Loft Conversion to a shell ONLY

Wilsons_Room

Hello everybody.

I am new to posting on here, so I am sorry if I have got something wrong.

I am having plans drawn up as we speak for a front dormer, rear dormer, putting up the gable end on a semi bungalow.

Can someone help me with finding out what the minimum requirements are for signing off the job.

I am trying to find a builder to do the structural (steels, timbers, roof and windows) so that we are weather tight BUT I will do everything from there over time, including insulation, electrics, plumbing, stud walling etc.

Can I get this signed off and the council off my back before doing anything else ? Whats the absolute minimum requirement ?

I can get the insulation board for cheap cheap, and I have an sparky who will sign off the whole house for £400. I did my own plumbing so will run all the rads from my existing combi (I already have valves ready to go in the loft). I am happy to spend a year doing all this myself as my budget is minimal and simply cant afford to have someone do the internal works. Ill just do my research and buy from trade places. Theres really no rush once the structural work is complete and signed off.

Waste water will go into the existing internal drainage system, I can get the waste pipe up there easily from the existing downstairs bathroom. Can i get away with just an air admittance valve or so I need to vent above the dormers ? The reason for me not running a traditional down-pipe from the drive is due to the fact we don't have any external inspection chambers. The only inspection chamber is within the 70's extension at the rear of the house. Southern water told me its best not to touch the shared main and use the internal plumbing. It would simply cost too much to dig down 4 metres to the shared main and would risk damage to it.

Any help or advice would be amazing and if anyone knows of someone who would be happy to build the shell in the Portsmouth area, that'll be amazing too.

I just want the structure done and signed off but need to know what else I need to do in order to wave goodbye to the regs officer !

Many thanks.

Wilson. :-)

Johnandabby

Building Control will have to be involved until everything is complete (ie electrics, insulation, drainage etc), as they won't be able to issue a Completion Certificate until all this is done.

You can get them to inspect the structural works and agree this, but the only way to wave goodbye to the Building Control Officer is to finish everything and get it all signed off.

No issue with you taking your time completing it, but you'll just have to keep them informed of your progress so that they can programme in their site visits accordingly.

Wilsons_Room

This is excellent, thanks ! So its basically communication with the building control officers in terms of progress then. So initially, would I be right in saying that I need to schedule them initially for :

1. Steels - before they are covered - builder job
2. Structural - builder job
3. Insulation, Electrics and Drainage (same time I suppose) - my jobs
THEN plasterboard, plaster, floors, decorate after they've gone ?

Is there anything else they need to sign off as well as these ? I'm assuming heating doesn't need to be signed off as its only water plumbing.

Now to try to find someone to build the structure, hmmmmm.....

Johnandabby

Also smoke detectors, fire protection, stairs(?).

They will have a list of things they need to see, but expect them to come round after plasterboard and plaster for a final inspection.

And the insulation standards (and windows) will need to meet Building Regs, and will be checked by the building control officer so make sure you are clear on what you are doing. The person drawing up the plans should be detailing the requirements, and producing a package of drawings and information to send to building control for review and comment.

famagusta

hi,
there are a few builders who'll do this - you just need to Google around a bit...

As a new user I can't post links, but here's a typical option from a company in the South East:

Option 1: (Structural only)
This is a structural only option, this is where Southeast Lofts build you a water tight shell of a loft conversion, this includes; A fully water tight roof with a domer to the rear, including two windows or one window and a set of juliet doors, 22mm chipboard T&G flooring, all structial timber works, 2 Velux roof windows to the front, staircase and any internal timber stud walls

This option is offered if our client is a keen DIY-er or trades person but is unable to construct the shell, so this is a cost effective way of gaining your loft conversion, but also saying that its something that you have done yourself.

Its cost will, of course, depend on your specific requirements.
I'd estimate 20-25K for a semi house, hip to gable with 2 dormers.

Furts

Wilsons_Room wrote: »

This is excellent, thanks ! So its basically communication with the building control officers in terms of progress then. So initially, would I be right in saying that I need to schedule them initially for :

1. Steels - before they are covered - builder job
2. Structural - builder job
3. Insulation, Electrics and Drainage (same time I suppose) - my jobs
THEN plasterboard, plaster, floors, decorate after they've gone ?

Is there anything else they need to sign off as well as these ? I'm assuming heating doesn't need to be signed off as its only water plumbing.

Now to try to find someone to build the structure, hmmmmm.....

Hi Wilsons Room
Bear in mind that there are two ways of applying for the Regulations. Either a Building Notice - where you just notify them, or a Full Plans Application. There are pros and cons with each. For Full Plans you will need drawings to be submitted. With a Building Notice you will not. However you will, most likely, need structural calculations for the steels regardless of the application.

Where I live the Council charges the same for either application. However, they also discourage the Building Notice route when it is a private householder applying.

Hope this helps.