Loft Conversion Hitchin

When you are planning a loft conversion in Hitchin, you will find there are a number of variables to be factored in when calculating the cost. Those factors might include, the layout and size of your property, the conversion style you are having done, the planned use of the space created and the amount and type of loft windows to be used. Usually loft conversion contractors in Hitchin will give free quotes for conversions, so you ought to take full advantage of this service and get several quotations. The UK average cost of a loft conversion currently (2020) is thought to be between £30,000 and £40,000.

You will have an abundance of options when it comes to making your mind up about precisely what you want to do with the newly created room you get by having a loft conversion. Maybe you are wanting to build an office where you'll be able to work in a quiet and relaxed setting, perhaps you need an extra bedroom or two for your growing family, or it might be that you would like to build a den where your children can have their own quality space. Whether or not it's one of these, or another function that you want it to achieve, a loft conversion is an excellent way to do this.

Before you get carried away with this you must try to remember that not all lofts in Hitchin are suitable for conversion. Getting an expert in to make sure your loft can in fact be converted ought to be the first thing you do. One of the foremost determining issues will be the height which should be no less than 2.2m. Checking the height of your loft doesn't need a specialist, in actual fact you can do this yourself with nothing more than a ladder and a tape measure. The type of roof you have will also be a factor, rooves built with trusses are trickier and more expensive than ones made with rafters.

Although most loft conversions in Hitchin won't need planning permission there are a number of conditions. You need to contact your local planning office before proceeding. If you're nervous about this, ask for advice from your selected Hitchin loft conversion company. You will also need to get building regs approval, which is handled by a different office to that which gives planning permission. To discover what is required legally, seek the advice of your local building control office.

Styles of Loft Conversion: The main types of loft conversion that you'll encounter in Hitchin are: mansard loft conversions, velux loft conversions, dormer loft conversions, roof light conversions, roof lift loft conversions, loft pods and hip-to-gable loft conversions.

Locating a reputable company with a track record for doing loft conversions in the Hitchin district, must be your key objective if you do elect to go down this course of action. There'll be several builders to choose between in the Hitchin region, so attempt to get recommendations from anyone you know. Take a look at reviews and feedback on trade portals such as Local Heroes or Rated People and submit a free quotation form to a website such as Bark. Using these and other strategies should provide you with an acceptable short list of prospective loft conversion specialists in Hitchin and other areas of Hertfordshire.

Loft conversions are available in Hitchin and also in: Ashbrook, Little Wymondley, Offley, Pegsdon, Walsworth, Pirton, Lilley, St Ippolyts, Ickleford, Gosmore, Kings Walden, Lower Stondon, Holwell, Weston, and in these postcodes SG4 0ES, SG4 0TW, SG4 0FP, SG4 0QL, SG4 0DW, SG4 0SQ, SG4 0LD, SG4 0BP, SG4 0AJ, SG4 0YQ. Local Hitchin loft conversion specialists will likely have the phone code 01462 and the postcode SG4. Click on the "quote" banner or form to get info on loft conversions in your area. Checking this should guarantee you access local providers of loft conversion. Hitchin homeowners are able to benefit from these and numerous other comparable services.

Loft Conversion Beginnings

Whilst the concept of a loft conversion might appear to be very "British", some of the earliest loft conversions and the initial notions of upgrading lofts originated in the United States of America during the 60's. The location for this brand new building phenomenon was New York's Soho district, where fashionable, new living areas were created by local designers and artists in the upper levels of run down industrial properties. The situation was that those areas and buildings had not been allocated for residential use, and thus were considered illegal in the day. It was not until the early 1970's that the city eventually legalized this practise, and after this many other parts of New York including Chelsea, Greenwich Village, Tribeca and Manhattan joined the revolution, and "loft living" was popular for the wealthy, young and talented. In the UK converting a loft is an extremely appealing proposition in large urban centres such as Birmingham, Manchester, Sheffield and London, where space is scarce and any means to generate extra space without the need to extend the building's footprint is welcomed.

