Loft Conversions

Welcome to our frequently asked questions for loft conversions.

How do I know if my loft can be converted?
Do you offer a design service?
Are there any restrictions on how I use a loft conversion?
Do I need planning permission and building regulations?
How long will it take for planning and building regulations to be passed?
Can you work from my plans?
How much will a loft conversion cost me?
Do I have any other options if my loft is unsuitable?
How long will the conversion process take?
Do you cover my area?
How do I obtain a quotation?
Can you provide references and examples of your work?
Will I get pestered after you send me a quotation?
Why is your quote less / more competitive than your competition?
Why should I choose H.H. Hilder & Sons to carry out my loft conversion?

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my loft can be converted?

Typically most lofts can be converted into additional living space, unless you have a low pitching roof or difficult access for a staircase. Some older properties may also have a central chimney stack, which could restrict the layout of your choosen conversion.

As a guide to see if your loft can be converted, stand in the centre of the loft and measure the height from the floor to the apex of the roof (as seen in the diagram below). The height needs to be approximately 2.3 meters (7’, 6”).

Now measure a corridor of approximately 1 meter (3’) either side of your standing position towards the pitch of the roof (as seen in the diagram above), this gives you an idea of your full height “landing zone”. The top of the staircase leading into your loft conversion, will generally need to finish in this “landing zone” area.

If you are unsure or would like further advice, we are happy to arrange a site visit and discuss your options in person.

Do you offer a design service?

Yes. We have skilled architects available to assist you in the design phase
of your project. If you would like further information, please visit our design page.

Are there any restrictions on how I can use a loft conversion?

No. Customers generally have a wide range of uses for their conversion, including rooms for; home office or study, guest or additional bedroom, child bedroom or playroom. The majority of customers also tend to include a bath or shower/toilet room in their design. Subject to the layout and size of your loft, and position of your staircase, you can generally expect to fit in a bath (or shower/ toilet) room, and one or two other “general purpose” rooms.

As a guide, a bungalow will generally have the largest available loft space, and a terraced house the smallest.

Do I need planning permission and building regulations for a loft conversion?

The regulations regarding planning approval for loft conversions changed on 1st October 2008, and are subject to certain conditions. Please see the relevant links below for further information, and to determine if you require planning permission.

Any structural changes to your home will need to be regulated and approved by the local planning authority, and this includes loft conversions. You will need to apply for building regulations, even if your conversion does not require planning permission. We have provided links to the council planning offices in our area for your convenience, and the government planning portal for additional information.

Hart District Council (Fleet and Surrounding Area)
Waverly Borough Council (Farnham and Surrounding Area)
Rushmoor Borough Council (Farnborough and Surrounding Area)
Surrey Heath Borough Council (Camberley and Surrounding Area)
Government Planning Portal (advice on planning and building regulations)

We are happy to assist you with the design, drafting and regulatory approval process, or you are free to use your own architects, and make requests to the local authority for building regulations and planning permission (if applicable).

How long will it take for planning permission and building regulations to be passed?

The process can vary between planning authorities, and may take longer at certain times of the year. We typically expect the process to take between 6 and 8 weeks. Our firm of architects are familiar with the local planning regulations, and will adjust your design to help achieve the earliest possible approval.

Although loft conversions are largely an internal change, the size, location and types of windows (dormer or velux) can affect your planning application.

The links (above) for our local planning offices can provide you with additional information and valuable guidelines.

Can you work from my plans?

Yes. We can work from any suitably drafted conversion plans, and those approved by the local planning authority (if applicable).

How much will a loft conversion cost me?

A number of factors can affect the price of your loft conversion, such as; size, type and style of staircase, number of rooms, bathroom fixtures and fittings, location or movement of services (hot water cylinders or water tanks) etc.

Each conversion is unique, and priced according to your requirements.

Please contact us for a detailed, no obligation quotation for your property.

Do I have any other options if my loft is unsuitable?

Yes. You might also like to consider our garage conversions or a general home extension.

How long will the conversion process take?

A typical loft conversion will normally be completed in around 8 weeks, depending on the size and complexity of the layout choosen.

We can give you a better estimate for your indivdual loft conversion
once we complete the site survey.

Do you cover my area?

We cover the areas surrounding Farnborough, Frimley, Fleet, Camberley, Aldershot, Ash, Guildford, Woking and Farnham as shown on the map below.

How do I obtain a quotation?

You can either contact us by email (please indicate a convenient time for us to call you back), or telephone 01252 372671 to arrange a site visit.

Can you provide references and examples of your work?

Yes. We don’t display our written testimonials on this site. We prefer to let you contact our past customers directly for references. We can provide you with examples of our work, contact information, and (with customer consent) arrange for you to see either works in progress and/or a completed conversion.

Will I get pestered after you send me a quotation?

No. We do follow up on our quotes to ensure you are happy with the details though, and to listen to your feedback, as this helps us improve our service. We understand that customers will approach around four builders on average when planning for a major project, often as a result of personal recommendations. We value our reputation for courteous service, and the recommendations of our past customers, so we never pester or keep calling you.

Why is your quote more / less competitive than your competition?

A variety of factors will affect the pricing of your quotations. Our long working relationship with our trades people and suppliers generally ensures we can
negotiate the best price and quality for your conversion. As a small family run company with relatively low overheads, we often find (from customer feedback) that our quotes are competitive. Larger firms or organisations may need to cover bigger overheads, such as sales and installation teams, or may be running special offers at the time of your quote.

If you have any concerns or questions about your quotation, please contact us for clarification.

Why should I choose H.H. Hilder & Sons to carry out my loft conversion?

Selecting a builder for any major work on your property can be a daunting task. If you found us through a recommendation, you already know the quality of our work, and our commitment to a courteous, professional service. Our company was established in 1922, and each generation of the family has worked hard to uphold our commitments and reputation. We also have a long standing working relationship with many of our trade’s people. It is their professionalism and quality of service that ultimately gives us our reputation and customer satisfaction.

If you have not found us through a personal recommendation, or you are unsure about selecting us, we are more than happy to provide references and examples of our work to aid in your decision.

We are fully insured, and members of both the Federation of Master Builders, and the National House Building Council.