Converting your loft into a habitable room is a great way to make the most of the unused roof space in your home. Whether you’re interested in creating a spare bedroom, home office, cinema room or home gym, for example, you can turn your existing loft space into a new room that you enjoy spending time in. There are so many different design options to explore too, so it’s easy to create a space that meets all of your specific needs.
Although loft conversions offer several benefits to homeowners, renovation projects of this kind can be both time-consuming and expensive. If you don’t do your research or plan correctly, the process of converting your loft space can end up being incredibly stressful. To help anyone embarking on a loft conversion project, below we have put together some useful advice that can help you to save time and money throughout your project.
Explore Conversion Types
There are several different types of loft conversions to choose from. Some will be more expensive than others and also require more building work. If you want to save time and money, you should consider optimising the existing space in your loft rather than expanding the floor area. If your existing roof slope allows and you have enough head height, a Velux loft conversion could be a great choice. If you don’t have much space and need a roof extension, a single dormer loft conversion is likely to be quicker and less expensive than a hip-to-gable loft conversion. So, do some research and explore all of the options available.
Get Planning Drawings Online
One of the easiest ways to save both time and money is by using a company like Arkiplan. The convenient online service we provide will enable you to get the professional drawings you need in a fraction of the time, so you can start building work much sooner. Our service will be much cheaper than using a local architect too, so your budget will stretch further and you can spend more on things such as quality building materials. Even if you require planning permission, our experts can assist you with loft conversion planning drawings and planning applications, making your project much less stressful and tedious.
Obtain all Necessary Permissions
It’s essential to check with your local authority or an experienced designer about any required permissions you need for your loft conversion. Even if the project falls under permitted development, it can be beneficial to get a Lawful Development Certificate and you will need Building Regulations Approval as well. Taking your time to obtain all required permissions up-front can save you a lot of time, hassle and money in the future. You won’t have to worry about costly fines or modifications being required later down the line.
Compare Multiple Contractor Quotes
Whenever you’re planning a loft conversion, you should request quotes from different contractors to compare prices and services. Make sure these quotes include a detailed breakdown of costs so you can accurately compare them. Enquire about the materials that will be used as well to ensure you have a good balance between quality and affordability. It’s important to note that you shouldn’t automatically choose the cheapest contractor as this can be detrimental in the long run. It’s often worth spending slightly more up-front for a reliable contractor with a high standard of workmanship that will stand the test of time.
Set a Realistic Project Timeline
Time is money when it comes to renovation projects, so reducing the duration of your loft conversion project could save costs. Opting for an easily achievable design and high-quality materials, for example, can help to reduce the project timeline. Get some advice from your contractor about deadlines and consider them when you’re budgeting. You can avoid unnecessary delays by ensuring you’re proactive and have everything required for the project, so your team can get to work straight away.
Keep in Touch With All Parties
Regular communication is key to keeping a loft conversion project on track and saving both time and money. Try to maintain open and transparent communication with all third parties working on your project, and make sure you’re easily contactable throughout the whole process. Prioritising communication can help to ensure any issues are promptly resolved and work can continue as planned. Communicating with all parties can also help to avoid misunderstandings that result in costly delays and mistakes.
Looking for an Affordable Loft Conversion Architect?
By following these tips, you can streamline the loft conversion process, save money and ensure a successful outcome for your project. Don’t forget to always prioritise safety and quality to guarantee that the final result meets your expectations. If you’re trying to find someone who can assist you with loft conversion planning drawings, our team at Arkiplan is on hand to help and we offer a modern alternative to using a local architect.
On average, our customers can save £3000 with us when compared to using a traditional loft conversion architect and our standard turnaround is only 14 days. Take a look at our FAQ page to find out more about our online services and if you’d like to get a no-obligation quote for the professional drawings you need, complete our online form today.