DIY Loft Conversion

cyclonebri1

Yeah of cause it does, but I'm not talking air movement here. Some heat is always conducted to the surface below, through structure, in this case the downstairs ceiling, where it is still, heating a room rather than being wasted to the ground below, :money:Of course some can be held back by insulation but rather pointless above/below an inhabited room.

And this means that the 8 or 18% figure whichever, doesn't come into it

Gizmosmum_2

I'm a bit worried about underfloor and carpet but I can't afford the solid oak that I'd really like so I'm going to put a fairly cheap carpet in the hope that some time in the future I can re-do with oak.

cyclonebri1

Gizmosmum wrote: »

I'm a bit worried about underfloor and carpet but I can't afford the solid oak that I'd really like so I'm going to put a fairly cheap carpet in the hope that some time in the future I can re-do with oak.

I'm not a 100% sure but most underfloor heating is laid under hard surfaces that give out the heat better, carpet is more of an insulator, you need further advice. It will certainly make the heating less responsive, ie, it will lag.

Gizmosmum_2

I don't know where I'm going wrong with my costs but prices are escalating beyond belief and although plans are about to be passed - just waiting for the official rubber stamp, we're at crunch time trying to decide whether we go ahead or not.

Here's the issue - costs look like they are going to be in the region of £35k - 40k if we're very lucky. Local agents reckon it'll increase the value of the house by approximately 80k (unless house prices hit the rocks again) the only problem is that it will take every penny we've got - no contingency, nothing :eek:

We're doing most of the work ourselves, roof trusses and main brick work are being done by good local guys but everything else is being done by us in our non existent "free" time.

I need someone to tell me they've been at this stage and it all worked out ok :j having a bit of a wobble a week before scaffolding due to go up ........:(

cyclonebri1

GM, I've stuck with your post all the way through so far. It is so familiar to me and my family.

I have done 2 of these conversions for myself in my own properties, 1 20 years ago and 1 about 8.

The first one had velux type windows, no dormers. I am an engineer not a builder but I was able to complete every aspect of this work to BI standards. This include standing purlins upright rather than follow thew pitch of the roof, and a complete new high strength floor. No problems

The 2nd was more complicated as it needed the addition of 2 new dormers and as I have no head for heights I got a builder to do these at the sametime reroofing the whole thing. The only other thing I had assistance with was the 8 very heavy I section beams that we had to support the roof with, that took my (only) 3 able friends and family. . You know whop your friends are etc

Again no problems.

Comments from the building inspectore and eastate agents went alonmg the line of;

Well at last, that's been done properly

You did all this yourself,
etc etc

What I'm saying is the results were great but never did it enter my mind that it was being done to add value to the property, although with the amount of input from myself it had too.


Now, maybe more in context with your question and this has only come to a head within the last few days. My younger daughter has gained planning permission to have a kitchen extension, utility room and garage added to their property. Took awhile, a few issues with planning and I had a few inputs with various builders quotes, but finally a reasonable quote from a known builder who can start pretty well anyday soon has been thrashed out.

They then put themselves in your position and said let6's look at the cost, the benefits etc etc.

Cutting it short a few days ago they went to view another house. The owner was the builder of a very nice exclusive little stone built developement (5 or 6 houses). It was outside their price range.

But within the last day or so they now have the option of taking this property in exchange for their present home with planning permission + their other property which is rented to a sitting tennant with 3 years agreement left.


What am I saying?. Not sure really but make sure it's the long term solution for you, Good luck, but you decide not us.;)

Gizmosmum_2

Planning Permission granted :j I think

Got a brill quote for scaffolding £750 for 8 weeks and I seem to have got a good quote for roofing gear (tiles etc) so costs down about £1300 just on those 2 things - a tiny contingency has been created, looks like we're going to take the plunge :eek:

Just trying to work out sequence of events now, co-ordinating the delivery of materials with arrival of the right tradesmen and manufacturing time for roof trusses and windows. Still haven't decided on french doors v sliding folding but definitely leaning towards the latter ....

Found a fab source for a round window and an arched window that I need for the conversion - hope they aren't too good to be true will let you know when they arrive.

Sleepless nights have started already!!