A loft conversion is one of the most sought-after home improvements and it can add a lot of value to your home. A well-planned and well-built loft conversion can add up to 20% to your home’s value, as well as giving you an extra room to use as a bedroom, office or living space.
Loft conversions are bespoke projects so no two projects are the same, and they can take different lengths of time to complete. But it is possible to give an idea of how long different parts of the conversion will take, so we’ve put together a list of what you can expect to happen in a typical loft conversion that can be ready in just 8 weeks.
Week 1
In the first week, you can expect your builders to put up scaffolding where it is needed. They will get the first delivery of materials and create the access opening into the roof space, so they can start working on your dream conversion.
Week 2
Lofts weren’t originally designed to be living spaces, so your builder might need to make some structural alterations to the roof space to make it suitable for use. They may need to add steel to make it strong enough.
Week 3
Week 4
By week 4 the dormer conversion should be finished. Your loft conversion will start taking shape by now, as your builders will install the floor and windows. They will then put together the internal stud walls, insulate them and add roof ventilation.
Week 5
Your builder will plasterboard and plaster the new walls ready to be decorated. Then, they’ll create the full access opening for a new staircase and install it to the plans they agreed with you.
Week 6
Once the staircase is erected, your builder will plasterboard and plaster the area. Then an electrician will complete the second fix electrics and a plumber will do the second fix plumbing if required. Your builder or carpenter will also hang all doors and architraves and install all the skirting. They will also finish the stairs, adding handrails and spindles. Your painter and decorator can start making your new room feel homely.
Week 7
By week 7, your decorator should have completed their work and cleaned down and removed all the rubbish collected during the build. The builders will then carry out snagging, which means checking for minor faults that they can rectify before they finish their work.
Week 8
Your loft can now go through its final inspection, and as long as it goes to plan you can start enjoying your new space.
Your builder will be able to give you a more specific timeline, but this should give you an idea of how long you can expect your loft conversion to take.