How to find and hire the best loft conversion company

In this guide, we look at the best ways to find and hire the best loft conversion company in your area.

With so many tradespeople out there, we’ll give you tips and advice on finding and hiring a reliable and trusted loft conversion specialist who will do a great job.

You might want to gain extra space in your home or add value to the property. Perhaps you’re after a room with a view. A loft conversion can be an excellent solution for all of these reasons, especially in urban areas where garden space might be limited and an extension not possible.

Now you’re ready to start, let us help you find and hire the best loft conversion company for your project.

6 tips for how to find and hire the best loft conversion company

Loft conversions can be complex and expensive jobs. So, you want to make sure you find a quality and trustworthy tradesperson with the right experience to create your dream loft conversion.

Be prepared to wait for the best loft conversion companies in your area. The good ones are usually busy, but nearly always worth waiting for.

Here’s how to find a loft conversion company near you.

1. Search online reviews and ratings

It’s easy to see reviews and ratings for loft conversion companies in your area online.

Search Checkatrade to see profiles and be confident in the knowledge that all our members have had to pass up to 12 rigorous checks.

Not only that, you can go to their Checkatrade profile to see photos of their recent work, find out more about them in their bio, and best of all, read the latest reviews they’ve received from people in your local area.

See which of your local companies are recommended on Checkatrade by popping your postcode in the handy search bar below.

2. Ask friends and family for recommendations

Another great way to find builders for loft conversions in your area is to ask your friends, family, and neighbours.

By getting recommendations, you’ll have a first-hand account of the level of service and professionalism by someone you trust.

For any recommendations you get, always check whether they’re on Checkatrade.

3. Ask other tradespeople for recommendations

Reliable tradespeople like to work with other reliable tradespeople. So, if you’ve worked with other builders or bathroom fitters, for instance, who’ve done a great job for you, ask them to recommend good loft conversion companies in your area.

Chances are they’ll be more than happy to recommend someone for the job.

4. Choose a loft conversion company with local experience

Hiring a loft conversion builder with experience working in your local area can save you a lot of time and hassle. Local companies will good knowledge of local planning permission and building regulations.

They’ll also know local suppliers and tradespeople and will want to do a good job of building more business locally.

5. Create a shortlist and interview your favourites

Once you’ve done your research, pick your favourite two or three and organise to meet them in person.

Face-to-face meetings will give you a feel for the company, their experience, and how well you get on. You’ll want to hire a loft conversion specialist who’s approachable and you get on with, because they’re going to be spending a lot of time in your home.

6. Speak to previous customers

When you’ve narrowed down your choice for the loft company you might want to hire, ask for references from previous customers – and follow up with them.

Get in touch with them to ask about how the job went, were they happy with how everything went, and would they work with the company again.

How much does a loft conversion cost?

We recommend getting three quotes from different loft conversion companies near you. Ask for the quotes to be itemised so you can compare like-for-like.

Look at the quote to see:

• If architect plans are needed, and if so, are they included in the quote?
• If it includes fixtures and fittings
• What trades are included in the quote, for example, plasterer, electrician, bathroom fitter, painter/decorator, carpenter
• If building Regulations costs are included

On average, a dormer UK loft conversion will cost around £50,000. However, this price tag can vary considerably depending on the size and complexity of the project.

Some of the most important factors that will affect the total cost of your loft conversion are the size and type of conversion, the existing roof structure, the fixtures and finishes you opt for, and where you live.

In general, the bigger the loft conversion and the higher the quality of finishes, the bigger your budget will need to be.

Read our loft conversion cost guide for more comprehensive information and a breakdown of individual costs.

How long does a loft conversion take?

Once you’ve obtained any necessary planning permits, a loft conversion should take approximately 6-10 weeks to complete from the start of the construction.

Of course, several factors will affect timescales significantly, including the type of loft conversion you want. A simple or Velux loft conversion, for instance, might take 4-6 weeks to complete, whereas a more complex dormer loft conversion can take about 10-12 weeks.

You also need to factor in the condition of your current loft, its size, and how you want your conversion to be finished. A fully decorated and furnished loft will take longer than a basic conversion.

It’s handy to have a schedule of works and a timeline of the various parts of the project so you can plan accordingly. For example, if you need to book a carpet fitter, it’s useful to know when the decorators will be finished.

For a more detailed look at this, read our expert advice on how long does a loft conversion take.

Other questions to ask a loft conversion company

Here’s a handy list of FAQs to ask your local loft conversion firm.

What insurance do you have?

You’re about to give someone the green light to make significant structural changes to your home.

It’s important to make sure that the company is adequately insured should something go wrong.

It’s normal to ask to see a copy of the firm’s insurance. Make sure it’s up to date and that your home (buildings) insurance provider is happy with the level of indemnity.

All Checkatrade members must have up-to-date public liability insurance to be listed in our directory.

Are you registered with a Competent Person Scheme?

If you hire a tradesperson not registered with a Competent Person Scheme, you’ll need to pay for your loft conversion to be approved by Building Regulations. This is normally between £500 – £1,250.

Do you offer a guarantee or warranty on your work?

Ask your loft conversion specialist what sort of guarantee or warranty they offer on their work.

What permissions do we need?

Planning permission isn’t generally needed for a loft conversion as it’s usually within the ‘Permitted Development’ parameters. However, if you’re extending beyond these conditions, live in a conservation area, or have a listed property, you will need to apply for planning permission.

You’ll also need planning permission if you alter the shape or height of your roof structure. Calling your local planning office before you start your project will provide absolute clarity.

If your loft conversion involves you carrying out any building work near or on a party wall, you must tell your neighbours, provide them with a Party Wall Notice, and come up with a Party Wall Agreement in writing.

Can you show me examples of your work?

When you’re investing in such a transformative project, you want to be 100% satisfied with the result. So take the time to do your research, ask to see photos of previous conversions, and check online reviews.

All Checkatrade members have a business profile page on our site where you can easily check both of these things.

What’s your availability?

Do be aware that the best firms are likely to be booked up. Start the process early to avoid disappointment.

How do I get a quote for a loft conversion company?

As with all home improvement projects, we always recommend getting at least three quotes from different loft conversion specialists in your area.

Thankfully, our request a quote feature is perfect for getting multiple quotes. Post details about the work you need doing and we’ll send it out to local tradespeople in your area.

Try it out – it’s quick and easy!

So, if you’re ready for a loft conversion, get ready to start your journey here. Pop your postcode in the search bar below to find and hire the best loft conversion company in your area.