Our Process
Consultation
We start with a consultation. This is your opportunity to tell us what you have in mind and what you are looking to do in your home. You tell us your vision and we can advise you on what needs to be done to make it happen. This will cover things like potential planning permission, building regulations and any party wall requirements. We will then prepare a detailed quote for the work and answer any questions you may have on that.
Planning And Architectural Drawings
Once you have approved the quote, we move to the design stage, where you have two options. We can either prepare the necessary drawings for you or if you already have an architect in mind, we can work from their drawings. The need for planning permission will depend on the type of property and what you want done. Many home improvements don’t need planning permission. However, changes over 50 cubic metres or work on a listed property or one in a conservation area will. If you or a previous owner have extended or altered the property, you may need to apply for planning permission.
What working with us is like
When you are considering a home renovation you will no doubt have a million questions. What is the best option for me? How much will it cost? What is going to change? What disruption can I expect? How long will it take? By working with us you get the chance to ask all these questions and more whenever you need to. Our process starts and finishes with one thing in mind: your satisfaction.
We are here to give you the extra space you need in your home, affordably, with only high-grade materials, and in a way that will add the most value to your property. We know that it’s not always an easy decision to make. Working with us is a collaborative experience and we want our clients to feel like they can ask us anything. We also like to treat them like we do our family, and we look after every client’s home like it is our own.
Start with this short, informative guide to help demystify the process and then get in touch with any other questions you may have.
Party Wall Agreements
These are the walls between your property and that of a neighbour. For projects that involve any work to a party wall you will need your neighbour’s consent before work can begin. For a comprehensive overview of party walls and what is required you can start with the government’s pages on party walls page or talk to us
Building Control
Compliance with applicable building regulations will always be required where you are making changes to a liveable space. Approval is sought in writing from your local council’s Building Control team. While work can start as soon as you submit your application, it is usually advisable to contact them first to discuss the process and your property. They can then advise on exactly what is required, giving you complete peace of mind. We can handle all of that for you.
Construction
All our work is carried out in a responsible manner and we always tidy up after ourselves. We aim to stay out of your way and if at any stage we know an activity is going to be disruptive, we will give you as much notice as possible. We give you a progress update at each milestone in the construction process and there is someone on site every day without exception. A site manager is also there throughout the build process to oversee the work and is available to answer any questions you may have.
Completion
When the construction work is complete it will first have to be approved by our project manager. Once they are happy, we ask you to inspect it closely as well. We do not consider a project complete unless our client – you – signs it off. Once you are satisfied, we provide you with a 10-year warranty certificate – our way of letting you know that your investment is sound and will last. .
Timescales
The timescales for the work will vary depending on your property type, size of conversion or extension and extent of furnishings required. Once you have selected your preferred design, we will set a timeframe for completion and commit to it.
Insulation and ventilation
A good contractor will ensure your new space is properly insulated and that there is adequate ventilation to prevent the build-up of condensation, which can lead to mould and mildew. Close attention will be paid to bathrooms, which are weak points for condensation, and the roof.
Plumbing
We work with leading plumbing teams in East London to ensure that your new conversion or extension has all the necessary plumbing fitted and that it works well. This way you can add an en suite bathroom or kitchenette to your new loft or basement and your kitchen and bathroom renovations will be fully plumbed in.
Emergency Exits
Fire safety is a key concern, and a building regulation requirement for loft and basement conversions is that there must be an exit in case of emergency. The drawings prepared during the planning and design stages will take these requirements into consideration, making the process seamless for you. For example, the new staircase will be designed to meet building regulations and any additional exits, should they be required, will also be designed in where necessary.
Fixtures, Fittings And Furnishings
Once the outer shell of the conversion or extension is complete, the next stage is to work on the finer details that bring your new room(s) to life. This will include things such as electrical and plumbing installations, window frames and doors, as well as the smaller touches such as interior design work, wall hangings and other appendages.
Our iLoft Conversions team can incorporate any of the following into your extension or conversion quote:
• Bathroom installations
• Carpeting
• Doors
• Electrical components
• Floorboards
• Guttering
• Kitchen installations
• Lighting
• Mirrors, paintings and other wall hangings
• Plastering
• Plumbing
• Staircases
• Tiles
• Windows
Choosing The Right Contractor
A reputable company will ensure the chances of error are minimised and that costs are kept as low as possible. They will also talk you through the process and be on hand to answer your questions. It’s important, therefore, to choose an accredited company. This means that they must comply with certain industry standards and ensure their staff are trained and qualified. It also assures you that they keep up to date with changes to construction codes and standards.
Look for recommendations, ask to see their work and find out what their clients have to say about their work through online reviews. A reputable contractor will be a member of at least one trade body where you can find out more about them and their past work. Find out about us , how we comply and what our memberships and affiliations are.
Get A Quote
Are you ready for a quote or need some advice? Just call us at 020 3759 5578 or drop us a line at info@iloftconversions.co.uk.