Loft Conversions in North London
Loft Conversions North London
Loft Conversions in North London
With money tight and the property market in gridlock, loft conversions in North London are a good alternative to moving if you need extra space. And there are advantages to staying put and extending into the roof: it's not as disruptive, you don't have to pay stamp duty, and you may add value to your current property in North London. But how can you get the work done well at a price that isn't over the top?
Word of mouth wins
Ask friends in North London for recommendations and the warts and all details of their experiences with a particular builder. If they were doing it again what would they do differently, and what do they wish they had known beforehand? View their completed loft conversions in North London and see if you like the work that's been done. If you don't know anyone who has had loft conversions in North London, look for our banner in your area and ask the owners if they would recommend us. You could also try our website at charlesjeffrey.co.uk which lists genuine testimonials from people who have had their work completed by us.
Close your eyes and visualize
Give thought to exactly what you want: a roof window or dormer; will it be en suite; and do you want it tiled or slated? The more detail you give your builder early on the more accurate the quote will be.
See the experts - for loft conversions in North London
Get at least three quotes from your shortlist of builders. If you don't know your doorposts from your floor joists ask them to explain in layman's terms what things mean and why they would use specific products. Use a jargon buster or a search engine if you are still unsure.
When speaking to the companies be open and honest - you want to start the relationship well. Tell them you are getting other quotes and that quality workmanship and a good price will be the governing factors. It is sensible to tell the builders you will call them when all the quotes are in to let them know your thoughts. Firstly, this is polite and fair as they have taken the time to offer you a quote; secondly, it gives them the opportunity to lower their offer to win your business.
Don't make assumptions
Check what is and isn't included in the quote for your loft conversion in North London. Will the builder arrange a skip to take away rubbish or will you have to organise and pay for that separately? Does the quote cover installation of power points and/or lighting? If you have a friend who is a builder or surveyor ask them to look it over. If you have to choose between two quotes what would sway you either way? Perhaps if one includes a couple more sockets, fits the shower door or lowers the price by £500?
Cheap does not equal best
This isn't about cutting costs - it is about getting good work at a decent price. When quality of workmanship and materials are involved this should have a huge bearing on your choice. Hopefully the quotes you receive will be reasonable, but if one is significantly more expensive (make sure you are comparing like for like) and you wish to use these builders, query it with them, allow them to see the other quotes and give them a chance to explain and revise their quote.
Make haste
You will have to pay VAT on loft conversion in North London. Currently the rate is 17.5% but it is set to rise to 20% on 1 January. Having the work done this year could save you several hundred pounds.
For loft conversions in North London contact Charles Jeffrey.
Submitted by charles jeffrey on Wednesday 6th October 2010