Loft conversion specialists brighton: Loft Conversions | Shore Lofts
Loft Conversions | Shore Lofts
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free feasibility assessment
and quotation
free feasibility assessment
and quotation
loft conversion specialists
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Shore Lofts is an independent company specialising in bespoke loft conversions in and around Brighton and Hove.
Whether you’re looking to create much needed space for your growing family, just want the extra room, or like the idea of adding value to your home, we will take your loft conversion from conception to completion.
We take care of every part of the process for you, from initial design through to completion of the build, dealing with building regulations (and, if necessary, sorting planning permission) along the way.
With over 20 years experience in the industry, Shore Lofts can create a loft conversion that is designed uniquely for you.
Customer feedback
Jennifer Coleman, Hove
I couldn’t be happier with my new extension. I now have a brand new bathroom sitting on steel stilts outside my 1st floor flat.
Thanks to the team!
Sara Hawks, Brighton
Your team have been wonderful, I almost miss having them around.
I truly love the new loft bedroom so thank you all for your hard work getting it ready on time. Our home suddenly feels so much bigger.
Pete and Naomi, Hove
We felt very comfortable having these guys in our home… they worked hard, explained what was going on at every stage, they stayed on schedule, and the finish is great. Can’t recommend them highly enough.
David Lander, Hove
A brilliant job done by a brilliant team.
The loft conversion has made us fall back in love with our house now that we have enough space again.
MOST READ FAQ
Do I need planning permission?
Not necessarily.
The majority of loft conversions with Velux style roof windows and many types of dormer have become exempt from planning and now fall under permitted development rights.
These allow modifications to property without the need for planning permission, subject to certain limits and conditions
How long do the works take?
For an average rear dormer extension, we would expect to complete the works within 6-8 weeks depending on the exact size and scope.
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How much does a typical conversion cost?
The cost of a loft conversion varies significantly from project to project, ranging from £24,000 up to £55,000+.
We offer a free no-obligation feasibility check and price estimate for all customers.
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RECENTLY COMPLETED PROJECTS
Conservation velux windows to the front elevation and a timber sash window to the rear… the owners of this home wanted a period styling to make the new bedroom and bathroom blend in with the rest of their home.
We used reclaimed floorboards, exposed ceiling timbers and traditional style bathroom fittings…
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The owners of this lovely mid-terraced house in Hove needed more space for their growing family.
Under permitted development rules ( we added a rear dormer to their loft and velux windows to the front, creating a large double bedroom with an ensuite shower room…
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Building an entire new storey on top of the kitchen in this old railway workers cottage in Hanover allowed the owners to completely reorganise their home before moving in.
We turned around the staircase and created a landing and a 1st floor bathroom in the new extension…
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This is an example of one of our most simple projects… a standard rear dormer addition with a casement window and two new velux-style windows to the front.
It created a large, light filled double bedroom…
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Loft Conversions in Brighton, East Sussex – Clifton Hill & Mont Pelier Brighton
Why is my loft conversion so hot?
Building a loft with cheap or poor-quality materials usually results in problems. A new loft conversion will be thermally efficient when built correctly.
Clifton Hill & Montpelier Loft Conversions ensures that the external roofing is insulated with loft wool and covered with thermawrap. This keeps your loft cool in the summer and warm in winter.
What are the issues with loft conversions?
The first problem is the inconvenience caused during construction and the time and money spent on building regulations, planning permissions and potential surveys required for your loft conversion. Another issue is the lack of headspace and the landing below the loft. Most Brighton homes don’t have enough space for a staircase, so you have to consider where the entrance will be depending on the layout of your home.
Can all lofts be converted?
Some lofts cannot be converted. When you call us for a consultation, we’ll offer more information on the loft conversion options available to you. Simply call us on PHONEXXX to book a consultation or use our contact form.
I need a loft conversion with a staircase, can you install it?
The staircase is usually the first thing that is completed on your loft conversion.
It acts as the gateway to your loft so it has to be done by a professional. Our architect will draw up a plan for the loft staircase and create a fitting design.
How long does planning take?
It might take 4 to 5 weeks for some clients to approve a plan. Clifton Hill & Montpelier Loft Conversions will do everything in our power to expedite the process whilst delivering the best possible service. We will never rush or pressure you into accepting a design as we want you to be 100% satisfied with the planning and proposed changes to your Brighton home.
What are the permits and building regulations for a loft conversion?
As with any significant home alterations or new building work, all loft conversions require building regulations approval before a loft conversion project. You need planning permission for conversion in a conservation area or listed building. You also need permission if you’re altering the roof shape or height. Additions of 40m³ for a terraced home and 50m³ for other homes fall under permitted development.
How do I finance my loft conversion?
There are three ways to pay for your Brighton home loft conversion project. The first option is the cash buyer payment that allows you pay for your loft conversion in eight payments throughout the build.
The second option is the buy now, pay later deal. Up to 50% of the cost is paid before construction begins. At the completion stage, you spread the payment of the remaining 50% over a period of 12 months. This option is protected by the Consumer Credit Act, a safeguard for your deposit.
The third option is deferred and preferred. The design stage is self-funded by the client. Up to 50% is paid by the loft structure stage. The final 50% is spread over a period of 60 months at 4.9% or 120 months at 5.9% representative APR.
Alternatively, you could get a more cost effective loan with a repayment of roughly £300 to £400 every month. You could also put it on your credit card if you have a good credit history.
What about fire doors?
A loft conversion turns your Brighton home into a three-story building.
You will have to upgrade the door to an FD30 fire-rated door. This ensures that your stairs, landing and hallway will withstand 30 minutes of heat if a fire breaks out in any room.
What happens to the boilers and water tanks?
