Bungalow loft conversion

titch77piglet

I've had plans drawn up by local architect for permitted development (???) rear dormer loft conversion. Having approached 4 builders/joiners, 1 recommended by architect, 1 recommended by neighbour and 2 via local newspaper, as yet only 2 quotes received back. Both are 15K over what I have to spend :sad::sad:
Both builders/joiners have told me that the cost of materials has risen by 10-15% over the last year.
Is there anyway that I can as a basic DIYer do some of the work to save costs??

Any advise greatly receieved

Doozergirl

You could cut the insulation and fit it all. That's a pretty big job in a loft conversion. It wouldn't cost £15k. Hunting high and low for cheap celotex insualtion might help. Seconds & Co might be an option?

Do you definitely need the dormer? That would cut it down a lot.

famagusta

I am at this stage myself and have concluded the following:
Builder/contractor to do steels, dormer, 2x velux, hip-to-gable & new roof & staircase.
Basically everything that'll get a safe shell built in accordance with building regs.

I will do all stud work, electrics, plumbing, insulation, plaster boarding & plaster. Will take me longer but save a small fortune and I can spread the cost rather than coughing up in one go!

Waterlily24

My hubby did a lot of the work on our extension/loft conversion. He didn't do the bricklaying (to save time) the electrics (because of the certificate needed and he wouldn't do them anyway lol) and the heating (because of the cetificate needed).
We needed a complete new roof, he fixed the trusses and felted? and tiled it. Plastered and skimmed all the rooms including the existing ones. Fitted the bathrooms, kitchen and utility room. Fitted the new staircase and all the doors. Plus loads of other things. He's currently doing fitted wardrobes in the main bedroom.

Old roof coming down, new extension at the back




New roof trusses doing up.