Getting started

What do you need to start with?

If you want to know if your home is suitable there are a few checks you can make.

Do you have sufficient space?

A loft conversion needs a certain amount of space to begin with. Your existing attic will usually have the same floor space as your current top floor, so that's a good starting point to give you an idea of the room size you will end up with. You just need to see if you have enough height.

If you stand in the middle of your loft, ideally we would like there to be a minimum of 2.2m from the floor beams to the ridge beam. So, if you can stand in the middle and have a little headroom to spare it's all looking good. If not, don't despair, something can usually be done, but it will probably involve planning permission.

Do you need planning permission?

Have a look down your street. Have your neighbours or other houses on the street had their loft converted? Are there dormers on the rear roof slopes or Velux windows on the front roof slopes? If there are, then the signs are good for you.

If you live in a house you will usually not require any permission. If, however, you live in a flat or a maisonette you will almost certainly require planning permission.

We have plenty of experience in this and haven't had a planning application refused for over 2 years! We really do know what we're doing.

Building Control? What's that?

To ensure a safe, efficient and properly finished end result, your loft company will have to comply with every possible building regulation. These cover the insulation, the structure itself, fire regulations, energy efficiency, drainage, fire safety and the all-round safety of the loft conversion. Your plans need to be submitted to the building inspector before work starts (we take care of that). We must then wait for the building inspector to check it all through and give us the go ahead before we start work.

Further information

For further information on any aspect of planning your loft conversion, please don't hesitate to call us on 0844 815 9334 (Lo-call) or email enquiries@purelofts.co.uk.