Our Loft Conversion Process
Your loft conversion will be subject to a number of statutory obligations. These include Building and Planning Regulations, Legal Requirements and where appropriate the Party Wall Act. You can visit these local authority web sites for more information.
Can My Loft Be Converted?
Yes, in most cases. We can arrange to visit you and discuss your potential new space without obligation. During your appointment we’ll tell you what can be done within current legislation to maximise the potential of your conversion.
Loft conversion styles vary considerably, ranging from a Velux-only conversion to roofs requiring dormers at the front or rear. Hip end roofs may require gable conversions or side dormers to allow space for regulation head room above the staircase. The minimum height requirement is 2.2 metres from the top of the ceiling joist to the underside of the apex.
AMD offer a full architectural drawing and planning service. We work closely with our clients from the outset to achieve the best solution within budget.
Preparing Plans
We prepare plans for you, including floor plans, elevations and sections. These are drawn to a scale of no less than 1:100 (preferably 1:50) for the floor plans and sections:
Site plan showing the distances to boundaries etc. at a scale of 1:500.
Location plan at a scale of 1:1250 or (1:2500).
We show the materials used in the construction, including where appropriate their sizes, grades, quality, strength, manufacturer’s references etc.
We give details of gradients of above and below ground drains. We include any necessary structural calculations.
Building Regulations
The Building Regulations apply to building work in England & Wales. They set standards for the design and construction of buildings to ensure the safety and health of people inside. They also include requirements to ensure that fuel and power is conserved and facilities are provided for people. These include those with disabilities, to access and move around inside buildings.
On receiving an order from the customer and after drawing a set of plans, we submit on your behalf a full plans application for your proposed loft conversion to the local authorities.
These will consist of: One completed full plans application form. Two copies of the detailed drawings of the proposed building work. Structural calculations.
The appropriate fee which we will pay on your behalf. For more information click here!
The Party Wall Act
The Party Wall Act 1966 was introduced to provide a framework preventing and resolving disputes between neighbours. If you intend to carry out building work which involves:
Work on existing wall or floor shared with another property.
Building on the boundary with neighbouring property.
Excavating near a neighbouring property.
Then you must find out whether that work falls within the Act. If it does, you must notify all affected neighbours. Providing the following information with our own name and address (Joint owners must also be named).
Address of building to be worked on.
Full description of the works you are proposing, which can be in drawing form.
Will I Need Planning Permission?
Planning permission is not normally required. However, permission is required where you extend or alter the roof space and it exceeds specified limits and conditions. Under new regulations that came into effect from 1 October 2008 a loft conversion for your house is considered to be permitted development. This does not require an application for planning permission, subject to the following limits and conditions.
A volume allowance of 40 cubic metres additional roof space for terraced houses*.
A volume allowance of 50 cubic metres additional roof space for detached and semi-detached houses*.
No extension beyond the plane of the existing roof slope of the principal elevation that fronts the highway.
No extension to be higher than the highest part of the roof.
Materials to be similar in appearance to the existing house.
No verandas, balconies or raised platforms.
Side-facing windows to be obscure-glazed; any opening to be 1.7m above the floor.
Roof extensions not to be permitted development in designated areas**.
Roof extensions, apart from hip to gable ones, to be set back, as far as practicable, at least 20cm from the eaves.
*Bear in mind that any previous roof space additions must be included within the volume allowances listed above. Although you may not have created additional space a previous owner may have done so.
**Designated areas include National Parks and the Broads, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Conservation Areas and World Heritage Sites. Please note: the permitted development allowances described here apply to houses not flats, maisonettes or other buildings.
For more information click here!
When Do You Propose To Start Work?
The Act requires you to follow standard procedure to inform and seek agreement of adjoining owners before undertaking the works. Whilst giving formal procedures the Act also encourages discussions and negotiations between parties. It also gives guidance on resolving any disputes that arise.
Copies of a detailed guide entitled ‘The Party Wall etc Act 1996 – Explanatory booklet’ are available from the Planning Receptions of your local Council. Copies of the Act itself are published by HMSO and can be purchased from any of their national retail outlets.
Further information on the Party Wall Act and a downloadable form can be found here!
What Next?
You will be required to sign a contract and pay an initial deposit to confirm your order with AMD Lofts. Before signing, the contract our surveyor will confirm, in writing, the date when work will commence. Once AMD Lofts have received your deposit and contracts have been signed, we will produce detailed plans and structural calculations. These will also be submitted to the local council, or the Government approved Inspector, with the relevant fees, for approval.
Approximately two weeks before the agreed commencement date, AMD will contact you to confirm arrangements. On the day that work commences one of our qualified teams of workmen will arrive at 8.00am to start work. Once work has started we are committed to your project from start to finish.