Build A Loft Conversion - The Golden Rule
The one golden rule if you want to build a loft conversion is…..play it by the book. I’m sorry if that sounds boring, safe and predictable but please don’t ignore it. If you build a loft conversion your work simply must have building regulations approval and, in some cases, planning permission.
It really is astonishing the number of unauthorised loft conversions there are in the UK. When I was developing the idea for this site I spoke to three friends who, in the past, have all built a loft conversion. Not one of them had the correct, or indeed any, building regulations approval. The main reason being they couldn’t be ‘bothered’ to do the paperwork and, anyway, if the builder didn’t mind what was the point? The ‘point’ is that not following the golden rule and doing things by the book can end up in disaster. This unfortunate lady lost over £20,000 and ended up without a loft conversion. If you don’t have building regulations approval you risk all sorts of problems and, when it comes to selling your house in the future, you may lose a sale by not having the correct paperwork to show prospective buyers.
The biggest advantage in obtaining the correct approval when you build a loft conversion is that the councils building control officer will be your best safeguard against poor workmanship. He will ensure your original plans are within the law and will make site visits to ensure that the work carried out by your builder is up to standard. The actual process of obtaining building regulations approval is quick and straight-forward and should be just a matter of routine in your planning. Building work will not be held up and your project will be completed without problems. All reputable specialist loft conversion companies are very experienced in dealing with the building regulations and will easily guide you through them. Advice on choosing a builder can be found here but, of course, there are builders out there who will not do things by the book. They may even do a good quick job – a basic conversion could be carried out within a couple of weeks - but do not be tempted. In the case of loft conversions taking a short cut really is the road to nowhere. Remember the golden rule. Build a loft conversion by the book and obtain the correct building regulations approval. And, if in any doubt, simply give your local authorities building services department a ring and they will be happy to advise you. They are there to help. Use them. After all, you may as well get some value out of your council tax payments.
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