsLaneSparrowsLane
    Had one done around 6 months ago and its great. A few teething problems with the roof but they were quickly sorted out. The basic cost was £28k which doesn't include council fees, sanitary ware, additional lighting, fitted cupboards, carpet etc.
  • maybe_babymaybe_baby
    If you have a flat roof you could put up one of those huge military tents. They're cheap, look like a roof, plus if you put your granny up there she wont survive for long, meaning you can use the money she left you in her will to have a proper loft conversion done.

    Sorted!
  • hawksmoorhawksmoor
    I had one done about 15 years ago. Best thing we did. The company did a fantastic job, very quickly, at a decent price. However, I couldn't, hand on heart, recommend them because, when they finished their work early one Friday, they left my front door wide open all day. Luckily, I didn't have the whole house cleared out by the time I got in six hours later.
  • suzisausagesuzisausage
    Last year we bought a 3 bedroom house that doesn't really need anything doing to it, however, before we decorate certain rooms I'd like to look into extending it, whilst we can. However, I dont know whether to extend up into the loft or out the back. we haven't got any quotes but from asking around, both would probably be the same around 30k ish. Any advice on what would be best/easiest? Any suggestions? not bothered about adding value as I am no way moving for at least 15 years.

    thanks
  • carly burncarly burn
    suzisausage said:

    Last year we bought a 3 bedroom house that doesn't really need anything doing to it, however, before we decorate certain rooms I'd like to look into extending it, whilst we can. However, I dont know whether to extend up into the loft or out the back. we haven't got any quotes but from asking around, both would probably be the same around 30k ish. Any advice on what would be best/easiest? Any suggestions? not bothered about adding value as I am no way moving for at least 15 years.

    thanks

    Which do you want? More Bedrooms/space? More living room/kitchen space?

  • BDLBDL
    I'm not sure if he posts on here bu Simon Emmett has just had his loft 'done'.

    Posted regular updates on Facebook. Looked quite good.

    If ever my job becomes more secure again, then again it probably won't, it's something that we will have to look into. I fancy a loft conversion, but the Mrs wants to move to a new build.....
  • carly burncarly burn
    BDL said:



    If ever my job becomes more secure again,.

    Your Job Dave? Big Brian on his way back??

  • BDLBDL
    carly burn said:

    BDL said:



    If ever my job becomes more secure again,.

    Your Job Dave? Big Brian on his way back??

    Behave, if only that was my real job!

  • suzisausagesuzisausage
    Well, our 3rd bedroom is small, and i run my own business in my spare time, and need accessible space for storage of said stuff. however, there are just the 2 of us for the time being. Currently storing it in the loft, but I am not going up the loft as petrified of spiders/ladders so have to get the husband to go up when i need stuff which is annoying. even if it wasn't converted properly, stairs would help me out!

    If we did downstairs, we'd extend out and open up the dining room and kitchen creating a big open plan dining/kitchen/lounge/conservatory area.

    I think the downstairs seems sensible to do first as enjoy cooking but dont like necessarily spending all night in the kitchen on my own and to make it another living space would be beneficial. basically, i need to win the lottery and do both. I can see pros to both!
  • Sponsored links:


  • Cardinal SinCardinal Sin
    Seth - whereabouts are you? If it's local to Charlton, I know a completely reliable retired builder who is great value (he only does local work now).
  • carly burncarly burn
    I had to make the same sort of decision.we are hopefully about to have a rear extn. Gives me a downstairs toilet,playroom and bigger kitchen/diner.Plans are in at the moment.
    When my second child came along the house seemed to shrink overnight!
  • Covered EndCovered End
    Cardinal Sin said:

    Seth - whereabouts are you? If it's local to Charlton, I know a completely reliable retired builder who is great value (he only does local work now).

    He lives in Lee.

  • PL54PL54
    Garage being converted as we speak and Loft to be done in the summer - Dormer windows whack up the cost.
  • HastingsaddickHastingsaddick
    We had some work done a couple of years ago (mainly repointing and improving the brickwork in certain areas, as well as some work on the garage). The guy in charge asked if we had ever thought about converting the loft....I wasn't that interested as the house is big enough for our means, but out of curiosity I asked for a rough quote....he told me that 40k would cover it.
  • PlaaayerPlaaayer
    My uncle is a builder did all the work at the Slade dentist in Plumstead, extension upstairs conversion, did my patents loft conversion as well.

    If you want his number for a quote give me a shout.
  • NugNug
    Been looking into this recently also live in the Lee area, had a company called Econolofts come around, they have done loads in the area, although I hear it depends on what crew you get that dictates the quality of the job. Be interested to also see other recommendations.
  • Curb_ItCurb_It
    Hastingsaddick said:

    We had some work done a couple of years ago (mainly repointing and improving the brickwork in certain areas, as well as some work on the garage). The guy in charge asked if we had ever thought about converting the loft....I wasn't that interested as the house is big enough for our means, but out of curiosity I asked for a rough quote....he told me that 40k would cover it.

