Whittle Lofts Ltd

Once you have requested a free quotation, we will contact you to arrange a time and date to visit your home to conduct a free survey of your loft space.

ROOF SPACE SURVEY
During the survey we will take some measurements inside your loft space and discuss the different types of conversions suitable to your home. We will encourage you to tell us about your ideas and we will give you our opinion and share examples for further inspiration. The survey will take around 1 hour.

QUOTATION
At the end of the survey we will respond within 5 working days with a quote and details of your desired specifications for your loft conversion, to ensure everything has been included. All our quotes are free and come with no obligation.

ORDER CONFIRMATION
Once you have confirmed all the details of your loft conversion and agreed on the price quoted, we will provide you with a personalised information pack which will guide you through the next steps in detail.

DESIGN PROCESS

ARCHITECTURAL DRAWINGS
Our qualified loft conversion architect will contact you to arrange a time and date to visit your loft space to undertake a structural survey and confirm your desired specifications as quoted. We will send you the initial drawings within 5-10 working days for your feedback.

PLANNING PERMISSION
Once you have approved the drawings, we ensure that your plans are reviewed and signed off by a structural engineer and we will make the necessary application to your local authority for the appropriate planning permissions. Planning permission can take anything from 8 to 12 weeks depending on whether your plans fall within permitted development rights and it also depends on each local authority. Click here for a summary on permitted development.

PARTY WALL AGREEMENT
If you live in a semi-detached or terraced house, you will require a Party-Wall Agreement that communicates to your neighbour the building work being carried out and how it will affect the adjoining wall. In most cases, minimal disturbance will be caused by a loft conversion. It is a legal requirement that the property owner or tenant, appoints the Party-Wall surveyor. However, we will advise you on how to move forward with this and guide you through the process. We even have a list of recommended surveyors. The party wall notice must be delivered to your neighbour a minimum of 8 weeks before the construction start date. Click here for more information on how to complete a party wall agreement.

FINAL DECISION MEETING
We will visit your home a few weeks before building commences to finalise the second fix finishing work, including positioning of electrics and plumbing and materials for carpentry and decorating, before creating the final set of working drawings


BUILD PROCESS

BUILDING STARTS
Once the appropriate planning permission and party wall agreement have been obtained, the building work will commence. The first day building starts, your dedicated site manager will introduce you to the team and answer any questions you have. Your site manager will also confirm if you wish to have daily or weekly meetings to discuss the progress of the build.

WEEK 1
Scaffolding will be erected, and weatherproofing will be undertaken before we open the roof. Most of the materials will be delivered and loaded on to the scaffold. Steel beams and new floor joists will be installed to support the weight of the new floor and roof.

WEEK 2
Alterations will be made to the roof structures to support new Velux’s, dormers and gables. Roof tiling and window fitting will be completed to ensure the roof space is weatherproof. New internal wall structures will be built to create the rooms as designed within the plans. Your local authority building control visit at this stage to inspect the work and to ensure that everything is being done in accordance with the approved plans.

WEEK 3
Underfloor pipes and wires will be installed, and new floorboards will be secured to the joists.

WEEK 4
The new stairwell access will be cut out and necessary alterations made to the new floor and original floor downstairs. The new staircase is delivered and fitted.

WEEK 5
Insulation will be cut and fitted to approved standards. Plasterboard will be cut and secured to the new internal wall structures. Local authority building control officer may wish to inspect work at this stage.

WEEK 6
Walls and stairwell will be plastered and after allowing sufficient drying time, final second fix electrical, plumbing and carpentry will be carried out.

WEEK 7
Painting and decorating will be completed, and carpets will be delivered and fitted.

WEEK 8
Your local authority building control will visit to make their final inspection before issuing the completion certificate. They will be checking that everything has been done in accordance with the approved plans and fire safety precautions have been taken. Scaffolding is removed, and new completed loft conversion is cleaned – ready for you to move in!

COMPLETING YOUR LOFT CONVERSION
Once your loft conversion has been completed, your site manager will show you around your new living space to ensure that nothing has been missed. During the completion stage, we’re more than happy for you to check every detail so everything is up to scratch and meets your requirements. Don’t panic if you spot something after we leave the site, we arrange aftercare visits 2-3 weeks after building completion, to make sure you are happy and settling in your new loving space. We also visit 6-9 months after completion, to repair any settlement cracks. Also don’t forget that the loft conversion is covered by 10-year warranty.