Does anyone have any experience of converting the loft of a bog-standard two bedroom sheffield terrace house? Any advice or even an idea how much such an undertaking might cost would be very useful.

Converting lofts, me? Sadly no.

I could put you in touch with someone who does loft conversions if ya like.......or even loft conversations. :)

A friend did his recently, I was amazed how much was involved just from the planning dept, the insulation has to meet very tight specs, joists have to be exact grade and thickness, a window of correct dimensions to allow fire escape has to be fitted, and at the end of the day the council charge you about £400 to inspect and pass it. He did all the construction work himself, but the final bill was over £1500.

The council website has a page all about loft conversions that you might want to take a look at :

http://www.sheffield.gov.uk/environment/how-we-work/buildingstandards/roofspace-conversions

Thanks for the pointers - I figured that the regulations might be fiddly, can now start to think about the idea feeling a little less clueless :cool:

One last question. Has anyone had one done by "real builders" as opposed to Little Malc's friend? If so, roughly how much did it cost?

As I mentioned earlier Moonboy, I know some roofers that do loft conversions as I used to work with the plumber they used for the central heating and bathroom fittings.

Send me a PM if you're interested in their number or anything. :thumbsup:

I am interested in having a loft conversion done. I have the plans drawn and approved by the council and I am ready to go. I need a reliable and trustworthy specialist to commence work on this.

I may split the work - so would require either a full job doing or a shell price only - will decide once I have some estimates in:huh:

Recommendations please!

Please contact me if you need more information

If you place an ad in the job vacancy section you will have a load of replies within a day :)

Advice:
Don't let anyone in your house unless you've seen their work. Don't accept estimates. And never hand over money before work commences. Any construction company worth their salt won't ask. Negotiate 10-20% to be withheld until you're 100% satisfied on completion.

Get a written specification/quotation, and more importantly read all of it not just the end (price) bit.

It's major constructional work, not changing a bulb. Check public liability.