This is a vital part as if you do require it and,  you don’t request it, you could be asked to take your loft conversion down. There is much confusion over planning permission for loft conversions and the rules are known to change.

Here are the rules. You will require planning permission if your property has one or more of the following:

• It is a grade 1 or 2 listed building
• Your home is in a conservation area
• It is in an area of outstanding natural beauty
• It is a flat or part of a shared house

You need to know what you are up against before you go ahead. At Topflite Loft Conversions we know just how to assess if you need to request for planning permission. 

If your property does not fit into one of the above four categories then you don’t need to request for planning permission. However, you do need to make sure that your loft conversion meets the correct restrictions.

The laws over loft extensions were relaxed in October 2008 to enable families to creatte more space. At the time the Housing Minister, Caroline Flint said, “Today I am scrapping the red tape so it is much easier to convert the loft into that extra bedroom and build on an extension.”

This also helped to free up the time of local councils to focus on bigger projects.

If you are not sure as to whether you require planning permission, why not contact us today?

Perhaps you are employing someone to do this part for you? Or maybe you fancy giving it a go yourself? Whatever you choose you will want to have an idea of what you want.

Furnishings 

Depending on what you are using your loft conversion for you will want to consider the furniture you include in it.  Your loft conversion may be acting as a spare bedroom or it may have multiple purposes.  Whatever you are using it for consider the furniture carefully.  If you opt for large furniture you will want to ensure that the space can take it.  If you are cost saving then you can use second hand furniture or visit car boot sales and flea markets to create a unique space.

Don’t forget, when at a furniture showroom or at a market, be sure to take a tape measure with you.  It may look perfect but if it doesn’t fit is will be of no use!

Accessorise the space 

If the space is being used for multiple things then accessories can really help.  If the space is dark then accessories will brighten it up.  Utilise window sills and walls.  Add pictures, book shelves and even floor cushions near a window.  Opt for a particular colour scheme and incorporate this throughout.  It will help to bring everything together.

Lighting

You should consider the lighting carefully.  Depending on the size, use and natural light of the loft conversion you will want to pick your lighting accordingly.  Here at Topflite Loft Conversions we can advise you on the right lighting for your loft conversion, including the most up-to-date energy saving lighting.

So what are you waiting for? Get stuck in and make that new loft conversion your own!

A loft conversion shouldn’t simply be about adding a window in the roof and a loft ladder.  It should have durability, style and elegance.  Here are a few other considerations to help you create the space in your loft that is built to last.

Enhance the space 

You can boost the space in your loft by adding a dormer or a mansard roof.  This will enable you to maximise on the space in your loft, thus creating a roomier loft conversion.

Storage solutions

If you plan on using your loft conversion as a bedroom or office you can include built in storage.  The space in the eaves will lend itself well to cupboards where you can store all manner of things from office folders to kids toys.

Insulation 

By insulating your loft conversion well you will keep your house warm and reduce the noise.  Avoid wooden floors if possible as carpet will help to keep the sound out. If you choose wooden floors then make sure you soundproof the floors well.

Light and airy 

You can make your loft conversion light and airy by adding velux windows and plenty of neutral colours.

All of these extra things will help to create the right loft conversion for your home.  Before embarking on any kind of building work you need to think and plan carefully.  Here at Topflite Loft Conversions we can cover all of this with you.  Just call us today for a quote and we can get chatting!

What do you plan to use your loft conversion for?

Will it be a guest bedroom? A children’s play area or even a gym or a study? Whatever you decide will affect the layout, design and overall planning so think carefully.

How much do you want to spend?

Remember, if you are setting a budget it will need to include furnishing, decorating and the interior design aspect as well as the initial loft conversion costs.  Here at Topflite we are happy to discuss these costs with you.

What colour scheme will you go for? 

Colour is really important.  Depending on what you want to use it for, you need to create a colour scheme that ties in.  If the loft is only going to have space for one window then you will want something light and airy.  Alternatively, if it is going to be a space for your teenage boys or a den for your children you may wish to opt for something darker and more masculine.

Lighting?

What kind of lighting will you opt for? If there is going to be a lot of natural light then your loft conversion need not have a large amount of artificial light.  Spotlights are great for these and at Topflite Loft Conversion we have some great energy saving lighting ideas.

Overall it is important to think things through carefully and have some ideas in mind.  Don’t forget you can always call us at Topflite to discuss your options further.

The statistics show that almost one third of parents feel their home is too small, but simply can’t afford to move.  One in four children have to share a bedroom.  There is also a significant rise of children who have gone away to university, moving back home with their parents as rent is too expensive.

That is where the loft conversion comes in.  It is the perfect way to maximise on your current home and enhance its space.  If you have loft space that you are not utilising why not consider a loft conversion?

A loft conversion can transform your loft into a space you never realised you had.  It will be minimum disruption to your home but with maximum output.

Depending on the space you have in your loft you may even be able to add two bedrooms as well as a bathroom.  Just think of all the benefits staying and adding a loft conversion can have versus moving home:

• You can stay in your own home
• No moving costs such as removal van
• No stamp duty
• No extra mortgage repayments

So what are you waiting for? A loft conversion is the less costly, less hassle solution to your lack of space.

Give us a call today for a quote!

Here at Topflite Loft Conversions we have five ways you can make money from your loft:

1. Rent your loft conversion out 

If you are adding a room to your home then why not consider renting a room out? The government also has a scheme that ensures the first £4,250 is tax free.  Whether you rent out your new loft conversion or another room in your home is up to you.  But either way you will be able to make some spare cash.