Roof Light Conversions

If you would like a conversion that does not need any alterations to the pitch and shape of the roof, the "roof light loft conversion" might be your answer. This sort of loft conversion requires just putting in windows, installing an appropriate floor, and fitting an access staircase. If you already have adequate roof space, this might be a possibility.

Dormer Windows Hitchin

Dormer windows are one of the best ways to increase more space and light to a attic or loft, and the same as there are various types of loft conversion in Hitchin, you can also find different forms of dormer windows on the market. The most often seen types of dormer designs are: eyebrow dormers, gable dormers, shed dormers, hipped dormers and flat roof dormers. The easiest of these dormers to put in and probably the most popular and frequently used in Hitchin is the flat roofed dormer window. This type furthermore creates more additional space than all the other kinds, therefore it is practical as well as cheap, though it may be thought to be slightly less desirable than some of the other alternatives. Hipped dormers are attractive, having three sloping surfaces much like those of the existing roof, these are sometimes called hip roof dormers. Eyebrow dormers are extremely attractive in the right setting and consist of a curved roof over a wide, low window, they have not got any straight sides. Gable dormers are considered more eye-catching with basic pitched roofs more appropriate for older properties, gable dormers may also be termed gable fronted dormers ot dog-house dormers. Shed dormer windows are similar to flat roofed dormers, featuring a roof (on a single plane) sloping at an angle less than that of the house roof. (Tags: Dormer Conversions Hitchin, Dormer Windows Hitchin, Dormer Loft Conversions Hitchin)

Hip to Gable Loft Conversion

There are numerous houses in Hitchin which have hipped roofs with sloping ends together with sloping sides, and these are typically detached and semi-detached homes. This puts a limit on the amount of space that's available for a loft conversion, and one way around this is to go with a "hip-to-gable" loft conversion, which is a neat answer to this problem. Considerably more extra space is created by essentially changing a hip end into a gable end, since the incline is transformed into a vertical. If you have a detached property it's possible that you will have 2 hipped ends, and you can do a double hip-to-gable loft conversion, which should generate even more space. By and large hip to gable conversions fall under the "permitted developments" classification, and don't need planning permission, nevertheless you still need to double check with your local planning department to put your mind at rest. If you've got an end of terrace home with a hipped roof in Hitchin, you may also be able to carry out a hip-to-gable loft conversion. Hip-to-gable conversions are often roughly 20% more costly that other forms of conversion, mainly because they require more structural work. An alternate solution that is less costly but does not generate as much space, is the side dormer loft conversion.

Loft Pods, Loft BUDS and Home Extension Pods

Loft Buds Hitchin: If you happen to be on a modest budget and wish to find the cheapest option for a loft conversion a "loft BUD", "home extension pod" or "loft pod" could be your ideal answer. They are also usually less troublesome to put in place and faster to complete. Falling into the £20-30,000 price range, makes loft pods a more affordable prospect for many UK householders. In essence a loft pod (or BUD) is a three metre by three metre (roughly) space that's added to the rear of a property, on top of the first floor. A loft pod (or bud) may be used independently as an extension on its own or added to a current conversion. A loft pod can have a number of potential applications, popular options being a kid's playroom, a mini-gym, a home office or a home cinema.
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Home Extensions

House Extension Hitchin: Naturally loft extensions aren't the only means by which to generate some additional space in your property. Home extensions are quite possibly the most popular approach to do this. Not all houses in Hitchin have enough available space for doing a house extension. They will also rely on gaining planning permission from the local council. All home extensions have got to have planning permission given that close neighbours could be affected by the result. Quite often the same building firms who do loft extensions will also carry out house extensions. Extending your home can be disruptive and messy and also increases the footprint of the property. A number of details must be considered before pressing ahead with a house extension in Hitchin, these include: site access, soil conditions, demand on services, shared walls, the existence of trees, rights of way and the chances of flooding. The typical cost of home extensions Hitchin in 2020 are approximately £1,600 and £2,100 per M2. Click for Hitchin Home Extension QUOTES

