How to find someone to do a loft conversion?

jvpari

We want to convert the loft but I don't know anyone at all in the area who has had a loft conversion and can recommend a builder. I advertised on mybuilder and rated people but although many say they are loft conversion specialists, no one has more than one review for a loft conversion. If I ask around, all I get is "my Dad/BIL/neighbour" can do it, which is hardly impartial.


How on earth do I find someone?!

Doozergirl

Have you spoken to the builders that you looked at on rated people? Just because there is only one review, it doesn't mean they've only done one job. We are on a local website with seven reviews. We've done a heck of a lot more than seven jobs! I'm rubbish at asking for them and some former clients are more than happy to talk to other potential clients on the phone but don't seem to know what to write on review sites. I don't think a good builder would get all their leads from those sites anyway and only people who use rated people to find them can review.

On rated people, builders have to buy your lead to contact you. Who contacts you depends on what they read in your post. If you underestimate the cost, no one will contact you as they don't want to pay for leads from people who don't want to pay. Go too high, the lead costs a fortune but everyone will think you've got megabucks to spend. Everyone seems to slate all of these services, but I'd use the FMB findabuilder website as there is no mention of cost, builders don't pay upfront for leads, it comes with membership and there is genuine redress with an arbitration service. You get nothing from the others.

jvpari

Hi, thank you for replying.


I understand that they probably have done a lot of conversions but my concern is that a cowboy would say the same. And potentially give me details about previous work, which could be a friends house etc. Call me cynical but I would much rather be safe than sorry. Without a recommendation from someone I trust or a list of feedback on an impartial website, I don't know how to find someone. I will check out the other website you mentioned.

Doozergirl

Hiring a builder is about more than websites. You need to invite people into your house and talk to them. If they are someone that you would befriend, then that is the right person for you.

The reference could be a friend, but we have nothing to hide and our customers would give a much more detailed account of how we were to work with than one of our friends would. Ask enough questions and people will trip themselves up.

Websites, limited companies, trade memberships which you can check online, all of these things will add up to show someone is genuine and earnest. Architects, structural engineers and building control dictate what happens on site and control quality, being a loft specialist doesn't mean much. It's all strength of joists, insulation, ventilation and roofing - everyday building stuff.

Just choose someone as if you were choosing a friend.

tigs33

Whereabouts do you live? we had a loft conversion completed two years ago (included raising and replacing our roof and an extension) and can recommend our builder. He covers Essex and London.

letiss7

We used a company called loftplan and wereextremely happy with them. We used them after seeing the work they had done at one of our neighbours. We were a bit naive when it came to the sales process but one of their project managers sorted things out.
They use all their own workmen, except for tilers, so no subcontracting.
They weren't the cheapest but we did negotiate with them using the quote from another firm as leverage.

zaax

If your roof struts are less than 3" (as on post 1960's houses) it can not be done with out taking the roof off and putting in additional beams.

http://www.homebuilding.co.uk/advice/existing-homes/converting-loft/beginners-guide

JONXLR8

We're in Devon and are currently looking at converting the loft of our Victorian Terrace.

We've had a few architects round to have a look and it's definitely possible, initially we were looking at getting architects drawings and sourcing the different trades ourselves, but I'm going to look into using one of these all-in-one loft conversion specialists to see which is going to be better for us.

Has anyone done it the first way rather than using a specialist loft conversion company? Any advice?