Attic conversions have for a long time been a favourite choice of homeowners to increase the space inside their homes. Most applications see the addition of more bedrooms or even a bedroom and en-suite bathroom combination. Since 2020, with the increase in people working from home, the attic has become an attractive, alternative space that homeowners look to convert into their workspace.
There are a number of factors to take into consideration when considering the conversion of the attic space and these will ultimately determine the timeline for how long the job will take to complete. The average attic conversion time frame can be anywhere between three and five months depending on how long the different stages of the process take.
You will need to factor in time for an architect to put together a workable design that will adhere to building and planning regulations and be structurally safe to implement. Once approved, an appropriate contractor will need to be appointed to get the construction phase started.
So, how long does an attic conversion take? Our project timeline that follows lays out each of the factors to consider, the stages of the process and a realistic guide to how long each will take.
Design Stage (2 to 3 Weeks)
The design stage of any attic conversion process can take up to 3 weeks to complete and will normally involve the work of a building design specialist to put together the design for the space. They will plan everything from the layout to insulating the space and the installation of electrics, heating, lighting and plumbing. All material requirement will be calculated by the Architect ready for contractors to prepare quotations.
Planning (Up to 12 Weeks)
Once the design has been signed off, you can start to consider applying for planning permission to get the work approved. This stage could add up to 12 weeks to the timeline to complete, especially if your re-development requires full planning approval. Usually, full approval isn’t required for a loft conversion but you should ensure you have the correct certification in place to demonstrate the design and build phase has been implemented in accordance with the regulations. This will limit future issues should you have problems insuring your home or selling the property.
Building Regulations & Structural Calculations (3 to 4 weeks)
Once approval or certification is in place, the next of the attic conversion stages is to ensure the safety of the building design by having structural calculations carried out and ensure the appropriate building regulations are being met and in-line with the requirements of your local building control department. This stage is all about ensuring the safety of the building and the occupants. This step can take up to 4 weeks.
Building (Approx 12 Weeks)
As you move towards the end of the project timeline, you’ll be left with selecting a contractor to complete the work for you, unless you have chosen to employ a specialist company who will handle the whole project for you from start to finish.
The attic conversion time frame, once you get to the building stage of the process, needs to be kept flexible. Depending upon the amount of work needed to be completed, this can take anywhere between 8 and 12 weeks to finish. The building company will get on with the job and work around you.
However, you should expect some disruption in your home at this point while the contractor completes the work. There will be a lot of factors to consider here too such as the amount of noise and the disturbances that will occur. But remember, this is the last step and soon enough you’ll be able to enjoy the extended space that you have always dreamed off.
Conclusion
Whatever the reason you have for getting your roof space converted, the benefits will be worth it. You will have the extra space and ultimately you will be adding value to your property. If you prepare yourself to go through each of the above steps, and some of them you can potentially overlap with others, your patience will be rewarded.
As detailed above the typical attic conversion duration will take on average between 3 to 5 months to complete. This is completely dependent on the factors mentioned such as the size of the job, how long it takes to get each stage of the process completed and of course the availability of the building company that you employ to complete the work for you.
There are certainly a lot of elements to contemplate and our guide will hopefully prepare you with an expected timeline and for what you are likely to encounter.
