Once you decide that Loft Style NorthEast is the company that you would like to do your conversion we will arrange a start date.
All plans will be drawn up and surveys will be completed and submitted for planning permission if needed or building regulation all ready for the start date.
The first stage of construction is getting the scaffolding erected. Unlike most companies at Loft Style NorthEast we erect scaffolding on both velux and Dormer conversions so that there is no need to have access to your property whilst the construction work is going on. All work is carried out through your existing roof so your home is free of dust, materials and workmen during the conversion and can remain as a home as the work progresses.
Usually 1-2days before the project is due to start the scaffolding is erected around the relevant sides of the property. On the day of the arranged start date your team of workmen will arrive to begin work and the materials will arrive on site. Usually most materials are stored on the drive though alternative arrangements can be made where this is not possible. If possible you may be asked if we can stored some materials in a safe place, we will never get too much delivered to the site at once so that we can always maintain the appearance of your property.
Firstly, we will create an opening in your roof for access into loft space.
The next job is to take levels and dimensions and begin to set out where the beams etc are to be sited. The beams will then be put into place so that we can begin to lay the floor. Once the beams are in place and secured we will lay the sound insulation and fire protection.
We will then fit the new floor joists which are totally independent from the existing ceiling and lay the moisture/film coated floor boarding. When the floor is in place we upgraded the existing rafters, form the dwarf walls, put in any ridge beams and secure the whole roof structure. Once all this is done we can remove any purlins and trusses rafters.
The next step in the process is to construct any dormer windows
The section of the roof is cut away where the dormer window is going and the dormer is constructed bespoke, on site using graded timber specified by our structural engineer. Once the dormer frame is build and secured we ply-line the sides and front of the dormer. This method ensures that the dormer has good strength and stability to withstand strong winds. After the ply-line is fitted we cover the entire the dormer in a breathable membrane. The dormer is then crossed battened and tiled.
We then fit all the external materials including fascia board, guttering and flashings then the dormer is finished from the exterior. For pitched roof dormer the existing roof tiles are re-used on the new dormer roof to keep the dormer looking part of the original structure. All external material colours such as fascia board, soffits and guttering are matched to the existing property.
With the floor, dwarf walls and upgrades in place we insulate the entire loft, cross batten and install stud walls for en-suite, 2nd bedrooms or walk in wardrobes etc.
Once the loft is partitioned off into rooms the Velux and Dormer windows are installed and the first fix plumbing and electrics are put into place
We then plasterboard the new loft rooms and partitions and install doors, door casings, skirting board and architrave.
All the new rooms and surfaces are then plastered and the second fix electrics and plumbing are then installed.
At this stage we are ready to fit the new staircase firstly we clean all the ceiling from above to reduce mess and damage then the ceiling is cut away and the staircase is formed and put into place. We then fit the hand rail and spindles to the new staircase and for any partition walling around the staircase.
The project is now complete and all necessary arrangements will be made to have the scaffolding dismantled, skips removed and all debris cleared. We can now take it to the next stage of decorating the loft, if needed.