The Home Owners Guide to Loft Space Conversions

Top Flight Surveyors

Not for us pushy salespeople who know barely more than the absolute basics (and explain even less) or vague builders who's estimates can increase alarmingly as time goes on. Our initial consultation and design survey will be undertaken by properly trained personnel who actually know the intricacies of loft conversions, covering thoroughly those areas of planning, building and fire regulations that the discerning buyer needs to understand in order to proceed with confidence. Various designs can be undertaken to suit different budgets and you will be furnished with a definitive price for the specification discussed.

Top Flight Building Teams

These are hand picked by the contracts director for their experience in loft conversions and their attitude to their work and clients. Their instructions are simple "Build each loft as it were your own". Teams unable to match this requirement are swiftly relegated to lesser companies. Our teams are properly paid, competent professionals supervised by senior management. Result - over 3000 successful loft conversions completed, and happy clients pleased that they made the best choice.

Top Flight New Stairs

How many times have we heard from our clients "It looks like part of the original house"? Top Flight carefully purpose-make each stair to its optimum design limits in beautiful Southern Yellow pine - not for our clients cheap softwood or deal (or even worse, MDF). High quality stair parts finish the overall effect. Hardwood is also an option.

Top Flight New Floor

Every inch gained in head height is obviously a bonus within the limits of your roof slopes. Where possible, Top Flight carefully suspends your new floor joists between the existing ceiling joists to maximize available height. Ridge beams are installed where necessary to optimum height; beam profiles being hidden from view, where possible, so as not to be intrusive.

Top Flight Insulation

The highest efficiency thermal insulation is installed to all sloping rafter areas complying with the most stringent current Part L1. Result - better, longer lasting insulation and improved loft head height, because rafters will not need to be increased in depth to accommodate the more common loft insulation.

Top Flight Skirting, Architraves and Fittings

All our dormers come with standard 150mm moulded skirting and 75mm moulded architraves. Brass or Chrome plated handles are standard on all doors and eaves access is provided by proper hinged fire doors (not screwed panels) finished with matching architraves.

Top Flight Flat Roof

Imperative to get this one right in the battle with British weather over many years to come! Top Flight's 3-layer flat roof system is finished with a high performance HT180 roof felt, hot bitumen and granite chippings. Costly? yes, but money well spent for the future service life of your roof and backed by our 10 year guarantee.

Top Flight Maintenance Free Exteriors

Fitted to all our conversions, including windows (except where timber is chosen), fascia boards and window surrounds. Code 4 lead is used for all valleys, gullies etc. as standard. Redecoration at high level is extremely difficult and dormers cannot only look very tatty after just a few years, but their integrity can be impaired is high quality materials are not incorporated.

Top Flight Dormer Exteriors

Unless specified, Top Flight will not re-use old existing tiles or roof timbers. We clad our dormers in new Redland tiles with a colour of your choice or high quality imitation slate. Poor quality, cheaper 'slate' bleaches after only a few years and your existing slates or tiles may well be unsuitable for the job or be near the end of their service life.

Top Flight Roof Light Windows

Only genuine 'Velux' windows are contemplated - no cheap substitutes.

Top Flight UPVC Windows

20mm air-gap, standard self-locking handles with security night latch for ventilation. Different sizes or configuration of window may be chosen within your fixed price contract.

Top Flight Electrics

Although (now) illegal, many companies still use non-qualified personnel to install loft electrics, with the attended risk of fire and lethal shocks to you or your family. British regulations are very tough for all our safety. Top Flight only use loft experienced, qualified and certified electricians. Using the correct and high quality British Standard cable and fittings, all materials and work is installed to the latest I.E.E. regulations 'Part P'

Top Flight Plumbing

High quality copper or polypropylene pipe work and fittings are standard. Pumps (except in the few cases where they are not required) are by 'Stuart' a byword in quality worldwide. Result - lots of power for any new hot water services and a long life; particularly important as electrical guarantees do not go beyond manufacturers warranties. Our fully qualified and helpful plumbing team will install your own choice of sanitary ware rather than the cheapest available selected by others.

Certificate Of Lawful Development

Many dormer conversions do not need Planning Permission - but how can you be sure? Is the builder who assures you that the planning is not required going to refund your money and take down your conversion if he is wrong? Top Flight clients undertaking a dormer conversion receive a "Certificate of Lawful Development" prior to commencement of works in order to prove, in years to come, that planning was not required. It costs us time and money but it is for your protection.

Full Plans Pass (Building and Fire Control)

There are many loft builders that will advice customers towards "Submit and Build" quickie starts which, whilst legal, are fraught with risks; the customer is likely to be the one who pays for the on-site alterations demanded by the Building Inspector on unchecked preliminary plans. Top Flight always advises clients to wait for "Full Plans Approval" prior to commencement of works (running concurrent with C.L.D. mentioned above). Result - 2 months negative cash flow for us, but safety for our clients and no problems when you come to sell your home.

Protection for your Home and Contract

Even with other companies, can you be sure that there will be protection against accidental damage to your home should such an occurrence ever arise? With a structural alteration of this size and complexity it is a serious consideration. We take this responsibility seriously. We have £10million employer's liability and £2 million public liability insurance cover to give protection to your home and its contents. Also, as a member of the 'National Warranty Register', we can offer any clients complete contract protection should it be requested.

Final Payment

Not for us a minor final payment which can encourage others to "cut and run" if problems arise towards the end of works. Our clients hold a full 10% until full satisfaction is attained and a final pass agreed with the Building Inspector. A full, no quibble, 10 Year Guarantee begins at this point.

Top Flight Office

No 9 to 5 here! Our Haven Green office generally opens at 8am and rarely closes before 9:00 pm. Result - we are here to discuss your conversion when you come home from your days work. The switchboard has 6 lines and senior staff have mobile phones for ease of access. We operate within an approximate 20 mile radius of the office to maintain the best standards of communication and supervision.

Dream or Disaster?

Having a loft conversion added to your home is a decision of great importance. With the immense pride and satisfaction this can bring to you it is vitally important you undertake the project with the right company, thus avoiding the many pitfalls that exist in this complex area of construction. Remember, you cannot try out your loft conversion or study the standard of work undertaken in your home until it is built and your money spent.