Construction and Engineering Awards 2021

Construction and Engineering Awards 2021 BUILD 29 of creating designs in a vacuum and then trying to fit them on top of a space later. It knows every detail associated with every conversion instead of applying general principles to a challenging project; after all, no two clients – or their lofts – are the same. Its specialisms also mean that it can save a client money. Crucially, it gets cost savings on every item that makes up a loft conversion, able to provide an excellent understanding of what techniques and materials work in order to guide the client towards what design choices may fit best. Its no-obligation quote and discussion is a space in which clients can truly get to know the people behind Loft Guru, and hear in person the passion its staff has for the craft of spatial renovation. Its specialisms also cover a variety of different types of loft, as a consequence. Whilst each one is highly tailored to fit, these are the broad categories, one of which a loft will fall under in order to drive the quote and the design direction. The first, the Velux loft conversion, is what could be described as the cheapest and fastest option. Whilst of course this does somewhat depend on the client’s specifications and requests, it offers a classic loft conversion room without changing the shape of the roof, which is why it is classically the most budget friendly and can be completed within a relatively short time frame. This – for those not living in listed buildings or conservation areas – will likely be allowed as a permitted development for most clients, meaning that they won’t have to go through the process of gaining planning consent, which can be both time consuming and full of frustrations if hurdles are encountered. Therefore, the Velux loft comes part and parcel with a variety of different benefits that it can lend to a client, such as the quickness with which it can be completed due to the relative lack of complexity, and the compatibility with a number of different window types. The options a client has for Velux windows include glass type, where the pivot lays in the frame, and what technological level the windows should be; for instance, Loft Guru can offer a smart window solution that automatically closes when it rains. The cons of a Velux loft are that, depending on how specific a client’s ideas are, it might not be right for them. The more complex loft conversion jobs are usually better left to options that allow Loft Guru to have more in-depth access to the integral structure of the roof in order to make it the best it can possibly be, as the lack of this means no additional headspace can be put in, there may be some awkward angles, and there will only be two vertical walls in the space. Of course, if a client is planning to want their loft conversion as a permitted development rather than under planning permission, they must first check the history of the home. Loft Guru can help them do this, advising that if the previous homeowners already built a permitted development such as an extension or garage, then the client may not be able to build their loft conversion through the permitted route. In such cases where permitted developments are possible, Loft Guru also offers the Dormer loft conversion. This is one of the most common types of conversion, and another quick and relatively cheap option that a client could explore; during the process, the Dormer build is defined by attaching Dormer boxes to the roof, providing light through the windows and more headroom where the Dormer meets the roof proper. More efficient and cost effective than a Mansard or Hip to Gable conversion, the style promises to look stylish and subtle in every home, providing a client with additional room in their lofts whilst not meaning they have to go for a far more expensive option. In fact, so many people think of Dormer roofs when they think of a loft conversion, that it has become the staple. Dormers offer a variety of shape and style options that a client can explore, allowing more freedom than the Velux, whilst still maintain that budget and time constraint friendly element. Hip to Gables, by comparison, are a popular semi-detached house option that gives a pitched end to a roof, involving directly changing the shape of it by breaking the end of the existing roof to turn them into vertical walls. This creates an open, welcoming, and roomy space, and Mansard conversions similarly involve directly changing the roof’s structure, opening up the sides and adding two walls in place of them at a standard of about a 70-degree angle. Loft Guru is proficient in constructing each of these, and it is excited by every challenge that comes its way, looking forward to seeing what projects its clients bring to it in the future. Company: Loft Guru Contact: Joel Ryan Website: loftguru.co.uk