Frequently Asked Questions
We have provided a collection of answers to the most frequently asked questions. Please feel free to contact us should you have any additional questions concerning our range of options, including: Lofts, Dormers, Vertical Extensions, Mezzanine floors, Double volume conversions, Stairs, Ladders and Packing space.
Who will design my loft?
1Who will design my loft?
Lofts employs a dedicated team of skilled Loft experts. They’ll visit your home, interpret your requirements, and provide practical solutions, followed by a detailed written quote within a few days of the site inspection.
2My roof appears low, can I use it?
If storage is your requirement, about 1100mm high will do the job. If you require a loft, you need to stand in the centre of your roof and reach as high as you can. If you can just touch the highest point, you should be able to have a loft put into your roof. There are occasions when you’ll feel building a loft on your home is impossible, that’s not always the case. With Lofts unique Dormer roof system, your roof height can be extended.
3Is my roof strong enough?
No, we engineer it to comply with all requirements.
4Will my new room get hot and/or be noisy?
Lofts use a combination of high-quality insulation materials to enhance the thermal and acoustic properties of each loft. Every loft is thoroughly insulated, with floors designed to be sound resistant.
5My roof is full of crisscross beams, how will I walk around?
We reconfigure the roof trusses complying with an engineer’s instructions, by adding extra strength here and moving there. We call it roof surgery.
6Who is the engineer?
Lofts have a working relationship with a consultant structural engineer, who, having checked all work and ensuring that we have followed his design, issues a compliance certificate on every loft contract we are involved with.
7What kind of windows do you install?
We have two major types of windows; Dormer- that’s when we lift the roof and give you lots of extra head room, and Velux roof windows- fitted at the same angle as your existing roof.
8Will I have to move out while you build?
In most cases no, we work through your roof and only come into your home when we fit the staircase.
9Do you use sub contractors or are your workers employed by you?
Because working at your home is so sensitive, we employ all of our teams with the exception of specialist trades such as plumbers and electricians. In these cases, we only use companies we know well, some for as long as 20 years.
10Do I need municipal plans?
Yes, our loft services include drafting your plans and managing the council approval process (excluding council fees).
11How long does it take?
In most cases we’ll complete a folding ladder and packing space in one day. Building bedrooms, bathrooms and similar, the time varies from job to job, mostly from 3-10 weeks.
12What happens to my existing plumbing and electrical pipes?
We arrange for a qualified specialist to move the pipe work away from the new loft area.
13How long is the work guaranteed for?
Three years, unconditional.