2. Rent an office 

People who are self-employed are often looking for a quiet space to work.  You can kit out your new loft conversion as a home office and rent a desk space.  You will be able to make some money as well as having your house to yourself by the end of the day.

3. De-clutter

By getting rid of all the clutter in your loft prior to your loft conversion you will be able to save room and save money.  You can sell any unwanted goods that are taking up space in your loft.  You can then advertise them on local free-ads or in your local newspaper.

4. Rent to students 

If your local university is looking for rooms for students then you could consider offering your loft conversion.  By doing so you will only need to open up your home during term time.

5. Bed and Breakfast 

If you have added a loft conversion why not consider starting a B&B? It is a great way to make a bit of extra cash and you need only do it in peak seasons such as spring and summer.

You see, there are many ways to make money from your new loft conversion.  So why not get a quote today?

With spring very firmly here it is the ideal time to get rid of what you don’t want and store what you do.  At Topflite Loft Conversions we have some great ways to re-use and recycle all your old and unwanted loft items.

 Be ruthless 

Chances are, if you have stored it in your loft then you don’t use it much.  Be ruthless. Get rid of anything that you don’t use or need anymore.

Charity 

One persons trash is another persons treasure.  Be sure to donate any unwanted clothes and books to your local charity.  What you find in your loft could be of great use to your local charity shops.  If you have a large amount of items then many charity shops will come and collect them.

The tip

Your local tip will be able to re-use many of the things you find in your loft, from old computers to furniture.  So why not load up the car and head down to your local tip? You will feel better, and lighter for it!

Freecycle 

If you search online you will find your local freecycle site.  It is a place where you can offer and request items that you want.  So why not sign up and offer the unwanted contents of your loft? Your local freecyclers will be sure to use it and will come and collect it.  It also means that if there are things you need you can request them and see if anyone locally is giving them away.

Once you have spent some time clearing out the contents of your loft, give us a call.  We can come round and give you a quote.  We look forward to seeing what your loft space can add to your home!

Making room
One answer is a loft conversion in your home to make it a self contained bed-sit for your grown-up ‘child’.  It gives them some independence and you a break!  And of course it’s cheaper than moving to a bigger home – after all you don’t want to encourage them to stay forever!

Making it easy
Topflite Loft Conversions can help you with the design and all the legal details.  We work with well-known partners like Velux Roof Lights and Rockwool Insulations to make your loft conversion perfect.

Making a statement
You can come and see two ready-built examples of our work at our showroom in Chorley and of course you can browse our gallery online.  At consultation stage you can tell us what you’re after and we’ll confirm what is possible for your home.

Making sense
After that it’s all down to us.  With all of our experience – a combined 150 + years – we’ll get you up in that roof space in no time and give your off-spring their home in a home.

Come and visit us at Steely Lane, Chorley or call us on FREEPHONE 0500 622421 for more information.

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A loft conversion is usually considered a permitted development to a house and needs building regulations approval but not planning permission.  However it is best to check out our guidelines and then with your local council to make sure you have done everything you need to.

If you don’t have permission, when you come to sell you will not be able to class your loft conversion as an additional room and this will affect the selling price of your house.

Consider this list to stay within the planning regulations:

• • It won’t increase your roof space by more than 40 m³ (terraced house)
• • It won’t increase your roof space by more than 50 m³ (detached or semi-detached house)
• • The extension won’t protrude beyond the slope of roof that faces the road
• • … or above the height of the highest part of the roof
• • Materials will be similar in appearance to those already in use
• • The extension will not include balconies, verandas or raised platforms
• • Any side-facing windows will be finished with obscure glazing
• • Your area is not protected by any conservation order

Remember any previous roof extension measurements will be included in these regulations.  Topflite Loft Conversions will make sure that any work being carried out will be building regulations approved so that you know the following points are covered:

• • The floor is structurally sound and can take the additional weight
• • General stability of building is not at risk
• • There is safe escape from fire
• • New stairs are a safe design
• • There is reasonable sound insulation from other parts of the house

All boxes checked, then you’re ready to go.  With more than 150 years experience between us Topflite Loft Conversions will have you converted in no time.  Visit our showroom or call us on FREEPHONE 0500 622 451 to discuss.

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The fun things:
What shall I use the space for?
What colour shall I paint it?
When can I go shopping for accessories?

The practical things:
Is the space suitable?
What’s my budget?
What type of conversion will I need?
Will I need planning permission?
Do I have bats in my roof space?

Bats?
Yes, if bats are using your roof or attic space as a roost then you need to address this before anything else on your list.

Why?
Because British bats are a protected species by law and have been since 1982.  It may be your roof, but if bats have made it their home, they have more rights to the space than you do!  Disturbing them either deliberately or by having work done to the roof space or blocking their access is a criminal offence.

Help!
However, there are a few possible solutions to the situation.  First contact either Natural England or the Bat Conservation Trust who will advise you on how to proceed.  They will more than likely despatch a representative to access your occupied roof space.  Solutions include carrying out the loft conversion at a particular time of year and applying for a licence if the conversion will damage or destroy the roost.

If your roof space is bat free and you’re ready to go ahead with your loft conversion, give Topflite Loft Conversions a call to discuss your ideas on Freephone 0500 622421.

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