Conversion Planning Permission

While there are various conditions attached to this type of undertaking, planning permission is not normally required for a loft conversion. If the roof space needs altering and this modification goes above specified limits, planning permission will be needed. Planning permission won't be needed as long as these stipulations are met: the highest a part of the roof structure mustn't be exceeded by any extension, when observed from the main highway no extension should go over the height of the current roof slope, pre-existing walls mustn't be overhung by any roof extension, balconies, raised platforms and verandas are not allowed, obscured glazing must be used for windows that are side-facing, a limit of 40 m3 added space for terraced houses and 50 m3 for semi-detached/detached properties, building materials utilised in construction need to match up with pre-existing ones. These conditions apply only to houses and not flats, maisonettes, converted houses or other buildings. The rights for development are limited and exceptional planning regulations are enforced in some areas. So take advice from your planning office to find out what regulations relate to your property.

Garage Conversion

Garage Conversions Hitchin: An alternative if your property in Hitchin is not suited to a loft conversion, a garage conversion is also a less costly option if converting your loft seems too expensive. This will only be possible if you've a garage that's not currently being used, and if your garage is suitably constructed for conversion purposes. If you determine that your garage in Hitchin is suitable for conversion, it can be completed at something like twenty five percent of the cost of an attic conversion, and will not take so much time.

In most instances garage conversions don't require planning permission assuming that the conversion work is internal and the main structure is not being extended. There may be some exemptions to this rule in certain conservation areas and on some recently built housing developments. You need to check with your local authority planning office before pressing ahead with a garage conversion in Hitchin. A garage conversion could add up to 20 percent to the market value of your house, therefore it's definitely worth taking into consideration. A pretty quick result can be accomplished, and with a modest amount of disruption or mess. Preferred uses for garage conversions are granny flats, kid's play rooms, man caves and dining areas. (Tags: Garage Conversion Hitchin, Garage Conversions Hitchin, Garage Extensions Hitchin, Garage Conversion Ideas Hitchin).

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Rear dormer loft conversion.

Summing Up

Taking everything into consideration, a loft conversion is an excellent way to add some extra living space to your home. Fundamentally it will probably not need planning permission, it won't affect the property footprint, it creates substantially less disruption and mess, it increases the value of your home and it is cost effective. This will obviously depend on whether your home is appropriate for a loft conversion, with older properties in Hitchin usually being better because of the roof construction. Less suitable, though not implausible for the loft conversion option, are newer homes with trussed roofs (mostly built since the 1960s), they are apt to have less height and space to work with. If your Hitchin home is suited, why not get in touch with an expert to check it out? (Tags: Loft Conversion Hitchin, Loft Conversions Hitchin, Hitchin Loft Conversion)

Finding Hitchin Loft Conversion Specialists

Ways to search out loft conversion specialists in Hitchin: Of the various approaches available to find nearby tradespeople in Hitchin such as loft conversion specialists, one resource that's existed for the last few years is internet business directories. They are the modern alternative of the now outdated Yellow Pages, which almost everyone in Britain at one time used to search out local services. In recent times potential customers look in Yell, Thomson Local, Mister What, City Visitor, Cyclex, 118 118, Touch Local, Yelp and Local Life, of course these web directories don't all supply reviews, which means you don't necessarily get a notion of any specific loft conversion specialist's reliability. Also favoured at present is to hunt for the best tradespeople in Hitchin by making use of online portals, among the best known ones are Local Heroes, Rated People, TrustaTrader, My Builder, Checkatrade or My Hammer, and it is on such portals that clients can publish reviews concerning the standard of the work conducted and the loft conversion specialist who were responsible. Finally, you can ask friends and acquaintances to endorse somebody they have used.

