Frequently Asked Questions

While loft extensions are a popular choice for many homeowners, it's important to assess whether it's feasible for your specific space. While a home visit and assessment are the best ways to determine feasibility, there are some factors to consider. Our team of loft conversion specialists will guide you through the process and ensure you receive the best solutions tailored to your property and needs. There are a few common reasons why some properties may not be suitable for attic conversions:

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• Insufficient ceiling height that cannot accommodate a raised roof. The ceiling height for loft conversions must be at least 2.2m from the floor joist to the highest point. This is a requirement of building regulations and ensures you have enough useable space to make the conversion viable. With a height of 2.2m, your loft extension will still offer enough headroom even after we install insulation and flooring. It may be possible to raise the ceiling height by altering the roof, but this will require planning permission.

• Lack of freehold ownership for the loft space, which is a common issue in London.

• Location in a conservation area or a listed building. Even in this situation, though, it can be worth getting a consultation. Our loft conversion company has a proven track record in finding effective solutions and obtaining planning permission.

• Insufficient room for a fixed staircase. If you don't have the space for a suitable staircase, you cannot legally construct a loft extension for habitable use. You can, however, convert your loft into a more practical storage space because this will not require a fixed staircase.

There are many factors that can affect the cost of your loft conversion, beginning with the type of conversion you have in mind. A Rooflight/Velux conversion will typically be your most budget-friendly option, with prices rising as you add more space and materials. If you are working on a tight budget, be sure to ask about our shell loft conversions, which could save you up to 25% on the cost of your conversion.

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Simply put, a shell conversion is an unfinished loft conversion. We'll do the major work, such as getting the structure in place and connected to any plumbing and wiring. The finishing touches such as plastering and painting are left to you. It's not for everyone, but can be a great way to save some money if you're comfortable with a bit of DIY. 

Yes. One of the benefits of adding living space to you loft is that our loft conversion specialists can use scaffolding to access the space from the outside. This means we can complete a lot of work without having to walk through your house.

However, your conversion will also involve internal work which may cause more disruption to your daily life. The main aspect of interior work is building the new staircase, but we aim to complete this as quickly as possible. In addition, there may be short periods of time where we need to turn off electricity and/or water supplies.

As a customer focused loft conversion company, Econoloft does everything possible to completely minimise disruption to your home and lifestyle, including leaving your house neat and tidy at the end of each day.

Yes. Many homeowners choose to include a new, luxurious bathroom in their loft. However, it is essential to plan ahead with plumbing because while you may be able to use existing systems by extending pipework, it may be necessary to install another drainage system in line with regulations.

Our loft conversion specialists also remind customers that it’s vital to check your current boiler to ensure it is powerful enough to serve the conversion in addition to the rest of the house. If it is not, you may need to replace the boiler, or look at alternative heating solutions, such as an electric shower.

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Econoloft has an in-house planning team that can draw up everything for you. While we are happy to work from any plans you provide, our specialist team has far more experience with loft conversions than a general architect would, and designing in-house will save you money, too.

In many cases, planning permission will not be required, however there are some exceptions. Determining whether planning permission is required for your loft conversion depends on the specific details of your project. Our team of loft conversion specialists will provide guidance on this matter. However, in order to comply with permitted development rights, your project must adhere to the following criteria:

•  The height of any part of the house should not exceed that of the existing roof once the work is completed.

• Attic conversions should not extend beyond the plane of an existing roof slope facing a highway.

• The volume of the resulting roof space must not exceed 40 cubic metres for terraced houses or 50 cubic metres for other property types, compared to the original roof space.

• Verandas, balconies, or raised platforms are not permitted in loft conversions.

• The house should not be located in a conservation area.

• The materials used for exterior work must be visually similar to the existing building.

It is important to note that these are just some of the key points. There are additional conditions that must be met for your loft conversion to fall within permitted development.

We take care of all aspects of loft extension applications, including the creation of professional drawings that showcase your proposed work. With nearly four decades of experience in the field of loft conversions, Econoloft has developed a profound understanding of the planning and regulatory system.  As loft conversion specialists, we have dedicated architectural technicians and draftsmen on our team who make sure all plans comply with building regulations and that proposed work is suitable for your property and needs. This ensures the greatest chance of gaining planning permission for attic conversions, without unnecessary delays or issues.

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We can also apply for a lawful development certificate to give you further peace of mind that building work is legal. This is particularly useful if you wish to sell your house in the future.

Installing a loft conversion may require you to change your boiler. This is because more water pressure is required to heat an additional floor of your house. Our team of specialists will be able to tell you if your current boiler will be sufficient, and walk you through your heating options if not.

At Econoloft, we prioritise energy efficiency in every loft conversion we undertake. By using reputable products, materials, and brands, along with expert building methods, we ensure that your conversion is as efficient as possible. Our focus on minimising heat loss and saving you money on your bills sets us apart from other companies.

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Our full loft conversion planning, design, and build services are designed to maximise the potential of your space. We work closely with you to find ideal solutions for your project and budget, including insulation, windows, and utility installations. 

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Our loft conversion team offers a range of solutions to ensure that attic conversions are child-friendly. The most suitable options for your needs will depend on your children's ages and how you plan to utilise the space. Taking these factors into consideration, we have identified some key strategies to enhance the child-friendliness of loft conversions:

• Make sure any windows in your loft extension are lockable and if possible, out of reach of children. This includes not placing furniture beneath windows that kids could use as a climbing frame.

• Children easily fall down stairs, so it is important to minimise this risk. One way to do this is by choosing a style that reduces the chances of tripping or slipping. For this, our loft conversion company recommends a conventional, carpeted staircase. In addition, depending on the age of your children, you may wish to install stairgates at the top and bottom of your new stairs.

• Many homeowners decide to build loft conversions to use as playrooms. If you plan to create a playroom, it’s worth thinking about soundproofing to provide more peace and quiet to the rest of the house. While soundproof insulation is one option, features such as thick curtains and carpets are also effective at minimising noise.

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