Loft Conversions “The Derry Way”
An exciting way to add an extra dimension to your home is to add a loft conversion. Loft conversions can add to your living space and at the same time increase the value of the property.
Derry Build can design and build a loft according to your unique specifications, leaving you to do the enjoyable part of picking out colours and furnishings for your new living space. We offer various types of loft conversion dependant on types of properties and your requirement
1.) Architectural drawings and Planning Permission
The first step is to design your proposed extension with consultation from our architectural team, (if you already have this then great you can move to the next step).
Our team will be able to advise on your current loft space and if this meets the required permitted development criteria. Generally, this is a height of 2.2 meters, if you don’t have this then our team will discuss modern methods of adapting your current layout to achieve this.
Once you’ve agreed on the layout and scheme, our architects get to work and produce initial drawings. Once you’re happy with the set of plans our team submit the relevant Certificate of Lawful Development. If however, your proposed loft conversion does not meet the criteria then full planning permission is required.
2.) Structural/Building Control
Plans, Pre-Construction Design
& Party Wall matters
Once we’ve received planning permission (where applicable), our team will get to work on producing structural drawings which are produced by a Structural Engineer specifying all the structural steel beams required to ensure the building is structurally sound and safe.
Our project construction team will also discuss your final finishes to your proposed loft conversion, including layout, electrical points, wall & floor finishes etc.
This is usually the time where Party Wall matters commence if the works are applicable under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996. Our team can offer advice and assistance in issuing party wall notices. It is a requirement that the notices are served two months before works commence in the event the neighbour’s dissent to the notices, there is sufficient time to publish party wall awards by your chosen Surveyor.
Before commencing on-site, it is a legal requirement that we appoint a Building Control officer to oversee the works, many clients tend to use the local authority building control department or independent building control officer. Their job is to ensure the building is being built to Building Regulations and generally visit the property during the works at set intervals to sign off each stage.
3.) Let’s Build
It’s now time to build and handover to our expert construction team to turn your vision into a reality.
We are flexible in adapting to changing requirements that you may wish to carry out, after all, once you’ve seen the new space you may wish to tweaks aspects of the final finish. Our friendly team will be at your service during the build should you have any questions.
You receive information with our ‘Customer Pack’ which will detail out:
- How long the construction period will take, for typical loft conversion this is usually three months but can be much shorter.
- A Schedule of key dates and a stage by stage payment schedule to help you plan and budget
- Process of instructing ‘change orders’ or additional works.
4.) Sign-off, warranties & Completion Pack
Once the works are complete, you will receive the Derry Design and Build Completion Pack. This includes:
- A set of “as-built” plans.
- Building Control sign-off (where the BC is appointed by Derry Build)
- Derry Design and Build Completion Certificate
- User manuals for equipment installed
- Final Account Certificate upon final payment.
It is important to keep your completion pack safe, where possible we will send this to you electronically. The relevant paperwork may be required in circumstances such as selling your home or remortgaging your property. You can find out more information on our blog [blog info to be provided and hyperlinked once live.
5.) Feedback
Finally, once you’ve handed over to your satisfaction, we’ll ask you to provide feedback on our service, product and quality. Perhaps even a testimonial, after all, our reputation is our customers.
