Loft conversion on New Build Bungalow

[lloyd100]

Hi

Im wondering if any body can help me.

I live in a new build two bed bungalow and I am planning on converting the into one large bedroom or two smaller rooms.

I have lots of head room in the loft and was hoping to get away with velux windows as apposed to a dormer. Being the cheap skate that I am, I want to do as much work my self as possible.

My wife baby sits her friends two children who’s husband is a self employed builder and he said he will help me out as much as possible with any of the work. I really do not know how to go about starting this project regarding building regs and every thing.

The builder who will be doing the work for me said he not would apply for building regs but once I get the regs sorted he will do the work for me. Is this how things are sometimes done?

My first initial questions are

How would I apply for building regs????

There is a company local to me that draws plans, If I got them to draw me a plan would I be able to apply for building regs??????

And

Does any body have advice for me as to how I can start this conversion??????

Regarding the work, I was going to split it between myself, my dad, my father inlaw and the builder who owes me a few favours and will offer me mates rates.

My budget is in the region of 8 - 10K

I would really appreciate any advice given

p.s I am in the blaby district in Leicestershire.

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[SimonH2]

Firstly, you need to check the terms of the planning permission the existing building was built under. Apparently it's not too uncommon to have clauses imposed in the planning consent that restrict things like this.
Then pop over to the Planning Portal and see if what you are planning falls under permitted development rules.
If what you want to do falls under PD, and there isn't a clause in the planning consent that removes it, then that's your planning taken care of.

Completely separate to planning is building control. While planning is only really concerned with "can you build this without affecting the look of the area", building control is concerned with "will it stay up and be healthy (plus a load of energy efficiency type stuff)".

It's highly unlikely that the builder used ceiling joints that would be big enough to use as a floor. And if you need to remove any rafters to get the windows in then that also affects the structure. So you need drawings that show how you'll do this and end up with something that's strong enough.
You'll need to install stairs.
You'll need to insulate the whole lot to the required standards.

As to who applies for BR, it can be anyone but it is you as the house owner who is legally responsible for making sure it happens.

 

[noseall]

Kinda odd?

Buy a bungalow then stick another floor on top. Bizarre.

£8k - £10k may get you 1/2 to 3/4 done depending upon your skill level.

There are many regulated elements to a lofty so either your architect needs to be savvy or the people you employ.

The rigid foam board insulation alone can take a week!

What sort of roof do you have presently i.e. trusses or cut roof?

 

[cadtech]

all habitable rooms have to comply with building regs8. contact your local building control. you will be able to carry this procedure out with a building notice. and pray that when you do get involved with the inspector its somebody who has decided to give up the tools for an easier life /pension and not some fresh college grad, and the nearest they have been to a building site is buying he hardhat

 

[tony1851]

not some fresh college grad, and the nearest they have been to a building site is buying he hardhat

 

[ban-all-sheds]

you will be able to carry this procedure out with a building notice.

In what way would that be beneficial to him?

 

[cadtech]

Ban all sheds i think maybe you missed my point. As i said there are many BCO`s and they all have different attitudes some good some Bad some indifferent one of them went to the police outfitters for his daily workwear, i have worked dealt with them all the better ones were ex trades men more than willing to give their opinion and advice when asked particularly to the self builder. These guys have been there and done it. They can spot the conmen/idiots straight off and in some cases advise the person on their performance. I know of houses built with a building notice especially when the builder is capable. One bco said for once he felt as though he was doing a worthwhile job and appreciated being asked for advice. post a bit more info on you existing roof and may be somebody can give you some positive advice

 

[ban-all-sheds]

I know of houses built with a building notice especially when the builder is capable.

... I really do not know how to go about starting this project regarding building regs and every thing ... How would I apply for building regs???? ... Does any body have advice for me as to how I can start this conversion??????

Not casting aspersions - I wouldn't know either.

It does not sound to me as if the OP is sufficiently capable to do this via a Building Notice.

Since a Building Notice won't save him any money, how would it benefit him to go that route?

 

[DevilDamo]

And some LABC's charge more for Building Notice applications. In the grand scheme of things, it's not much... but can still be more than a Full Plans application.

 

[cadtech]

I have drawn and submitted plans for noth building and planning purposes to many of the local councils through out my area all the charges are standardised and set by the government. For example a plan submission fee 140£ inspection charge 160£ building notice 375£ this is for a single floor extension not exceeding 10 m2. Loft conversion 160£ plan 240£ insp. Building notice 500£. you can contact your lbca and get an individually determined charge but these are generally for large developments. So you see there is little difference between them. The benefit of going down the building notice route is not paying for an architect to draw and submit plans using the services of a cad technician with building savvy is the cheaper option but going down this route you need to be a bit more proficient with building procedure than normal diy. I think the first thing to do is contact your LBCA

 

[cjard]

can a private inspector not cover loft conversions then?

 

[tony1851]

I have drawn and submitted plans for noth building and planning purposes to many of the local councils through out my area all the charges are standardised and set by the government. For example a plan submission fee 140£ inspection charge 160£ building notice 375£ this is for a single floor extension not exceeding 10 m2. Loft conversion 160£ plan 240£ insp. Building notice 500£. you can contact your lbca and get an individually determined charge but these are generally for large developments. So you see there is little difference between them. The benefit of going down the building notice route is not paying for an architect to draw and submit plans using the services of a cad technician with building savvy is the cheaper option but going down this route you need to be a bit more proficient with building procedure than normal diy. I think the first thing to do is contact your LBCA

Were you away when they did punctuation?

 

[cadtech]

I understand where you are coming from when yourealiseyou are losing a logical debate based on subject knowledge. Resort to type and start another debate that has nothing at all to do with the original subject you have picked up on my punctuation. What a plank you’re not in local government by any chance are you. Was not there something about trying to do it as cheap as possible, how much does a private inspector charge. Private or other does not necessarily mean they have any structural knowledge regarding loft conversions. For this you need the services of a specialist or a structural engineer if your intentions are to alter structures integrity for what it was built for originally

 

[tony1851]

I understand where you are coming from when yourealiseyou are losing a logical debate based on subject knowledge. Resort to type and start another debate that has nothing at all to do with the original subject you have picked up on my punctuation. What a plank you’re not in local government by any chance are you. Was not there something about trying to do it as cheap as possible, how much does a private inspector charge. Private or other does not necessarily mean they have any structural knowledge regarding loft conversions. For this you need the services of a specialist or a structural engineer if your intentions are to alter structures integrity for what it was built for originally

I wasn't 'losing a logical debate' because I wasn't even involved in it. I just noticed your crappy punctuation and general lack of basic grammar skills, both of which make your post difficult to follow.

 

[cadtech]

Then I have to say why you are wasting your time on a building related forum posting comments on topics you are “not involved with” and probably know nothing about. I have one suggestion to you if you want to comment on a forum pick one that may have some use of your knowledge, if you cannot find one get a life.