Loft Conversion Frequently Asked Questions and Help
Q: Can my loft be converted?
Q: Is my loft too small?
Q: How long does a loft conversion take?
Q: How much does a loft conversion cost?
Q: Will I need a Dormer Window?
Q: What about planning permission?
Q: Will I need to arrange Building Regulations Approval and will that be an additional cost?
Q: I have a water tank and a chimney in my loft, is that a problem?
Q: Do you complete loft conversions in my region and can I speak to other customers?
Q: My home is timber framed, is this a problem when completing a loft conversion?
Q: I live in Scotland do you work here? Is there any difference when completing a loft conversion?
Q: I'd like a bathroom in the loft conversion, what impact does this have?
Q: How much space will I realistically achieve from a loft conversion?
Q: Do you provide Velux Windows as part of the loft conversion?
Q: Have you ever installed a Velux Cabrio roof balcony system?
Q: Have you ever installed a Velux ATS roof Terrace System?
Q: I'd like to install combinations of Velux roof windows, do you undertake this as part of a loft conversion?
Q: My house is quite large and others have told me it would be too difficult to undertake a loft conversion, what's the problem?
Q: How will a loft conversions affect my home?
Q: I'd like to complete part of the conversion myself to reduce cost, do you offer a DIY loft conversion option?
Q: I'd like to use the loft conversion as a home gym, would this be possible?
Q: Are there any alterations required to my property to accommodate the loft conversion?
Q: I have a Town House with existing 2nd floor, can you convert the loft?
Q: How does the cost of a dormer loft conversion increase compared to a velux only?
A: Most people who look up into their loft see that they have no means of using it as a room, because of all the 'W' shaped roof trusses that form the structure of the roof. We can remove these and construct steel or timber trusses which run the length of the loft and provide all the support necessary.
A: In order to comply with Building Regulations, the loft has to be a minimum of 2.4m or 7'8" at its highest point (i.e. the apex of the roof). Those measurements are taken from the top surface of the ceiling boards below, to the felt at the very apex of the roof. With that in mind, we can make the most of even the smallest lofts with the imaginative use of dormer windows and staircase positioning.
A: For an average sized home, from commencement of work, we would normally be complete in an average of 8-10 weeks depending on the size and scope of works.
A: The cost of a loft conversion varies significantly from project to project. We offer an online estimate service to enable customers to receive an initial loft conversion cost estimate via email, typically within approx. 45 minutes. Whilst this is subject to survey and dependant on the information provided it does provide a useful starting point for budgeting purposes. Please visit our loft conversion cost estimator, to provide some basic requirements and obtain an estimate today.
A: Nearly all loft conversions can have a dormer window, which can provide useful extra space in a tight loft, and add light and outlook to a room. Some smaller lofts may require a dormer at the top of the stairs to provide the necessary headroom as you climb the stairs into the loft.
A: Planning permission is required in some circumstances. Truss Loft are experienced in handling planning applications.
See our Loft Conversion Planning section for further information.
A: Truss Loft are used to dealing with Building Control and we will complete all necessary paperwork for you. The costs for these are detailed within your quotation.
Visit our Loft Conversions and Building Regulations section for further information.
A: Using our own plumbers we can easily reposition any plumbing to maximize usable space in the loft. Chimney stacks usually have to remain in position, although can be removed, often subject to planning.
A: Truss Loft work nationally and have completed conversions in most counties of the UK. View a map of our national loft conversion locations here, we are always looking to complete the remaining regions and are happy to arrange references, calls and visits. Visit our case studies from various regions for further information.
A: Truss Loft have undertaken conversions of timber framed properties throughout the UK and Scotland.
A: We operate nationally and have completed conversions in Scotland. Whilst the building regulations and planning process is different, requiring a full warrant to be issued prior to works commencing, we are experienced in dealing with these and would typically work with a local architect to obtain the relevant warrant with you. There are increased insulation and structural requirements in Scotland to comply with building regulations and the building warrant will specify requirements for these.
A: Bathrooms do require additional considerations, particularly ensuring the water supply to the loft is sufficient to meet your expectations. Often when placing a bathroom in a loft we recommend removing traditional tanks and installing an unvented water system. When designing your conversion, the position of existing bathroom services (soil and water etc.) will be taken into consideration to ensure services are available. Your surveyor would be happy to discuss these options with you.
A: This is entirely dependant on the size of your property and height of your loft today. By completing our Loft Conversion estimate request we will be able to provide you with an idea of the floor area available and a conversion estimate.
A: Your surveyor will work with you to specify roof windows and dormer windows to achieve your objectives. At Truss Loft we use only industry leading Velux roof windows that, we feel, provide more flexible solutions together with outstanding reliability and after sales support.
A: Truss Loft has undertaken conversions utilising at some stage most of the Velux window range including ATS and Cabrio balcony system. We pride ourselves on using the Velux 'bringing light to life' concept!
See our case studies for more information and examples.
A: Truss Loft has undertaken conversions utilising at some stage most of the Velux window range including ATS and Cabrio balcony system. We pride ourselves on using the Velux 'bringing light to life' concept!
See our case studies for more information and examples.
A: Yes, we undertake installations of banks and combinations of Velux roof windows to create large combinations. We recommend using combinations of windows to achieve maximum light for a loft conversion and have previously installed 42 Velux windows into a single conversion including an ATS balcony system.
See our case studies for more information and examples.
A: Larger properties may present difficulties in terms of the structural elements that must be used when converting the loft space. Some companies may be uncomfortable with this. Truss Loft are experienced in converting larger properties and our steel installation teams have sufficient experience to undertake the structural works required.
See our case studies for more information and examples.
A: Truss Loft undertakes all conversions to cause as little disruption as possible to our clients. You will be able to remain living in the property throughout the conversion. Our staff are experienced working in domestic clients and will leave your home in a habitable, clean and safe condition each evening. Whilst working we will advise your of health and safety risks in accordance with our policy and provide notice of any daily works that may affect you.
A: Truss Loft offer a structural only service that typically includes the structural elements, staircase and windows to be completed by other parties, all works would be completed to comply with current building regulations. We are happy to tailor our services to suit customer requirements and further details can be found on our Product and Services section.
A: Yes, Truss Loft has undertaken conversions in the past for use as domestic gyms. For commercial or heavier gym use a higher floor loading will be required and your surveyor will be happy to discuss this with you.
A: Yes, conversions provide a floor with no less loading capability that a standard domestic floor.
A: Some alterations maybe required, the extent depending typically on the current layout and staircase requirements to the new floor. To ensure compliance with local authority building regulations we must ensure, amongst others, fire and access regulations are met. To achieve this typically requires replacement of some doors to the existing property. As part of the conversion a new staircase will be installed that will require some modifications. However typically these will be installed over an existing staircase or wth some modification to an existing room. Your surveyor will assist in advising on any alterations required and advising a solution to minimise the effects as much as possible.
For further information on building regulations see our loft conversion and building regulations section.
A: We can and have converted 2nd floor town houses to 3rd floor. Town Houses do suit building regulations for loft conversions as they typically already have the relevant fire doors and smoke detectors. Recent alterations to building regulations and specifically fire regulations have altered the requirements for means of escape. However our surveyors will advise of these when undertaking a survey.
A: An individual dormer window does increase the cost of the conversion, however these do provide additional space within the conversion and in some cases are a requirement. Where dormer windows are not required, a number of Velux windows can be used and combined to created larger banks of windows that will allow more light into a room than a dormer window. A large bank of the larger Velux windows will often be comparable in cost to that of a single dormer window.