Loft conversion - recommendations, suggestions or cautions??

[Nanny]

Is it financially sensible converting the large loft of a 3 bedroom house in the Heber catchment area if we're not bursting at the seams for space but the roof does need replacing? Or should I save my money and just put in a couple of Velux windows to enjoy the good views over London?

I have a couple of concerns; likelihood of recouping the costs on resale if I had to sell within the next couple of years (assuming property market stays stable)? Is it a valid concern that the terraces in ED have small gardens and when it comes to resale, a likely purchaser seeking 4+ bedrooms would prefer (but maybe couldn't afford) a house with a bigger garden? I guess having a garden in London, however small, is a bonus and there seems to be numerous loft conversions under construction in the area which would suggest that accommodation size is more important, but are they families forced to extend as it's probably cheaper than moving?

I understand planning laws and building regulation/controls but any recommendations of contractors, suggestions or cautions appreciated.

[Jeremy]

I think there's absolutely no danger of not recouping the costs when you sell, as long as it's done well, and the rest of the house is in reasonably good condition. Look at the price difference between houses with and without loft conversions, and see for yourself!

[Nanny]

Thanks Jeremy, tasteful and in good condition definitely pays. I've done the usual research on the property portals (finding the ?1M 4 bed semi on Crystal Palace Road!) but not been able to find streets around the Heber area with houses currently on sale with and without conversions to make that comparison.

[Jeremy]

Fair enough. I was house hunting last year (although stayed put in the end), 3 bed houses seemed to be around the 600 mark, similar houses with loft conversions seemed to be around 675.

(of course everything seems to have gone up 10% in the last 12 months!)

[nictao]

If I were in your shoes, and had the capital, I would convert. I recently read an article in a magazine that said that generally an extra bedroom adds ?25k to the price of a property. Ok thats across the country but in London that will be a lot more. Jeremy's prices seem about right. Given that a new roof is going to cost ?25k anyway, for that little bit extra add value and space to your property.

[Dirty Bird]

Hi there

You may like to get a quote and advice from MM project services. They recently did a bit of work for us installing a skylight and we're delighted with the result. website is: www.mmprojectservices.com

[karen104]

I'm just coming to the end of a loft conversion using Outlook Lofts. Its still a work in progress but I would thoroughly recommend them. They don't advertise but do alot of work in this area by word of mouth recommendation. I've been very impressed by the lack of dust and disruption. Most of the work takes place through the roof and its only when they put the stairs in near the end that they are in the house.

[Nanny]

Thanks Karen, good to know you've had minimal disruption. If I go ahead I would be keen to use local labour with considerate builders that understand, respect and follow the regs and H&S practices. That's what might be the biggest challenge so recommendations much appreciated.

[Southlondoncouple]

Hi

I would 100% recommend Lyons lofts, they are local I believe but there work I have seen on my brither in laws house and was superb! They made everything easy, understandable and affordable for him.

I will be using then for my loft conversion.

There contact was Sean Cronin on 02079244887

Pm me if need anymore info

Hope this helps