14 May Loft conversion – Should I DIY or get professional help?

Loft Conversions: Professional or Do It Yourself?

There are plenty of home improvement projects that you can handle yourself, from installing fixtures to garden landscaping and even building your own garage. But if you’re an enthusiast looking for an exciting – and profitable – challenge, you might want to try your hand at a do-it-yourself (DIY) loft conversion.

So, can you do a loft conversion yourself?

With the right knowledge, skills and tools, anything is possible. But a DIY loft or attic conversion is a difficult and complex undertaking that only those with extensive construction experience should attempt.

To help you decide whether to do it yourself or call in professional help, let’s look at the 5 key aspects of a DIY loft conversion.

What is a loft conversion?

In brief, a loft conversion involves transforming your unused loft space into a functional living area like a bedroom or living room.

There are 5 main types of loft conversion, from the simple Velux loft conversion to more complex hip-to-gable installations and the idiosyncratic mansard.

We cover these in our Types of Loft Conversion Explained blog. So open it up in a new tab and choose your preferred type once you’ve decided whether or not to DIY.

5 key aspects of a DIY loft conversion

1) Planning permission and building regulations

In most cases, a loft conversion falls under your permitted development rights. These allow you to improve or extend your home without planning permission, provided the changes fall within certain limits.

If your loft or attic conversion would exceed these limits, you’d need to apply for planning permission. This process assesses the impact of your project on your neighbours and the surrounding area to determine whether the works should be approved. If you move ahead without planning permission, you may be required to undo any changes you’ve made.

Regardless of whether you need planning permission, your loft conversion must comply with building regulations. These rules are in place to ensure the structural integrity and safety of any construction project, including insulation, fire safety and energy efficiency.

2) Assessment and planning

Before you get started, you need to find out if your loft is actually suitable for conversion. That includes measuring head height, establishing access points, and performing a roof structure inspection to determine whether your roof needs reinforcement to support the additional load. Failing to perform a thorough assessment could result in serious property damage that’s extremely expensive to fix.

Assuming your DIY loft conversion is possible, you’ll then need to draw up design plans to guide your construction work. You should also create a budget for your project covering the costs of materials, labour and permits, as well as a buffer for unexpected expenses.

3) Expertise and equipment

Unlike other home improvement projects, a loft conversion involves more than just adding something to your home. You’re fundamentally changing its structure.

At the very least, you’ll need professional-level skill and experience in carpentry, roofing and insulation. And if you plan to add an en-suite bathroom or additional light or bathroom fittings, you’ll also need a comprehensive understanding of electrical wiring and plumbing. Of course, all of these must comply with building regulations.

A wide variety of tools are also required for DIY loft conversions. These include power tools for cutting and shaping your materials, hand tools for precision work, and safety gear to protect yourself as you work. Plant equipment hire will also be required for items such as mechanical lifting gear to enable you to safely lift the structural steel beams up to loft level. 

4) Safety

Unless you’re performing a Velux loft conversion, your project will involve changing the roofline of your property. That means you’ll need to invest in scaffolding, temporary platforms or safety harnesses to work securely at height.

You must also ensure the structural integrity of your DIY loft conversion, and comply with local building codes and other regulations. Even if you prefer DIY, it’s  essential to bring in a structural engineer or other informed professional to help you meet all legal standards and comply with building control requirements. 

If your project involves plumbing, it’s advisable to hire certified plumbers.  The electrical installation must also be completed by a certified electrician. Working with these professionals ensures the compliance, safety and functionality of your loft conversion, and their insurance will cover you if anything goes wrong.

5) Sourcing your materials

Nowadays, sourcing materials for a home improvement project is fairly simple. As well as visiting hardware stores, you could look up trusted suppliers online or purchase reclaimed or recycled materials from a trusted local vendor.

Whichever avenue you take, remember that the quality of your materials is a major factor in the quality, durability and longevity of your loft conversion. It can be tempting to save money by buying cheaper materials. But this can cost you much more in maintenance and energy loss over time.

It’s also worth noting that there are often different grades of materials, some of which won’t meet the required standard set by building control.  With this in mind, it would be sensible to liaise with your local building control inspector to ensure compliance.   

The best way to save money and ensure high quality is to work with a loft conversion specialist. Their close relationships with materials suppliers mean you can get more competitive prices and enjoy a superior conversion.

Can you do a loft conversion yourself?

If you understand the legal requirements of a loft conversion and have all the necessary skills and tools to complete the project to a high standard, then yes, you can do a loft conversion yourself.

But does that mean you should?

Why should I work with a loft conversion specialist?

There are many reasons why hiring a local loft conversion specialist is better than  DIY. These include:

• Peace of mind: You know that a loft conversion specialist will meet all legal regulations. And if something goes wrong, their insurance will cover you financially.
• Professional skillset: They’ll have all the skills needed for a high-quality loft conversion, and work with other trusted professionals where necessary to fill in any gaps.
• Quality workmanship: The extensive experience of an established firm ensures your project is done right and built to last.
• Sales potential: When it comes to selling your home, you won’t be able to include your loft conversion as a habitable room if it isn’t to regulation. But a specialist will ensure compliance, turning your new loft conversion into a huge benefit that can dramatically increase your property value.
• Cost, time and hassle: A DIY loft or attic conversion can cost less upfront. But this is far outweighed by the time investment and disruptions to your life. And it can cost more over time in maintenance, upkeep and energy inefficiency.

So rather than taking on such a major task alone, reach out to the loft conversion specialists at JBS Lofts. We’ve spent more than 15 years delighting homeowners in Bristol and Bath with beautiful, functional and cost-effective loft conversions – and now we’re ready to work with you.

Don’t wait – request your free quote now!