Our Service
At A.R.T, we can do as much or as little as you want us to. Should you wish to originate your own plans that's fine, we will work with your architect. Should you wish to use your own plumber or electrician, that's fine we will work with them. Should you only want the structural side of your conversion carried out by A.R.T, that's fine. We understand that some jobs you can do yourself or know someone who is able to help you.
Alternatively if you don't want the hassle or worry we can carry out the full loft conversion for you from plans to plaster. All you'll have to worry about is what colour you want to paint it!!!  Survey
A member of our team carries out a no obligation survey on your property. This enables us to discuss your requirements and for us to offer our advice on the best option for you. We will ensure that the proposed conversion compliments the existing exterior of your house and provides you with the maximum amount of living space for your loft area. We will then be able to give you a verbal estimate and invite you to view a completed loft conversion that is similar in size and shape to your project. Plans
The next stage if you haven't already done so is to arrange for full working drawings and structural calculations to be drawn up. We can arrange this for you using our architect who specialises in loft conversions. Local Authority Permission
The proposed plans will be forwarded to you for your approval before they are submitted into your local authority. Any alterations you want can be made at this point. In the unlikely event you require planning permission, the appropriate forms will be completed and submitted. Planning permission normally takes 8 to 12 weeks depending on your local authority.
Once planning permission / lawful development is obtained or before work commences, full plans and structural calculations will be submitted to the Building Control Department or Independent Building Control Inspectors. We work closely and consult the appointed Inspectors throughout your conversion. Site visits to inspect the work are arranged when appropriate. Quotation. Once we have received a detailed copy of your drawings we will then give you a fixed quotation detailing all proposed work and specifications along with a schedule of payments. Please note that a final payment will only be required once all work is completed, passed on site by the local authority/independent inspectors, and the work is finished to your satisfaction. Ready to Start If everything is to your satisfaction at this stage all you have to do is give us a call to discuss a date to start. The Conversion Every conversion is different depending on your property, type of loft conversion and design. However, they do tend to follow a pattern. Preparation: - Independent scaffolding is erected
- Your existing loft hatch is sealed shut - this will be plastered over later
- We create an opening in your roof for access to your loft area
- Existing chimney and tanks are removed if required
- Receive 1st fix materials
- Arrange for delivery of skip
- All load bearing steels, trimmers, and steel plates that are relevant to your job are installed
- Structural walls of the dormers, hip to gables, and mansard are formed
- New structural floor joists are laid.
Plumbing Work: - 1st Fix Old tanks are removed
- Tanks that are in use are disconnected and re-located in the void area within your loft space
- New pipe work is laid ready to accommodate fixtures to the loft room
- 1st Fix New wires are laid ready to accommodate all electrical fittings to your loft room(s)
- New UPVC / Wooden Double glazed windows are installed
- Velux skylight windows and flashing kits are installed
- Roofing work including tiling, lead work and flat roof/s is completed
- Fascia boards, guttering and down pipes are fixed
- New external walls are rendered or pebble dashed
Internal Work: The whole of the loft is insulated to comply with Building Regulations - Internal walls are formed
- Flooring is laid creating loft room floor
- Stairs to loft area are installed
- Whole area of loft conversion is clad with plasterboards
- Two coats of plaster are applied to boarded areas
- 2nd Fix Radiators, sanitary ware, and new boilers are installed
- Waste connection is connected into your existing drainage system
- Existing S.V.P is extended
Electrical Work: - 2nd Fix Plug sockets, light points, extractors fans etc. are connected to the wiring in your loft
- Connection is made to your existing fuse board
- Skirting and architrave is fixed throughout your newly converted room/s
- ½-hour fire checked doors with self-closing devices are hung
- Self-closing devices are fitted to all existing doors that lead onto the stairwell
- Completed: The site is cleared
- Scaffolding is removed
- All skips are removed from site
Building Control Approval: Inspections from your appointed Building Inspector will take place throughout your conversion. A final inspection will be carried out and a completion letter issued. |