When people initially approach us, one question that understandably comes up quite frequently is: “how long does a loft conversion take?’
Although every project is different, we follow a general timescale that is used conditional to the type of Loft Conversion you may want installed.
To get your new loft, you must go through several procedures, each of which has a basic schedule that we will outline for you below.
The majority of Loft Conversion timelines have three stages: design, planning, and construction. We will briefly go over each one:
Stage 1 – Design Stage (2-4 Weeks)
The design stage is principally a two-step procedure that involves drawing out a blueprint to plan out your vision for your Loft Conversion in Leeds. The first phase will generally require a design team, that will normally include an architect, who will visit your home to assess the area to gather crucial knowledge about the property to form a complete picture. The design team will also evaluate fire access, accommodation needs, headroom, and access.
Once you are happy with the final design, we move on to phase two. The plans are then presented to the planning and building control office, to obtain the necessary permissions so we can proceed with installing your Loft Conversion.
In total the design stage can take anything from two to four weeks to complete.
Stage 2 – Getting Planning Permission (4-6 Weeks)
Some loft conversions in Leeds can be built without obtaining planning permission, for example a terraced or semi-detached residential property can be converted, but it must be no taller than 4 metres in height, and no longer than 3 metres high and be a single storey building, however you must by law adhere to building regulations, if it has a listed status.
The time it takes for planning permission to be granted varies depending on where you live within the UK. The local planning authority will offer you an estimate of how long it will take for the plans to be approved. If the design does not comply with local regulations, it will need to be revised until it is legally acceptable.
If you want to find out more, you can visit your Local Planning Authority through your council.
Stage 3 – Building (2-8 Weeks)
Once the drawings have been accepted and the building control office is satisfied, a Project Manager will work with you to identify a suitable start and finish date for your loft conversion. They will also keep you up to speed on the progress of the development using a detailed timetable.
The length of time it takes to finish a Loft Conversion varies on the type required and the size and scale of roof works to be completed, for example:
- Velux Loft Conversion – approximately less than four weeks
- Dormer Loft conversion – four to six weeks
- Hip to gable Loft conversion – roughly six weeks
- Mansard Loft conversion – seven to eight weeks
You will also need to schedule time to build the stairwell and the room’s entrance.
Keep in mind, any questions, concerns, or reasonable recommendations you may have will be promptly addressed by your project manager.
If you’ve got a loft in Leeds you need converted by a certain time-frame, then get in touch with us and we’ll do our best to help give you a fantastic new loft space, just when you need it! Fill in our contact form, or call us directly on 01134360251!