Questions & Answers

Lofts

Is my loft suitable for conversion?

Not all lofts can be converted: in some cases it is not practical. One of the main concerns is the head height of your existing property. Realistically, you will need a minimum of 2.2 metres head height in your current loft space. This should be measured form the apex of the roof to the top of the existing joist. Bear in mind that you will lose some height when your new floor and ceilings are installed.

It is, however, still possible to carry out a loft conversion even if the head height is less than optimal. Your ceilings can be lowered or your structural steel work can be lowered into your first floor ceiling.

Your property must have sufficient load bearing walls to support the extra burden. If you have a bungalow, for example, we may need to assess whether the existing structure will be enough to support the additional load. In many cases, however, a successful loft conversion can still be achieved.

The Country Lofts team are experienced at converting all types of properties and will usually be able to recommend a solution to suit your requirements.

Do I need Planning Permission?

A numbers of factors must be taken into account when deciding whether or not your property needs planning permission. You would not normally need to obtain planning permission for your loft conversion provided that:

• The house is a single family dwelling and not a flat or maisonette.
• The proposed extension or dormer window should not be raised above the highest part of the roof: if it faces a highway, it must not be extended
• The loft conversion does not amount to more than 40 cubic metres in the case of a terraced house or 50 cubic metres in any other case. (This is measured externally)
• If it is combined with any other existing extension to your house, it does not exceed the permitted development allowance.

You will need planning permission when:

• Your property is a flat
• The existing ridge line to your roof needs to be raised
• The slope or any part of the roof which faces a highway is to be altered
• The proposed loft conversion exceeds 40 cubic metres in the case of a terraced house or 50 cubic metres in any other case. (This is measured externally)
• When the proposed loft conversion combined with any other existing extension to a house exceeds the permitted development allowance
• The building is listed as being of special architectural or historic interest
• The building is situated in a conservation area
• The permitted development rights of your property are restricted by conditions attached to a previous planning permission or your property deeds
• An "Article 4 Direction" covers the building

Will you arrange the local authority permission?

Yes, we will prepare plans and building calculations and ensure that the necessary notices and permissions are agreed with your local authority

How long will my conversion take?

Depending on the size of your conversion, building work is normally completed within four to six weeks. The expected time scale of your conversion will be confirmed to you before work commences on your property.

Will there be much disturbance to my daily living routine whilst my conversion is being carried out?

There will be some disturbance, however at Country Lofts we try our utmost to minimise this by taking account of any concerns that you may have and by keeping you informed at every stage of the work in progress.

Can I see a completed loft conversion Country Lofts has carried out?

Yes, we would be delighted to show you one of our completed conversions. We will arrange for you to have contact with one of our many satisfied customers.

Will a loft conversion add value to my property?

Yes, it has been proven that by converting your loft space area into additional living space the price of your property will increase.

Extensions

Do I need planning permission for an extension or conservatory?

Regulations that came into force in October 2008 mean that extensions and conservatories are permitted developments that don't need applications for planning permission, subject to certain conditions concerning size, area, depth and appearance. These include:

• Not covering more than half the area of land surrounding the house with another building
• Not extending beyond the principal elevation or side elevation which faces a highway
• The ridge height of an extension should not be higher than the original property
• The maximum depth and height of a rear extension depends on whether you have an attached or detached house and whether it is one or two storeys in height
• Side extensions have a maximum height of four metres and should not be wider than half the width of the original house

A member of the Country Lofts team will be able to advise you as to whether your proposed project falls within permitted limits or whether you will need to seek additional consent.

Current UK government regulations for building projects and planning advice can be found at The Planning Portal at http://www.planningportal.gov.uk/