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• Design & Planning

• Questions to ask before

employing a Company

• Top things to look for

• How to hire a Contractor

Your Loft Guide

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Table of Contents

About Us.……………………………………………………………….…..….......1

Determine the Full scope of the Project …….…….……….....……...….… 2

Design and Planning..………………………………………….…………………3

Decide on the equipment…..……………………………………………………4

How to get estimates and appoint contractors……………….…………….5

How to avoid problems check list..…..….…..…..…..……...…......………..6

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Are you frustrated or confused by your project?

1. Welcome To

Stock Construction

We are the Premier Loft Conversions company serving London and its surrounding counties.

With a 40 year proven track record of successful building, loft conversion

and house extension projects in and around

Hertfordshire & London, we are an established

and family run company offering a full, end to end

project management service as standard.

Many things have changed in that time except for the need of

quality materials and true craftsmanship. Now I'm providing this information

to you.

It is my goal to provide you with a free

comprehensive guide that will take you through the entire process from start to finish and answer all

questions.

Plus help everyone achieve the best possible results.

I have seen many projects go wrong. Then the

homeowner calls me to fix the mess. This doesn't

need to happen. Learn all the tricks and tips from start to finish. Do it right the first time and have

many years to enjoy your home.

A Loft conversion is still one of the best ways to increase the sales value

of your home.

If Done Correctly.

Even if you plan to sell in the near future, the extra space will make life easier and more enjoyable for your family and increase the value of your home.

I Will Walk You I Will Walk You I Will Walk You I Will Walk You ThroughThroughThroughThrough

Loft Design

General Hints and Tips

How to create a list of works

What to ask

How to appoint the

Right Company

Protecting your investment

And more!!!!!!

.

If a quality Job is what you're paying

for, have it done right the first time

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2222.... Determine the Full scope of the Project. There are numerous decisions to be made when having a loft conversion. Write down exactly what work you need to have completed. The more detailed you are, the easier the quote process will go. Providing each perspective loft company with a detailed list will help eliminate any confusion or added costs once the project has been started. Walk through the project in your mind, and determine exactly what your expectations are. These decisions will not only determine the cost of the project, but will have a direct impact on the success of the final product. It is crucial that you spend sufficient time addressing these issues prior to commencing the work. As with any home renovation, the key is in the planning.. We will be going through each of these in detail.

GABLE END DORMER REAR DOMER SIDE DOMER Here are some things to consider: · General

• What is your budget? • Do you want it separated with a bathroom or dressing area? • Are there currently enough bathrooms or toilets in the house for your family, once an extra bedroom is included? Use • What will the room be used for? • Master Bedroom Childs room Guest Bedroom, Play area. • Who will be the primary users of the bathroom (adults, children, guests)? • How many people will be using the Room at one time? Comfort • What features would make the room more comfortable? • Have you allowed for enough storage? • If multiple family members are sharing the Room would you be able to fit Double or two single beds? Other Considerations • Lighting ceiling over bed lamps, Cupboard lighting? • Wall mounted or recessed lighting? • Electrics and power points. TV aerials and phone sockets. Broadband connections • Wall coverings: Decorating, Paint, wallpaper,? •. Door and wood finishes & styles, Window designs? •: Floor finishes. Carpet, Laminate? • Fire alarm and security?

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3333.... Design and Planning stage

Loft Conversions now regularly appear in the great style-influencer, the glossy magazine, and

have taken a firm hold on the wish list of home improvers, providing as it does a good lifestyle

enhancement in a limited space. There is an identifiable trend towards opening-up the living

spaces in new homes, with kitchens, becoming dining areas, becoming lounges with no

dividing walls. We are seeing larger living spaces which lends it self to optimizing the wasted

space in your loft!

The majority of properties have a certain area of lawful development, allowing a loft conversion to be constructed without the need for planning permission. As a general rule this enables us to construct a side and/or rear dormer or gable conversion without the stress of your local authority requiring to grant planning permission.

All habitable room conversions require Building Regulations Approval. A set of detailed plans will be sent to the Local Authority Building Control. On approval of the plans and commencement of the conversion, a Building Control Surveyor will visit the site on a number of occasions throughout the development to ensure that the conversion is carried out in accordance with the approved plans.

On completion of your loft conversion, the Building Surveyor will make a final inspection. A Completion of Works certificate will then be issued by the Local Authority to finalise the set of documents required.

TIP: Use magazines for ideals of what to include,

Call your local Loft Conversion Company. You can pay a designer to plan your Loft and

some companies offer a payment refund if they carry out the work.

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4444.Decide on the equipment Finding the right equipment need not be a dreary task, wasting all your weekends. Your specific project will require several different types of equipment. These are all based on personal preferences and the certain “Look” you are trying to achieve. If you are having a Ensuite :Bathroom The equipment is normally separated by Nine main areas It is always best to follow these easy steps when deciding: 1. Sanitary ware basins, toilets, 2. Baths. 3 Shower trays 4. Shower & bath doors and surrounds 5. Furniture vanity units and cabinets 6. Brassware taps and showers 7. Mirrors and accessories 8. Tiles and flooring. 9. Electrics Use a Local Bathroom designer to plan your room. This is normally free of charge if you buy the equipment from them.

