How to reduce loft conversion costs

How to reduce the cost of your loft conversion project!

You now have a very good idea of how much your loft conversion is going to cost, even though it represents good value, you can't afford that, or your budget simply doesn't stretch to that much. Here's what to do next. With help and advice from The loft Specialists (TLS) you may be surprised at what you can get for your money!

The first consideration is, exactly how far short is your preferred budget, from the itemised costs you have from the Loft Specialists (TLS)?

If your budget covers over 75% of the itemised quoted costs, then you could consider the VAT saver scheme.

Option 1 the vat saver

This scheme works by reducing the costs payable to us (TLS), (who are vat registered) and must charge 15% by law. This works by us (TLS) outsourcing some of the labour element of the overall loft conversion costs, to an individual contractor who is not vat registered. We can do this as we have extensive lists of non VAT registered contractors who we have recommended over the years.

What ever proportion of the overall costs we relocate here will not accrue vat, potentially saving you £1000's and you can rest in the knowledge that these individuals have been checked by us for quality and service.

If you are short of the quoted by costs by much more, you can consider the following.

Option 2 Part build or shell build solutions

This scheme works by us (TLS) completing the major structural and external sections of the loft conversion project.

We would recommend that at least the following sections are completed by experts such as the Loft Specialists.

1. Compile detailed Architectural plans for the purpose of obtaining planning and building approval from your local authority (LA).
2. Compile detailed structural engineer’s calculations for the approval of LA.
3. Erect safe and secure scaffolding.
4. Supply and construct the independent steel flooring system.
5. Supply and construct all external dormer windows, Velux windows, or roof alterations. Including the external finishing of roofing structure and weather proofing.
6. Remove / reconstruct existing roof rafters / alter any structural components.
7. Install all new fire protection.
8. Install staircase.

Leaving you or others you contract in to do the following

1. Supply and install all electrical requirements
2. Supply and install all plumbing requirements
3. Supply and install all heat loss insulations
4. Supply and install all plaster boarding
5. Wet skim all areas to be decorated
6. Supply and install final fix carpentry, such as skirting boards, doors, stair handrails and cupboard closets.

If you decided to take advantage of option 2 you could save up to 40% off the costs of the loft conversion.

Option 3, self build

With this option we will supply the following

1. Compile detailed Architectural plans for the purpose of obtaining planning and building approval from your local authority.
2. Compile detailed structural engineer’s calculations for the approval of LA.
3. Supply you with detailed diagrams, and site visits to one of our other projects to give you the best help and advice you can get to complete this job as a DIY project.

Please note.

Option 3 should only be chosen if you, or some one close to the project, has a good general knowledge of construction practices. We (TLS) can offer on site help and advice, and even supply materials needed at the very best cost if necessary.

Finally if you need any further help or clarification of any of the above, please do not hesitate to contact us The Loft Specialists.

Good luck with your project. It can be an extremely rewarding project.