Loft Conversions Near Hitchin

Local loft conversions: Walsworth loft conversions, Holwell loft conversions, Kings Walden loft conversions, Weston loft conversions, Lilley loft conversions, Lower Stondon loft conversions, Offley loft conversions, St Ippolyts loft conversions, Gosmore loft conversions, Pirton loft conversions, Little Wymondley loft conversions, Pegsdon loft conversions, Ickleford loft conversions, Ashbrook loft conversions and more. All these villages and towns are served by companies who do loft conversion. Hitchin householders can get estimates by clicking here.

Hitchin Loft Conversion Tasks

Hitchin loft conversion specialists can usually help with estimation of loft conversion cost Hitchin, loft conversion ideas, loft renovation in Hitchin, loft alterations, hip-to-gable loft conversion, loft insulation in Hitchin, l-shaped loft conversion, loft stairs, mansion block loft conversion, loft remodelling, Velux loft conversion Hitchin, bespoke loft furnishings, loft boarding, loft repairs, bespoke loft storage, conversion designs in Hitchin, loft carpentry Hitchin, roof light conversions, partition wall installation, loft clearances, loft pods, stairs for loft conversions, loft conversion plumbing, home extensions, loft rebuilding, shell loft conversions Hitchin, bungalow loft conversion, garage extensions and other loft related work in Hitchin, Hertfordshire. Listed are just an example of the duties that are undertaken by those specialising in loft conversion. Hitchin professionals will let you know their entire range of services.

Loft Conversion Around Hitchin: Some Hitchin areas and streets where loft conversion work has recently been done - Clarion Close, Browning Drive, Arlesey Road, Ashwell Close, Thistley Lane, Desborough Road, Church Lane, Charlton Road, Dacre Road, Traherne Close, The Snipe, Commons Lane, Abbis Orchard, Baldock Road, Balmoral Road, St Andrews Place, Bancroft Court, Talbot Street, St Olives, Bramfield, Convent Close, Cadwell Lane, Talisman Street, St Johns Road, Davis Crescent, Times Close, Damask Close, Anderson House, Bury Mead Road, as well as the following Hitchin area postcodes: SG4 0ES, SG4 0TW, SG4 0FP, SG4 0QL, SG4 0DW, SG4 0SQ, SG4 0LD, SG4 0BP, SG4 0AJ, SG4 0YQ. Work was conducted in these locations by specialists in loft conversion. Hitchin home and business owners received high quality and reliable loft conversion services on each occasion.

More Hitchin Tradespeople: You may also require a bathroom fitter in Hitchin, a builder in Hitchin, metalworkers in Hitchin, loft clearance in Hitchin, a tiler in Hitchin, a roof cleaning in Hitchin, a painter and decorator in Hitchin, home improvements in Hitchin, a carpenter & joiner in Hitchin, a plumber in Hitchin, a bricklayer in Hitchin, an electrician in Hitchin, CCTV installation in Hitchin, a plasterer in Hitchin, a guttering specialist in Hitchin, a stonemason in Hitchin.

More Hertfordshire Loft Conversion info: More Hertfordshire loft conversion experts: Sandridge, Sawbridgeworth, Colney Heath, Bovingdon, Hertford, Potters Bar, Watford, Baldock, Welwyn Garden City, Tring, Aldenham, St Albans, Harpenden, Ware, Royston, Rickmansworth, Chorleywood, Croxley Green, Abbots Langley, Cheshunt, Letchworth, Bishops Stortford, Kings Langley, Cuffley, Redbourn, Bushey, London Colney, Berkhamsted, North Mymms, Hoddesdon, Hatfield, Borehamwood, Buntingford, Broxbourne, Wheathampstead, Hitchin, Elstree, Stevenage, Waltham Cross and Hemel Hempstead.

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Loft conversions in SG4 area, (dialling code 01462).

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