TIP: It’s easier if you can buy all the products in one store,

But that’s not always possible, remember if you are supplying the products arrange plenty of time for delivery prior to your fitters starting. Check delivery dates when choosing products.

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5555.... How to get estimates and Contractors Contact Several Companies It is probably the first time that you have had a Loft Conversion make sure you take the time to select a qualified and reputable company. Always ask your friends, relatives, neighbours, for recommendations. The yellow pages or (if you go on-line yell.com) google maps is also a

great resource giving you an address to put to names . Federation of Master Builders, MasterBond FMB members are also worth contacting. It is always a good idea to select a company whose listing have several good reviews. You may need to contact several companies by phone, interview between three (3) and five (5) perspective candidates because after this first impression you may eliminate 2-3. This will enable you to get several quotes for comparison as well as more options to select the best company for your job. Set up a time for each company to meet you to discuss the project and their work history.

The estimate (Interview Every Company) This step is a critical part of the entire process. You can make this process be as in-depth as you chose to. The more time you spend interviewing the Estimator in your home or on the phone the easier it will be to make an informed decision. Here are some recommendations to help you through the interview process:

4Set up times for appointments and have your draft ideas ready

· Discuss the project and their work history and expertise in this field.

· Number of years in the industry

· Ask how many tradesmen will be involved in your project, it is unlikely that one man

is a expert can carry out all the works on his own or with his lad.

· Ask for recommendations or numbers of customers you can call

· Normally the job is assigned to one person who oversees the other trades and is on

site every day, ask to meet him prior to starting the job.

· Beware a Builder or Roofer is not necessarily a Loft specialist

Have the Estimator walk through the project and prepare an estimate. This is where the completion of step 3,4 & 5 will come in handy. Providing the estimator with some notes or ideas as you walk through the project area is extremely helpful. You should expect the estimator to have several questions and suggestions and require some clarification of certain aspects of the project. The more details discussed during the walk through will prevent headaches down the road, especially if you don’t reach an agreement before the contact is signed. Here are some items to keep in mind when describing the project for an estimate: 1. Prep work:? 2. Do you have a qualified trades ie: electrician plumber etc? 3. How will the surrounding areas be protected from dust? 4. What do you do with the rubbish? 5. Estimated Project duration

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6. Daily work hours (start/finish) 7. Clean up 8. Payment expectation a. It is usual that a Final Payment of 10% is withheld until job is complete and homeowner inspects and accepts the work done. 9. When will I receive an estimate, (Company must provide you a written quote/ estimate.) 10. Do you supply a detailed Estimate? 11. Have you and your fitters got limited liability insurance? 12. What are your guarantees?

TIP: some people may be uncomfortable asking these questions while the estimator is in the house, so ask them on the phone. The general rule is if you are uncomfortable with them in the

house don’t employ them

Verify all information provided by the Company You need to validate all information provided to you by the Company . This validation process will be the best indicator in your hiring decision. The person you select will have access to your home and belongings. Their helpers will be in your home throughout the entire project. I strongly recommend you do not skip or rush through the verification portion of this process. This single process can prevent many problems and eliminate any possible devastating experiences withyour home and family. The verification process must include at least the following items: 1. Contact every reference provided 2. When you speak to the references, thank them for their time, and ask specific questions about the type of job performed and the timeliness with which they completed the job, the quality of the finished work, whether any problems have arisen since the job was completed and how they resolved those problems. 3. Check Google or on-line actual homeowner reports from people in your own area.

Choose the Best Company for your Project! Hopefully the verification process validated your selection of Company after the interview process. Once you have received the written estimates from all of the companies you should already good idea of which person is providing you the best value for the work being completed. This should be a simple process of reviewing the information you have and selecting the best company for the job. Now you simply need to notify the company of your selection and begin the project!

Execute a Contract before any of the work begins. Execute a contract specifying the work to be done, total cost, payment schedule, start date working hours and estimated completion date. Make sure the contract includes the payment schedule to include the Final Payment (10%) being withheld until job is complete and homeowner inspects and accepts the work done.

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Maintain involvement thought the project The success of the project is based on the completion of all processes being properly executed. It is always in your best interest to check certain aspects of the project. 1. Proper preparation. 2. Ensure all areas are properly covered to be protected during the work. 3. Daily inspection of work completed to ensure all schedules are being met. 4. Ensure proper cleanup daily, not to wait until completion of project. 5. Inspect quality of daily work completed and discuss any areas of concern as early in the process as possible. 6. Complete the final inspection, make the final payment, Enjoy the results!

