Initial quotation idea was obtained from an online calculator after reading various online articles about loft conversion costs. However from what it seems that cost vary greatly across the UK. It seemed that adding a loft conversion in some areas might not be worth the money as you will most likely not add the same value to your property by loft conversion and moving might be actually a better option. In our case the stamp duty alone made loft conversion a viable option.
So I guess before commencing the works ask yourselves a question: does it make financial sense?
So the price ranges were huge across the UK but one of the online tools seem to have at least some closer estimates of the real quotes I got from the builders:
Online calculator for loft conversions:
https://www.fcextensions.co.uk/loft-conversion-cost-calculator.php
The total cost came below 30% of the real quotes but then again the company doesn’t operate in my area and is based in Cheshire. Then I asked for three quotes from the builders that took about a month to arrange.
Ease of access might make your job more atractive to builders
The good sign is usually if your builder turns up on time on the first day (which my builder did :))
But in all fairness I did discuss all in detail prior to works starting including parking arrangements and access to site, where to put the skip etc. It does seem that access can some times will make a big difference and if your site is easily accessed from road and there is plenty of space where to put materials that’s going to be a big plus. I’ve heard that builders some times refuse jobs due to very difficult conditions for parking and no storage of materials etc.
Tin hat or no hat
One of the first things that I noticed is that some builders were insisting on Tin hat over the whole of the Roof structure whereas others were saying it’s not needed and too expensive. It’s true it will add probably about 20-30% more to the total cost of scaffolding and in some instance might not be worthwhile investment however with the Tin hat, your project is unlikely to stop during bad weather – builders won’t be able to work during rain unless you are ok with the leaks. They will also need to start and finish with sealing and unsealing everything taking longer again.
Without a tin hat you also run the risk not just leakage in to your property but your neighbours too and in this delicate time it’s best to keep everyone happy. It’s enough noise and nuisance as it is to cause physical damage where it’s not really necessary.
Not to mention it’s easier to work in a sweltering sun or in bad weather so will be more cost efficient at the end.
There are also risks however – my guess is that it is more likely to be damaged during the strong winds season so make a choice based on your individual circumstances.