FAQs

Generally, the first site visit takes 1 hour, although this can vary depending on the size and complexity of your project, and how much information you need from us at this stage. This includes a quick survey of your home to take key measurements that are required to put together a quotation for the works.

In the unlikely event that your loft space isn’t suitable for a loft conversion, there may be some creative solutions to resolve the issues. However, we will always be open and upfront if we feel that there are no viable options that would make a loft conversion possible, and we will discuss this with you at the time.

In the vast majority of cases, a loft conversion will fall under permitted development, meaning that you won’t need to apply for planning permission. Where this isn’t the case, we can work through the process with you. It’s worth remembering that if planning permission is required, this can add to the overall duration of your project.

There are ways to increase the head height in your loft space. The first, is to increase your roof height, which involves getting planning permission from your local authority. The second, is to lower the floor. This option will impact the floor below, and we’ll take measurements to ensure that the lower floor head height will remain acceptable. 

Party wall agreements are formal, legal documents that are necessary if you share a wall with a neighbour. This could be because you live in a semi-detached, terrace or flat. We can assess if you’ll need a party wall agreement at the first site visit.

Your party wall surveyor would usually take care of any formal agreements with your neighbour, but we can usually be of assistance to help you address any questions or concerns that your neighbour has raised with you.

Please bear in mind that before starting your project you will likely need to have party wall agreements, building regulation drawings and council approval. These items usually take an average of 3 months to be completed.

How long your project takes will depend on a number of factors, such as the complexity and size of your loft conversion, planning requirements, etc. However, broadly speaking, a simple loft conversion involving the creation of an additional room would take approximately 12 weeks.

Various professionals will need to be on-site, and the number of people physically situated on-site at any given time will depend on the works being done. For example: during the structural and roofing stages, you could have 3 to 5 people on your project. During the fit-out stages, this usually drops down to 1 or 2.

You don’t need to stay at home if you have other work or life commitments, and we can work with you to agree on how to manage this. We would, however, request that a spare set of keys are given to your dedicated project manager so that we can work on your project regardless of whether you are at home or not.

In the event that other areas of your home will be more widely affected, this will be discussed and agreed with you.

High traffic areas are those parts of your home that will be accessed frequently throughout the project. These usually involve hallways, staircases and landings. In order to protect these areas of your home, we lay carpet protector and corex sheeting. It is also possible to request a quotation to include additional protection in your home to fully limit the risk of any damage / wear and tear.

Children and pets should still be able to access most of your home in the usual way. It is advised that access to the loft space during construction is restricted, and we can discuss ways you can achieve this at our initial site visit.

We will always listen to your point of view and aim to be fair, reasonable and professional.

We do recommend that you arrange for a full professional clean at the end of the project, and we can put you in contact with a specialist company to take care of that for you.

Yes. All our work is carried out in accordance with building and fire regulations.

This depends on the age and capacity of the boiler and the size of property. Unless the boiler is already in the loft and needs to be removed as part of the loft works, most homeowners choose to keep the current boiler and change it at a later date because it is not interfacing with the loft. You can speak to our plumber during the works to work out if this might be needed on your project.

Other additional costs may be incurred if you change any element of the original design or the project may have been quoted before any design was created, and you will be advised of this at the time by your dedicated project manager.

To help you create a carefully planned budget, we’ve created a budget planner that you can download here.

Firstly, we’re so sorry to hear that you are not completely happy with the service or experience you’ve had with Visionary Lofts. We want to make this right as quickly as possible, so please give us a call at your earliest convenience on 020 3536 8734. Alternatively, you can drop us an email sales@visionarylofts.co.uk and someone will get back to you as soon as possible.