Converting your loft: it’s not all about the bricks and mortar. There is a lot to consider from an administration point of view before, during and after the build itself. Which is why, when whether it be considering loft conversions in Leytonstone or anywhere in Greater London, it’s important to use a specialist loft conversion company to make sure that you have everything you need.
1. Planning Permission
Planning permission isn’t always required for loft conversions, however, it’s always wise to check with your local authority planning and building control department as to whether it’s required or not. They will be able to advise what you can and can’t do before you consult your specialist loft conversion company and / or submit a formal planning application.
2. Building Regulations
Whether planning permission is required or not, you will need to comply with building regulations. Building regulations ensure that your roof and floor structure is safe, the stability of the existing house structure isn’t altered or put at risk, sound and heat insulation is in place, and that the stairs are safe in terms of fire and the pitch of the steepness. Your specialist loft conversion company can talk you through any paperwork required for the London building inspectors and can also be on site to help with the inspector’s visits.
3. Review your Insurance
Once you have the above in place, it’s important to review your home insurance paperwork. Be sure to inform your insurers that the work is taking place and discuss with them whether any extra cover will be required. You may also need to review and, if necessary, increase the reinstatement value of your home’s building insurance; your London loft conversion company will be able to give you an estimate of how much it will cost to rebuild your property should the worst happen in the most unlikely case.
4. Other Aspects to Consider:
The above are the biggest three pieces of paperwork that you need to consider before starting work on your loft conversion. But some loft conversions also need extra considerations. For example, you may need to think about the following:
• Check that you own the roof space: for most houses in Leytonstone, this shouldn’t be a problem. But for those living in top floor flats, including maisonettes and upper cottage flats, you should check your title deeds or ask your property maintenance company whether you actually own the loft space. It can be the case that you own the loft space in common with all of the other flats within the building, or it is the property of the property maintenance company, and therefore will not have permission to convert the loft unless you seek the permission of all of the other owners and / or the property maintenance company.
• Listed Building Consent: If your home is listed, you will likely have to fulfil other conditions and potentially seek listed building consent in order to convert your loft.
• Party Wall Agreements: If your home is terraced or semi-detached, remember that you may need a party wall agreement between yourself and your adjoining neighbours.
A London loft conversion company can help you through all of these aspects. Once you have all of your paperwork in place, it’s important to keep it safe. This includes the approved plans, any guarantees for the work or new windows you’ve had installed, and your building completion certificate that you’ll receive at the end of the work, as you’ll need these should you decide to sell your property at a later date.
For loft conversions in Leytonstone or beyond Central London, why not contact Bespoke Lofts? We can ensure that all of your paperwork is provided swiftly and efficiently in order to make the build simple as possible.