Diy Loft Conversions
As the housing market recedes more and more homeowners are turning to loft conversions to increase living space and boost the value of their home. Virtually unused roof space can be transformed into anything from an en suite bedroom to a home office. But, unlike many home improvements, this is not simple DIY or work for the enthusiastic amateur. It needs to be carried out by a competent and skilled builder. So how do you go about finding a builder for your Diy loft conversions?
Stories of bad builders are rife, whether in newspapers, magazines or in extreme cases even on TV programmes. It is therefore absolutely essential that the builder you hire to convert your loft is totally up to the job, charges a fair price to do the work and keeps to an agreed time schedule. One way to find a good builder is to ask around – who do your neighbors, friends and family know is a good builder? It is even better if they know one who has actually done a loft conversion.
Another way to find a builder for a loft conversion is to look in the ads section in your local newspaper, or if you have Internet access, go online and see if there are listings of builders in your area. Be prepared to shop around and approach more than one company as obtaining quotes from several builders is the best way to ensure you get exactly the service you want at a price you can afford. Don’t be afraid to ask for references from customers they have done work for and follow them up.
As with most things, price is very important – so ask for a full quote and make sure it is sent to you in writing. Of course the builder may well need to come round to see you to check the type of conversion you want carried out in your loft space before giving you a price. But, even if he gives you a price verbally, insist that he puts in it writing and sends it back to you as quickly as possible. This quote should list all the work that needs to be done while converting your loft, as well as an itemized list of the costs involved.
Other things to check with the builder are his building insurance cover. It is also worthwhile checking out the contract of work agreed with him with your solicitor. Having taken these steps, you will have a better chance of finding a builder who will be able to perform the work skillfully, within a set time limit and at a price that is fair.
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