DIY Loft Conversion

Gizmosmum_2

Ok - plans have been submitted :j fingers crossed they will go through ok... My next dilemna is extending the heating upstairs. Should I -

go for underfloor heating, or radiators both of which would require a larger oil boiler than I currently have or ...

go for the new infra red picture heaters which would mean that I don't need to buy a bigger boiler (mine's only 4 years old)

Any thoughts ?????

Gizmosmum_2

Natural England has asked for a bat survey just in case there are bats in the loft or have been in the loft in the past. More money :mad: Has anyone any experience building in a "bat" area?

House_Hunter

Just tell them that Robin and Alfred moved out a few years ago to a cave somewhere...

sugarwalsh

Hi - just read thru your post. My parents, also in Cumbria had to have a bat survey too, luckily they passed....
Good luck with your conversion, my otherhalf is a builder (If you want I can give you his details as he works all oer Cumbria/Lancashire) and to be honest I'd think about trying to find extra in your budget. Get lots of quotes, check up references and don't go with the cheapest, they will nearly always quote low to get the job then add 'extras' on. A good builder will give you several past customers for you to contact and make sure you follow it up, it is invaluable. Also, a good builder will happily help you come up with possible solutions for each 'problem' as they arise.

Good luck, I hope that has been helpful!
Mx

Gizmosmum_2

Thanks for the advice. I'm really lucky that I've got a builder who I've know since I was at school and has done work for me and other members of my family before. I'm soooo pleased I don't have to find someone else.

I've been quoted £350 + vat for a bat survey does that sound about right??

Waterlily24

cyclonebri1 wrote: »

What is the existing finish?

Also the scafolding is going to cost you over a grand which I think may push the total to about 18K, but obviously only you know the size/design.

Our scaffolding didn't cost us over a grand it was only £500 for as long as we wanted it. It was all round the house too. Only last year as well.

Gizmosmum_2

I've asked about and been told I can have it a bit cheaper cash in hand as expected but still with the relevant certificates but it's still looking like costing about £1,000 - any tips on getting the cost down a bit?

cyclonebri1

Gizmosmum wrote: »

I've asked about and been told I can have it a bit cheaper cash in hand as expected but still with the relevant certificates but it's still looking like costing about £1,000 - any tips on getting the cost down a bit?

Just like i said waterlily:T

cyclonebri1

Gizmosmum wrote: »

Thanks for the advice. I'm really lucky that I've got a builder who I've know since I was at school and has done work for me and other members of my family before. I'm soooo pleased I don't have to find someone else.

I've been quoted £350 + vat for a bat survey does that sound about right??

Quite amazing that those little pipistelles can actiually fly into a 1/2" gap:eek:

This isn't advice but I have it on good aurthority that if your cat should happen to sleep in the loft, the bats, if you have any, WILL go away.

No offence the cat won't eat them. (well only a few)

Gizmosmum_2

So that's why my cat loves it in the loft - I always wondered what the attraction was! Only problem is I can't get her out once she's up there ...:rotfl: