Questions & Answers

Q. Who are The Loft and Extension Company?
A. The Loft and Extension Company - specialise in designing, constructing and altering domestic properties across South East England. Through our many years of experience and by employing specialist craftsmen we are able to take on projects of all sizes and currently have 14 individually managed teams operating sites from simple VELUX loft conversions to double storey side/single storey rear extensions.

Q. What areas do the Loft and Extension Company operate in?
A. Based in Teddington, Middlesex we have successfully expanded our business allowing us to cover areas further-a-field such as Northwood in Middlesex, Esher in Surrey, Wandsworth in West London and Beaconsfield in South Buckinghamshire including all surrounding areas.

Q. Is the quality of your work guaranteed?
A. Yes. All works undertaken by the Loft and Extension Company are covered by a 10 year (labour and materials) guarantee with an optional insurance backed warranty.

Q. Are you insured to carry out works on my property?
A. Yes. All Loft and Extension Company teams carry full Public Liability and Employers Insurance to the value of £10 million for all works undertaken.

Q. Do I need Planning Permission for my work?
A. Not all building works or changes of use need planning permission. Generally speaking, it is not required for changes to the inside or for small alterations to the outside of a property. Most residential developments can be achieved under Permitted Development, a development allowance allocated to each property by your local authority.

If you are in any doubt as to what is required for your property please see the (PLANNING) section of this website or call us on FREEPHONE 0800 822 3786 to speak to a member of our team, alternatively consult the planning department of your local council.

It is your responsibility for seeking, or not seeking planning permission. If required, planning permission should be granted before any works begin.

Q. Do The Loft and Extension Company provide Architectural Services?
A. Yes. The Loft and Extension Company can provide a full architectural service including:-
- Technical Surveys
- Planning Drawings
- Full Plans / Building Regulation Drawings
- Structural Calculations

Q. Can my loft be converted?
A. Some roof spaces are more easily converted than others. The easiest way to see if your existing space is suitable for a conversion is by checking that the necessary height of 2.3m (7ft 6”) is available at its highest point (the roofs apex). If it is not, a conversion may still be possible but could require lowering the ceiling below.

To establish your lofts’ full potential you will require a full professional assessment. To arrange a FREE visit from one of our local surveyors who will be able to advise on all of your options please call us on FREEPHONE 0800 822 3786.

Q. Can you deal with all Local Authority and Planning requirements?
A. Yes. The Loft and Extension Company can organise and liaise on your behalf with your Local Authorities throughout the period of your works, ensuring all necessary permissions are received and all building regulations adhered to.

 

Q. Do you undertake all sizes and types of conversions?
A. Yes, with over eight years of experience our teams can also provide additional building services details of which can be discussed with our surveyor.

Q. How long will my work take?
A. No two jobs are the same, each project is individual to each property and the owners' requirements and time scales and prices can vary accordingly.

Every project assessed by the Loft and Extension Company will be translated into a written quotation where we will state both a proposed time and payment schedule.

As a guide we would estimate the average loft conversion to take 6-8 weeks and similar for a single storey side/rear extension. The Planning process can take between 2-3 months but this is dependant on your Local Authority.

Q. How will my project be managed?
A. Every project undertaken by the Loft and Extension Company is allocated a dedicated project manager who will be formally introduced to a customer before the commencement of any works. He will act as the main point of contact throughout the works, keeping you fully informed as to what’s happening, when it’s happening and how long it’s going to take.

Q. Are there any unseen expenses / extras that need to be accounted for?
A. All quotations provided by the Loft and Extension Company are fully inclusive of all materials and labour, including any usage of skips and scaffolding. All Local Authority fees are to be met directly by the customer. Customers are to supply all sanitary ware including taps, showerheads and all fittings other than standard.

Any extra works requested by the Customer not stated within a Contract or deemed to be necessary by the Company due to any hidden defects in the structure or fabric of the premises will be charged at an agreed rate and confirmed in writing by the Company in the form of an ‘Additional Works’ agreement.

Q. Can you provide a free estimate?
A. We would be happy to provide you with a FREE quotation and based on our knowledge and experience within our working areas out we are confident to be able to give you an accurate and competitive estimate on costs before you see our surveyor.

Q. Can I view some recent completed jobs?
A. Naturally we will be happy for you to view or speak to our existing / previous customers, this can be arranged through our Head Office please call us on FREEPHONE 0800 822 3786.

Q. Is your price fully inclusive?
A. Yes. All quotations prepared by the Loft and Extension Company are fully inclusive of all guarantees and VAT.

Q. Providing the quote is acceptable, how soon can my works commence?
A. We can normally assign one of our dedicated teams to your project within one month of you receiving the necessary permissions for your works.

Q. What is the next step?
A. Call us on FREEPHONE 0800 822 3786. to speak to a member of our team who will be happy to answer any queries or questions you may have. Alternatively, email us on info@loftsandextensions.co.uk