Sometimes is impossible to move the boilers, but in most situations, we will remove the heating system if it’s an old one. We always suggest that clients upgrade their heating system instead of spending money by relocating the old tanks. Newer models offer a better warranty and improved efficiency.
How much will my loft conversion cost?
The price of a loft conversion is determined by several factors such as the type of loft conversion, the installation of a new staircase, inclusion of framing carpentry, the existing quality of your loft and the level of finish you’ll require. The average cost of loft conversion varies from £11,000 to £40,000 depending on your conversion needs. Requesting a quotation is the only way to know for certain what the real cost will be.
Once I sign a contract how quickly will work begin?
We can begin building your dream loft in as little as 2 weeks. It is the same time frame no matter where your property is based in Brighton. This time frame of two weeks is based on the assumption that all your plans, party wall notices and structural designs are in place. Otherwise, we’ll have to get those settled before starting construction. It might take 2 to 3 months to get the party wall agreed and plans approved.
Do you have a portfolio I can see?
There is a good possibility that we’ve designed and built some of the lofts you’ve seen around Brighton. You can look at our case studies for descriptions and images of previous work we have done to understand what your completed work will look like.
Will there be any disruptions to my home during construction?
While most companies will say that there will be minimal disruptions. The truth is that you have to deal with the noise of people above your house, the sound of tools and the dust from all that work might disturb you.
However, most of the work is done in the loft area so you should be able to go about your day without any fuss.
How long does a loft conversion take?
The timeframe for your loft conversion depends on the complexity of the work. How big is it going to be? What is the layout of your home? Do you have any special custom designs you want us to add? These are all factors that affect the time it takes to complete your loft conversion. However, it takes no more than 8 weeks for a typical loft conversion and up to 12 weeks for a complex project.
Do you build extensions?
We can build extensions at the same time that the loft conversion is going on. Our versatile architects will create extensions that improve the value of your home.
What is a loft conversion?
A loft conversion is a space under the roof of a house adapted into a living area such as bedroom, home office, play area or any design the client has in mind.
What are the different types of loft conversions?
Popular options for loft conversion include
Dormer loft conversion offers additional headspace.
It is a structure attached to the roof to create more headspace with a window jutting from the roof.
Mansard loft conversion is situated at the rear of a property. It has a flat roof, with a sloping back wall and windows housed in small dormers. This require planning permission due to the major changes to the structure and shape of the roof.
Velux loft conversion is a roof light conversion where the roofline is unchanged. The Velux windows are installed to the roofline without altering the original roof structure. The cost of conversion is lower because there are minimal alterations.
Will a loft conversion add value to my home?
There are three things you can do to add value to your home. A new kitchen, a loft extension and a rear extension. A loft extension is a considerable investment on your Brighton home. Note that the loft conversion that provides the highest return on investment comprises of a master bedroom and ensuite.
It increases the value of your home by up to 21%.
Can I do a loft conversion in a conservation area?
Properties on conservation areas have special character histories and features. It adds to the charm of the area but makes it difficult to do things like a loft conversion. You have to get planning permission from the Brighton planning authority, which could be subject to specific planning conditions.
Once approval is granted, you have to check the types of loft conversion possible in your conservation area. Popular options include Mansard and Velux loft conversion designs.
How long does it take for plans to be approved by council?
We have overseen many loft conversions in Brighton, and most of the plans take roughly 6 to 8 weeks to be approved. Sometimes it could take longer if the approver wants something added.
Will I need a fire escape for my loft conversion?
Smoke alarms are required for every level of the house, including the loft.
They must have a backup battery and be wired to the mains in case of a power failure. There must be a protected area from your loft to the ground floor to ensure the occupants are evacuated safely.
The fire route has to be protected to withstand 30 minutes of fire. The loft conversion should be complete with a functioning window with non-locking fasteners to ensure a swift exit.
Is the price fixed?
The price for a loft conversion is fixed. We send you a fixed quote detailing what the final cost entails. If you want more than was initially agreed upon, it will come at an extra cost.
Who will supervise my loft conversion?
Our staff are highly skilled and require little supervision. However, your loft conversion is managed by a project supervisor who conducts regular inspections to ensure that the work is carried out to our very high standards. They will update you and answer any questions that you have.
What is a party wall agreement?
This is an adjoining wall between properties.
The agreement has to be signed by the owners of the properties on either side of the walls. It is required for terraced or semi-detached properties in Brighton which share a wall with another property.
Will I receive a guarantee?
All Clifton Hill & Montpelier Loft Conversions include a 10-year guarantee for your peace of mind.
Why should I work with a conversion loft specialist and not a general builder?
Clifton Hill & Montpelier Loft Conversions has specialised in loft conversions for a many years. Our certified and experienced architects produce loft conversion designs that maximise your loft space. The in-depth knowledge, planning and design you enjoy with a loft service cannot be compared to a general builder.
Can I do a loft conversion without planning?
Planning permission is not always required except when you plan to alter or extend the roof space or exceed specified conditions and limits. Your loft conversion is considered a permitted development if it conforms to government standards.
I already have my own plans; can you work with them?
Of course. Our goal is to create the living space you desire.
What is the minimum height for a loft conversion?
The crucial measurement is the top of stairs height. The height has to be between 2.0m and 2,2m between the top of the floor joist to the bottom of the ridge beam. Most people are not 2m tall so you can build a reasonable loft with this height.
What is an illegal loft conversion?
This is a property where a loft conversion was built without planning permission or building control. It is crucial that you work with a licensed loft conversion company in Brighton to avoid this scenario. You could be fined a hefty sum or made to spend thousands of pounds on renovations for an illegal loft conversion.
Do you have insurance?
We have an employee liability and public liability insurance that protects you from liability if anything goes wrong during construction. We are happy to provide documentation of our insurance.