FAQs
Loft Conversion Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the minimum height
that is needed to convert my loft?
2. How long does a loft conversion take?
3. How much does a loft conversion cost?
4. Will I need planning permission from my local authority?
5. Will I need to arrange Building Regulations Approval and will that
be an additional cost?
6. What about the water tank and the chimney in my loft?
7. My plans show no dimensions to individual rooms, only overall size.
8. Can I have natural wood panel fire doors?
9. How is the rubble and waste disposed off?
10. Radiators, electrical points and access panels are not shown on my
plans. Why is that?
11. My plans show no dimensions to individual rooms, only overall size.
12. Who will liaise with the necessary government bodies?
13. Are you insured for the work you carry out?
14. What do I need to do next?
Q. What is the minimum height
that is needed to convert my loft?
A. In order to comply with Building Regulations, the loft has to be a
minimum of 2.4m or 7'8" at its highest point (i.e. the apex of the
roof). Those measurements are taken from the top surface of the ceiling
boards below, to the felt at the very apex of the roof. With that in
mind, we can make the most of even the smallest lofts with the
imaginative use of dormer windows and staircase positioning. We offer a
FREE feasibility study to potential customers- this involves a visit to
your property. Please ring us on 0786 6505 4996 or email at info@generalbuilding.co.uk
to arrange a visit.
Q. How long does a loft
conversion take?
A. All conversions vary due to the different type of work however, as a
guide we would estimate that the work would take 6-8 weeks. A Dormer
conversion will typically take a week to 10 days longer than a Velux»
conversion.
Q: How much does a loft
conversion cost?
A: By completing our survey we can have a free, fully detailed
all-inclusive quote in the post to you within 48 hours.
Q. Will I need planning
permission from my local authority?
A. Yes. If your conversion is for habitable accommodation then it needs
to be planned professionally to ensure it confirms to stringent
building regulations. Please see our guide on planning.
Q. Will I need to arrange
Building Regulations Approval and will that be an additional cost?
A. GB Works are used to dealing with Building Control at local
Councils, and we will complete all necessary paperwork for you. The
costs for these are detailed within your quotation.
Q. What about the water tank
and the chimney in my loft?
A. Using our own plumbers, we can easily reposition any plumbing to
maximize usable space in the loft. Chimneystacks usually have to remain
in position, but can be removed, often subject to planning.
Q. My plans show no dimensions
to individual rooms, only overall size.
A. Internal walls may move slightly on site i.e. size of the bathroom.
Q. Can I have natural wood
panel fire doors?
A. No, all our panel fire doors are made of pressed material.
Q. How is the rubble and waste
disposed off?
A. Via a skip, the cost of which will be accounted in your contract.
Q. Radiators, electrical
points and access panels are not shown on my plans.
A. Radiators, electrical points and access panels are to be positioned
on site, allowing you to position these once you have access to the
loft.
Q. My plans show no dimensions
to individual rooms, only overall size.
A. Internal walls may move slightly on site i.e. size of the bathroom.
Q. Who will liaise with the
necessary government bodies?
A. We will do all that on your behalf.
Q. Are you insured for the
work you carry out?
A. Yes, both the company and our tradesmen have public liability
insurance.
Q. What do I need to do next?
A. Your next move is to have a no-obligation feasibility study to
determine the most efficient way of carrying our your loft conversion.
Contact us on info@generalbuilding.uk
and we will respond to your email promptly.
Other General Frequently Asked
Questions
1. How do I book a job?
2. How much will it cost?
3. How long will the project take?
4. What if Im not happy with the work carried out after it has been
completed?
5. Are you insured for the work that your carry out?
6. What about the Building control regulations? Who looks after this
part of the build?
7. Can you provide references?
Q. How do I book a job?
A. There are many ways you can book a job with us. You can call us on
020 8519 4772 or 078 6505 4996. You can also send us at info@generalbuilding.co.uk.
We guarantee a swift response to any of your queries.
Q. How much will it cost?
A. Usually we come and visit your property to discuss your requirements
and then we provide a free estimate for the specified works.
Q. How long will the project
take?
A. Each quotation we submit is accompanied by estimated project
duration. Following an instruction to proceed with any given project we
will then produce a schedule/ program of works. This will provide you
with a guide to follow and monitor the progress on site and also
enables you to plan your life around alongside the building works.
Q. What if IÍm not happy with
the work carried out after it has been completed?
A. At every stage of the project customers are invited to inspect and
approve the work prior to paying. In the unlikely event that you are
not satisfied after our employee has left, we simply ask you to notify
us within 48 hrs of completion and we will return and repair free of
charge any defects of workmanship.
Q. Are you insured for the
work that your carry out?
A. Yes, we carry £1 million public liability insurance cover.
Q. What about the Building
control regulations? Who looks after this part of the build?
A. Don't worry, we do, once we commence a project we make contact with
the building inspector at the local Council office. We make all the
necessary arrangements to have the building inspector carry out the
relevant inspections, and we follow this process through until the
project is completed and properly signed off.
Q. Can you provide references?
A. Yes, we can provide testimonials on request. We also offer clients
the choice to physically view our previous or current projects.
