Tackling A DIY Loft Conversion

A DIY loft conversion is obviously a big project but, for those amongst us who are keen and competent Do-It-Yourself enthusiasts, then it certainly is a ‘do-able’ one.

The key to a DIY loft conversion is pretty much the same as any other – make sure every detail is planned and the correct planning permission gained or building regulations adhered to.

The other important factor, and a pretty obvious one at that, is to give yourself plenty of time to finish the job.

Unlike that new shelf in the bathroom a loft conversion can’t be flung up whilst the wife is at bingo and its half-time in the football.

Of course a DIY loft conversion doesn’t necessarily mean you will be doing everything yourself. You may be calling in builders to do much or some of the work.

But the pages on this site, whilst not intended to show you how to drill every hole and turn every screw, will provide a comprehensive guide to the planning and specification of your loft conversion.

By the way. If you do need to be shown how to drill every hole and turn every screw then you should be contemplating a basic night-school course and not a loft conversion!

And, if you are like the guy in the video below, or belong to the Frank Spencer school of Do-It-Yourself, maybe you should just content yourself with a planning role…..(Do you remember the episode when Frank fell through the floor of his neighbours loft? Hands up all those who have done the same. You’ve guessed it. I’m now typing this one handed.)

I think the over-riding factor here is…..know your limits. Please don’t attempt anything which is beyond your capabilities but, if you are confident in your skills, then there is no reason why you cannot complete a great loft conversion – and save yourself a stack of money in the process.

The first thing to do in any loft conversion is to ascertain if your loft is suitable to be converted. If it is then comes the really fun part of the job – designing your new room.

Once the planning stage is over, and your plans prepared either by yourself or an architect, then you must go through the process of obtaining the correct planning permission (if needed) and building regulations approval.

And, whilst these steps may appear to be a bit daunting or even intimidating, they are necessary and, really not that difficult to get through.