6.How to avoid problems check list 1. Check address and phone numbers of company 2. You must have a written estimate and full speciation of works 3. Supply Passed Plans 4. When can you start? What date? When will you be finished? 5. What date? agree time scales, check what working hours & days 6. Find out how other areas will be protected in the house whilst work is

being carried out. 7. How long services may be switched off and when. 8. Check how payments are required 9. If any extra work is required make sure the price is agreed in writing

before it is carried out. 10. Make sure the company has liability insurance, 11. Check work guarantees 12. Keep all manufacturers information and guarantees

• Use the company or person that you feel comfortable with that fully understands your requirements and will help you through the whole process from start to finish

• Use Companies and services you know about - or ones that have been personally recommended to you.

• Don’t put companies under pressure, allow plenty of time if you are ordering goods for them to arrive on time.

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If We cover Your Area Contact Us Now

Stock Construction (London) Ltd is a Federation of Master Builders accredited construction company, a MasterBond FMB member and part of the European

Builders Confederation. The company carries the Government Endorsed Standards Trust Mark and has won the London Borough of Barnet 'Considerate Contractor

Award' for loft conversions in Barnet.

Stock Construction (London) is a London based Loft Conversion company. Based in London for over 40 years, we have completed loft conversion development work

across the capital covering every London Borough and the Home Counties. Our project managers and architects will help you decide on, and design, your new construction taking various factors into account: We work to two main principles:

• Quality Craftsmanship

• Impeccable Customer Relationships

Thanks to our dedication to these values, much of our work comes to us through personal recommendations. We know that building work in your home is a very personal undertaking and our project managers aim to take the worry out of your project by professionally managing your job from our initial contact all the way through to project completion.

Through our 40 years experience, we have found that most projects will have a core set of criteria and priorities that our customers like to see addressed:

• Competitive pricing • Complete end to end project management • Quality products and craftsmanship • Time and efficiency of the development • Safety

Using our unique customer partnership approach, we are able to focus on your priorities. We recognise that each job and each customer is different; you will have your own priorities, questions and concerns. Our project managers will take time to talk to you, planning your job with you before the project commences to our own On Time, Within Budget and To Your Satisfaction" pledge.

• Your requirements • Your property size and design

• Your Local Authority regulations

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• Your design preferences

All projects benefit from our dedication to quality and will be designed to be in keeping with your property.

• Detailed planning for loft conversions where required Not all loft development work needs planning

• Local government building and fire regulations governing loft conversions All loft conversion work will require building control inspections and approval

• Expert material sourcing Loft conversions add value to your property when quality materials are used

• Energy efficient and our new green loft conversions using exclusive green construction methods and materials Ask for our green and low carbon options for loft conversions

• Period architecture matching for loft conversion developments on period buildings

• Specialist loft conversion material recycling and disposal • Disruption planning during the development

We can arrange construction to ensure customers remain in their property during their loft conversion work.

Sample work portfolio

We are always happy to provide more examples of our work including in your local area. Please contact us on 0208 449 8876 to discuss our

previous loft conversion developments.

If you're thinking about the possibility a loft conversion for your home in London, contact us on 0208 449 8879 or on info@stockconstruction.co.uk to fully discuss your requirements and to get further information of our previously completed loft conversions in Barnet.

Stock Constuction - your local London Loft Conversion specialists. Loft Conversion Regulations and Advice As part of our end to end management policy, we work closely with local authorities to ensure your project is completed to all planning and building regulations

if you have any Questions or comments on my guide please email me: info@stockconstruction.co.uk

Good Luck with your upcoming project:

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Resources:

http://www.stockconstruction.co.uk Our Website

Stock Construction in the Media

Stock Construction actively worked with the Federation of Master Builders during the Government consultation process for The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (Amendment) (No2) (England) Order 2008.

Read the Eye Media interview with Lance Stock, Director at Stock Construction regarding the update to the legislation.

Interview with Lance Stock for the Guardian Newspaper

Industry Recognition

London Borough of Barnet Considerate Contractors

Federation of Master Builders

Financial Services Authority Register

Our Specialist Green Loft Services

Find us in

Home Improvement Locally

Eye Media Publications

All Constructions

Loft Conversion 101

Yellow Pages

Scoot

For further information or to discuss your development, please contact us on:

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0208 449 8876

Address: Stock Construction (London) Ltd The Grange 20 Osborne Road Little Heath Herts EN6 1SD

Telephone: 0208 449 8876

Fax: 01707 656 538

Email: info@stockconstruction.co.uk

www.aquaroomsuk.com Bathroom showroom

www.ebaths.co.uk my online web shop

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if you have any Questions or comments on my guide please email me: info@stockconstruction.co.uk

Good Luck with your upcoming project:

Copyright 2010 By Venezia marketing co ltd All rights reserved. No part of this document shall be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without written permission by the author and venezia marketing co ltd. No patent liability is assumed with respect to the use of the information contained herein. Although every precaution has been taken in the preparation of this document, the publisher and author assume no responsibility for errors and omissions. Neither is any liability assumed for damages resulting from the use of the information contained herein.

These are just my opinions formed over the last 40 years.