Duvacourt Construction

1. Apply for and achieve the appropriate planning permission for the garage conversion (where applicable). An architect normally deals with these applications for you, but some companies such as ourselves offer an in-house design service.
2. Apply for and achieve building regulations for the garage conversion. In some cases this may necessitate a third party to provide information such as structural calculations. Again, an architect normally deals with these applications for you, but some companies such as ourselves offer an in-house design service.
3. Seek estimates from reputable and experienced building contractors, ideally with industry accreditation with a professional body. Choose a contractor, agree price and a start date for the work.
4. The building contractor will likely carry out the work in the following stages, including calling the building inspector to carry out inspections at all general work stages through to completion;
a. Preparing the work areas and installing of any temporary works such as structural supports necessary to safely carry out the work;
b. Structural and ground works such as installing lintels, laying drainage services and so forth;
c. Roofing works such as replacement of roof coverings, fitting vents and installing insulation (where laid atop the roof rafters);
d. In-filling the garage door with new brickwork or timber framed wall with cladding;
e. Installing new external doors and windows;
f. Internal 1st fix joinery such as building stud partition walls and suspended floors in some cases;
g. Running of electrical, water and heating 1st fix services;
h. Installing insulation to walls, ceiling and floors, ensuring appropriate cross-flow ventilation as necessary;
i. Installing wallboards and floor boards;
j. Plastering walls and ceiling;
k. Internal 2nd fix joinery such as doors and frames, skirting boards, architraves and window sills;
l. Installing and connecting 2nd fix sanitary ware such as showers, enclosures, basins and toilets.
m. Installing and connecting central heating radiators, re-pressurising of heating system and testing;
n. Laying floor and wall tiles, grouting and applying silicone;
o. Painting and decorating internal surfaces;
p. Installing and connecting 2nd fix electrics such as lights, switches and sockets. Testing and certification.
q. Building inspector to carry out completion inspection and issue certificate.
r. Installing flooring.
s. Cleaning down and hand over to the client.

The first things to consider are the size, in particular the height, of the loft space, and the construction of the roof. Roofs are built in a wide variety of shapes and styles, some of which are more suitable for conversion. Generally, a minimum internal height of 2.4m is desirable to allow room for laying taller floor joists and installing insulation. The use of the loft needs to be carefully considered, particularly where there is a limited ceiling height to maximise the best use of the space. Some properties may have covenants or restrictions such as Grade listings, so these should be checked first. Similarly, some loft conversions may require planning permission and it is always advisable to seek the guidance from the local planning authority (LPA) first.

Roofs that are build in traditional construction are generally easier and more cost effective to convert, whereas truss-style modern roof constructions can be more difficult and expensive. Often a structural engineer will be necessary to specify structural components such as beams and joists to allow for the loft space to be opened up for conversion to a usable habitable room. It is a good idea to speak to an architect and/or engineer early on to get professional advice.

Access to the loft is also an important consideration. Staircases take up space and are necessary for access to the loft room. The location of the staircase will depend on the proposed arrangement of the loft room, the head height available throughout the staircase and where it will need to be placed at the floor level below. Sometimes a staircase can be easily repeated over an existing staircase within a preexisting hallway, but this is not always possible or desirable.

Position and type of windows for the loft room should also be considered. The most cost effective are generally roof light and standard windows in gable walls, but other options such as dormers are also common which can increase the amount of space within the loft.

1. Apply for and achieve the appropriate planning permission for the loft conversion (where applicable). An architect normally deals with these applications for you, but some companies such as ourselves offer an in-house design service.
2. Apply for and achieve building regulations for the loft conversion. In many cases this may necessitate a third party to provide information such as structural calculations. Again, an architect normally deals with these applications for you, but some companies such as ourselves offer an in-house design service.
3. Seek estimates from reputable and experienced building contractors, ideally with industry accreditation with a professional body. Choose a contractor, agree price and a start date for the work.
4. The building contractor will likely carry out the work in the following stages, including calling the building inspector to carry out inspections at all general work stages through to completion;
a. Preparing the work areas and installing of any temporary works such as structural supports necessary to safely carry out the work;
b. Building of any external walls such as hip to gable conversions;
c. Structural works such as installing steel beams and bearings, laying floor joists, building ashlar walls and dormer frames, installing additional roof rafters and so forth;
d. Roofing works such as laying roof membrane, battens, tiles, vents and any new coverings, fitting fascias, soffits and rainwater guttering, installing insulation (where laid atop the roof rafters);
e. Installing new external windows and roof lights;
f. Internal 1st fix joinery such as building stud partition walls and installing a staircase;
g. Running of electrical, waste, water and heating 1st fix services;
h. Installing insulation to walls, skeilings and floors, ensuring appropriate cross-flow ventilation as necessary;
i. Installing wallboards and floor boards;
j. Plastering walls and ceiling;
k. Internal 2nd fix joinery such as doors and frames, skirting boards, architraves, window sills and balustrades;
l. Installing and connecting 2nd fix sanitary ware such as showers, enclosures, basins and toilets.
m. Installing and connecting central heating radiators, re-pressurising of heating system and testing;
n. Laying floor and wall tiles, grouting and applying silicone;
o. Painting and decorating internal surfaces;
p. Installing and connecting 2nd fix electrics such as lights, switches and sockets. Testing and certification.
q. Building inspector to carry out completion inspection and issue certificate.
r. Installing flooring.
s. Cleaning down and hand over to the client.

We have been trading for 16 years but we have worked for over 30 years in the construction industry.

We offer a range of insurance backed warranties. Our standard consumer terms and conditions also include an aftercare policy.

Making sure our customers are happy with our work and the final product.

We offer a wide range of professional building services for projects small to large. We employ our own tradesmen, something which is becoming increasingly rare in the industry. We have long standing trade accounts with a wide range of local and national suppliers, enabling us to get preferential rates to help keep costs down for our clients. We work closely with our customers at all stages of our work and we offer a range of insurance backed warranties and an aftercare policy. We pride ourselves on the quality of our work and our service, no matter how small or large the project.