    I'd be intrigued too but just not worth the expense when only two of us in the house.

  • suzisausagesuzisausage
    what about the dog?
  • LenGloverLenGlover
    There's an equation of expense v added value.

    In the present market it will almost certainly cost more than you would get back but if you plan to stay a while it might be worthwhile particularly if it adds to your quality of life whilst there.
  • Sponsored links:


  • fossdeneboyfossdeneboy
    suzisausage said:

    Last year we bought a 3 bedroom house thbat doesn't really need anything doing to it, however, before we decorate certain rooms I'd like to look into extending it, whilst we can. However, I dont know whether to extend up into the loft or out the back. we haven't got any quotes but from asking around, both would probably be the same around 30k ish. Any advice on what would be best/easiest? Any suggestions? not bothered about adding value as I am no way moving for at least 15 years.

    thanks

    Suzi the first points to consider is do you mind loosing part of your garden for an extension and if you choose to go for the loft option how will the loft staircase effect the layout of the landing etc . The budget you mentioned is reasonable, if it was me I think I would go for extending into the garden.
  • Robbo on the wingRobbo on the wing
    Cardinal Sin said:

    Seth - whereabouts are you? If it's local to Charlton, I know a completely reliable retired builder who is great value (he only does local work now).

    I'm glad you said builder and not plasterer...
  • seth plumseth plum
    Wow, thanks for all the responses.
    I have done a bit of research and econolofts get a bad press, and a google review of south london lofts isn't exactly confidence boosting.
    A specialist loft company verses a 'builder' is a hard call in itself, you see people all over...there is a Polish team doing the place opposite at the moment, but there is a complexity involved...and an awful lot of risk if you get the wrong people.
    In terms of added value to the property, personally I don't care about that as I'm staying put, it is about a better quality of life...and the roof is pretty much knackered too.
    It seems so hard to get a guarantee of a non-cowboy outfit, even from the big companies.
  • Covered EndCovered End
    edited April 2013
    GT Builders + Windows
    gtbuilders@btinternet.com 020 8859 8316 07770 321756

    Have just finished a loft conversion, new roof, extension etc etc on the house next door to me in Bromley.
    Quality looks very good & builders were more than decent. No idea about their prices though.
    They also did next door but ones previously. All looks & is good.
  • Robbo on the wingRobbo on the wing
    Considering the best part of the work being joinery, you may wish to focus your research down that avenue.
  • bucksheebuckshee
    suzisausage said:

    Well, our 3rd bedroom is small, and i run my own business in my spare time, and need accessible space for storage of said stuff. however, there are just the 2 of us for the time being. Currently storing it in the loft, but I am not going up the loft as petrified of spiders/ladders so have to get the husband to go up when i need stuff which is annoying. even if it wasn't converted properly, stairs would help me out!

    If we did downstairs, we'd extend out and open up the dining room and kitchen creating a big open plan dining/kitchen/lounge/conservatory area.

    I think the downstairs seems sensible to do first as enjoy cooking but dont like necessarily spending all night in the kitchen on my own and to make it another living space would be beneficial. basically, i need to win the lottery and do both. I can see pros to both!

    Surely Dec can turn his hand to a bit of DIY?
  • suzisausagesuzisausage
    Ha. He said he'd paint the 3rd bedroom at Xmas. Didn't happen. Target date is now may bank holiday. He hasn't specified which bank holiday. Luckily no rooms needed doing. He got a drill for Xmas so we have 3 shelves up. Progress.
  • HastingsaddickHastingsaddick
    Curb_It said:

    Hastingsaddick said:

    We had some work done a couple of years ago (mainly repointing and improving the brickwork in certain areas, as well as some work on the garage). The guy in charge asked if we had ever thought about converting the loft....I wasn't that interested as the house is big enough for our means, but out of curiosity I asked for a rough quote....he told me that 40k would cover it.

    I'd be intrigued too but just not worth the expense when only two of us in the house.

    My point exactly, there's only 2 of us.
  • bucksheebuckshee
    suzisausage said:

    Ha. He said he'd paint the 3rd bedroom at Xmas. Didn't happen. Target date is now may bank holiday. He hasn't specified which bank holiday. Luckily no rooms needed doing. He got a drill for Xmas so we have 3 shelves up. Progress.

    Just remind him when he finally does the painting to do the cutting in first.
  • Simon ESimon E
    I've just had had mine converted into two bedrooms. I have a 3bed semi, with the 3rd bedroom a single bed box room. Now after the work it is a 4/5 bed house.

    It wasn't an easy job as I had to have the celings lowered on the first floor to give enough headroom in the loft, and I lost a part of a small box bedroom to give room for the new staircase. But I'm glad we did have the ceilings lowered, as the headroom in the new loft rooms is perfect.

    It wasn't cheap (£42k), but very happy with the work. The whole project took about 10 weeks, and I used a company called Loft Living, who are based in Mottingham.
Sign In or Register to comment.

Roland Out Forever!