Loft Conversion

Loft conversions are another brilliant solution to increasing the living space in a property. Through a loft conversion, an additional bedroom or two can be added into a property thereby moving the price of the property into the next price bracket. It could also be a way of adding a master bedroom with an en suite bathroom to a property that had a shared bathroom. A well planned loft conversion is an easier option than moving.
 
Loft conversions always need approval under building regulations (irrespective of whether they need planning permission). Before you embark on a loft conversion, it is important to have a thorough evaluation of your property and speak with qualified building experts on the requirements and what is possible. It is important to note if your home can take the weight of the loft conversion, if there is enough head weight for a conversion, building regulations and party walls, altering the roof structure, stairs, fitting windows and natural light among other things.
 
Loft conversions offer valuable living space and give some of the best returns on investment when embarking on any form of extensions. Although it depends on the size but it may be wise to budget a minimum of £30,000 for this type of extension.
 
If you an unsure about what to do then our friendly team are on hand to provide free consultation and advice. We can discuss from the design stage to completion and give you an understanding of what to expect while going through this process.

Adding Room in Roof Loft Conversion
If there is sufficient room in your loft then there is an option to add an extra double bedroom and possibly an en suite shower room through a loft conversion. The fact that a bed can fit into a loft does not mean it qualifies as a bedroom. Loft conversions in a standard 89 sqm 3 bedroom terraced house will create room for a new room measuring 22 to 28 sqm.
 
This type of loft conversion project is covered under permitted development and therefore may not need planning permission although the work has to be in line with approved  building regulation. It’s really important that all the way you are speaking to experienced building contractors to guide you through this process. Our team are always on hand to answer your questions and provide guidance.

Above Garage Room Conversion
This implies building an extension on top of an existing garage which is more cost effective than building from ground up as long as the existing foundations can carry the weight. It is important that you speak to our team at CBO Contractors for advice before you embark on this project.
 
The great thing about this option is that you are not reducing your garden space or taking any additional floor space of your property. However you will need planning permission from the local planning department before you can proceed and building regulations will apply. Our team are on hand to guide you every step of the way.

Garage conversion
If you do not have strict parking restrictions around your home or there is sufficient room in front of your house to park your vehicle then a garage conversion may be an option. Also if you garage is housing junk or serves as storage for tools and other equipment or for everything you don’t want in the main house then converting the garage may be the way to go.
 
A garage conversion is another solution to increasing your living space in your home and it is cheaper than an extension especially if you have a tight/limited budget. It is a great option for adding another bedroom or a habitable room in your home. The space can also be used as a kids lounge, office area, home cinema etc. Usually this can cost anywhere from £15,000 depending on the specification.

Basement Conversions
This is the process of changing the basement into a liveable or habitable area of the house. They are a great way to add extra living space in built-up urban areas where outdoor space for extensions is limited. Some of the options may be to turn a cellar into a liveable space. Other options may include excavation and may require more structural work.
 
As per the building regulation, converting an existing cellar into liveable space may not require planning permission but you have to comply with building regulations. Other basement conversions that require excavation and structural work would require planning permission.  
The cost of your basement may vary. It depends on several factors – the location (i.e. type of ground like clay, made-up ground or marsh), the type and structure of the property, if drains needs to be diverted, if the home has solid concrete floors or timber floors, if the ground water table is high and if access to the site is poor.
 
A basement conversion can provide space for a home cinema, kids play area, a study, visitor’s bedroom or an additional lounge area.
 
Conversions are tricky and should never be left to amateurs. At CBO Contractors we always ask that you deal with experts only even if you choose not to use our service. This is because unlike an extension which is an addition to an existing area which can be altered if you get is wrong. Conversions however have an impact on the overall structure of the existing building. Mistakes can be costly and could wipe out any savings you will get by choosing the cheapest quote.