Loft conversion - when can work start?

[ContractorBanking]

Looking to get a loft conversion and spoke to a couple of builders to get indicative prices.

Seeing an architect next week who will do the design, beams, etc

As I understand it, a loft conversion does not require planning permission but only needs building regs approval - can someone confirm?

I thought I would have to wait the 8 week planning decision before commencing work but a couple of builders have suggested that building regs approval only takes around 2 weeks and once you have that, work can commence.

If anyone has done a recent loft conversion, care to comment or advice.

thanks

[FatLazyContractor]

If anyone has done a recent loft conversion, care to comment or advice.

thanks

Keep an eye on the Mrs when the builders are around ...

[unemployed]

I doubt flc has ever been in a loft before

Those beams are weak.

[WTFH]

It depends.


It depends on your local planning authority
It depends on your property
It depends on the plans


My biggest bit of advice is to deal with a local architect. One who knows your local planning authority. One who has got plans through them recently.
Going to one a bit further away might save you money, but might delay the project (or mean drawings have to be re-done)


Also, make sure the architect or builder know of a structural engineer. If a loft conversion is done badly you end up with a sagging roof (at best).

[OwlHoot]

I think you'll need planning consent if you want to add any skylights or dormer windows etc.

Also, if converting an unused loft into extra living space, such as a self-contained flat, you need a fire escape, which may also require planning permission.

[LondonManc]

Why ask contractors rather than loft specialists?

https://www.planningportal.co.uk/inf...t_conversion/9

[OwlHoot]

Why ask contractors rather than loft specialists? ..

Because we're as expert on lofts as everything else of course!

[LondonManc]

Because we're as expert on lofts as everything else of course!

Just because you're an owl doesn't make you a barn and loft expert. You disgust me.

[SlipTheJab]

I doubt flc has ever been in a loft before

Those beams are weak.

He has, exclusive picture of what resulted..

[Support Monkey]

It depends.


It depends on your local planning authority
It depends on your property
It depends on the plans


My biggest bit of advice is to deal with a local architect. One who knows your local planning authority. One who has got plans through them recently.
Going to one a bit further away might save you money, but might delay the project (or mean drawings have to be re-done) Also, make sure the architect or builder know of a structural engineer. If a loft conversion is done badly you end up with a sagging roof (at best).

+ one, what WTFH said

You need the services of a loft specialised or a structural engineer just because the builder says yes mate no problem you could end up in a whole heap of problems and just because it gets building regs sign off does not prove it is built correctly

In answer to your original question you can do what you like internally so you can start when you like you will only need full planning permission (and this is where you need to check) if you go outside of the existing property boundary such as putting a dormer on, this may now come under permitted development however if no one else around as done this and you change the character of the house or make it look unsightly in a conservation area your local council might make you take it down again