Is £40,000 right for basic loft conversion

GDB2222

elmo43 said:

I sent a mail detailing what I needed and asked if it was possible to provide an apx cost, I know there is no way of getting an accurate quote or estimate without drawing made up but as these cost around £1000 I was hoping they could advise an guide price going by the info I provided, that way it would give me an idea if it was affordable before forking out £1000 for architect or wasting their time if it’s way out our budget. As it turns out if it’s £40000 it’s way out my budget so no point getting an architect. Think the best way is to maybe get a company that provides a free quote, once I get the attic cleared a bit lol 

Plenty headroom room, no structure changes, room no bigger that 4x3, stairs to be added to room. Window in the stair and one in the room. Electric to be added. Basic conversion and we would do all the decorating and finishing touches. I really thought I’d get that done for £25000 but seems I’m way out. 

£25k may be an okay budget, but I don't think that you are going to get a reasonable ball-park cost estimate without any plans. I hear where you are coming from on this, and you don't want to waste money on plans if it's outside your budget. 

Maybe, you should get an architect round, as he can give you a better idea of what can be done and the best way to do it? 

elmo43

GDB2222 said:

elmo43 said:

I sent a mail detailing what I needed and asked if it was possible to provide an apx cost, I know there is no way of getting an accurate quote or estimate without drawing made up but as these cost around £1000 I was hoping they could advise an guide price going by the info I provided, that way it would give me an idea if it was affordable before forking out £1000 for architect or wasting their time if it’s way out our budget. As it turns out if it’s £40000 it’s way out my budget so no point getting an architect. Think the best way is to maybe get a company that provides a free quote, once I get the attic cleared a bit lol 

Plenty headroom room, no structure changes, room no bigger that 4x3, stairs to be added to room. Window in the stair and one in the room. Electric to be added. Basic conversion and we would do all the decorating and finishing touches. I really thought I’d get that done for £25000 but seems I’m way out. 

£25k may be an okay budget, but I don't think that you are going to get a reasonable ball-park cost estimate without any plans. I hear where you are coming from on this, and you don't want to waste money on plans if it's outside your budget. 

Maybe, you should get an architect round, as he can give you a better idea of what can be done and the best way to do it? 

Yeah I think you are right, that way we can get proper quotes. I know prices have increased recently but £40,000 seems a bit high. Thanks for everyone’s advice. 

GDB2222

I suspect that the £40k figure means "I'm really busy right now, and I can't be bothered with this." 

Doozergirl

GDB2222 said:

I suspect that the £40k figure means "I'm really busy right now, and I can't be bothered with this." 

It's easier to entertain people who think £25k is realistic but can start the process with the ability to find £40k.  If someone's done no homework, most builders don't want to do it for them - particularly not if they can't afford it.    No one gets paid for entertaining time wasters.  

But still, with no real information, it's better to err on the side of caution.  Fact is, many loft conversions cost more than that.  We are very firmly still in loft conversion territory at £40k.  

elmo43

I’ve decided to get the drawing done, only way to get an accurate figure. There is a company I trust who could not give a price without drawing, but the thought I’d get probably get 2 rooms for £40,000. It’s worth paying the cost for architect for them to give me a quote and  do it as I’ve seen their work and know they are a trustworthy company. Thanks for everyone’s help. 

Clive_Woody

elmo43 said:

I’ve decided to get the drawing done, only way to get an accurate figure. There is a company I trust who could not give a price without drawing, but the thought I’d get probably get 2 rooms for £40,000. It’s worth paying the cost for architect for them to give me a quote and  do it as I’ve seen their work and know they are a trustworthy company. Thanks for everyone’s help. 

That was going to be my advice, pay a few £100s to get basic design then you can get a far better idea of total cost from builders who will feel you are taking this seriously. Even if it is too expensive now you can hang on to the drawings and revisit later (or include them when you sell the house in the future).

Rosa_Damascena

First I'm going to have a good moan that the new forum search function leaves a lot to be desired.

I was looking for this thread as I thought this article might help the OP: https://www.idealhome.co.uk/project-planning/loft-conversion-costs-266421 . The clear message is not to cut costs on the structural elements, its the fittings that can be pared back if economising.