Construction & Design
When starting work on a loft conversion, many companies will just do a drawing when the first step should be to consult an SE (structural engineer).
Here at Touchstone Loft Conversions Midlands we employ SEs who will visit your home and inspect your existing structure to calculate exactly what is needed to maximise space and headroom, and create the best design for your loft conversion to suit your individual taste and needs.
This has the benefit of reducing the need to insert big steels which only take up valuable space. This service is not standardly offered by loft conversion companies; but it is a very important consideration, and also an extremely good reason why you should choose us to do your loft conversion work!
Constructing The Floor
When making your loft conversion we will build the floor on existing walls as this helps to eliminate noise and vibration to lower floors, and also means no additional weight is added to your ceilings.
Ceiling & Wall Construction
Our structural engineers will oversee the building of the structure. We also make sure your existing roof rafters are re-supported.
Ventilation & Insulation
Ventilation and insulation of a loft conversion are very important as insufficient insulation will cause a heat loss. We provide sound insulation, and ventilation to avoid condensation and overheating.
Structural Finishing
To complete the installation your conversion will be plaster boarded and plaster skimmed.
Stairs
As the first week of work comes to an end our stair designer will visit your property and take measurements for a bespoke staircase that will be designed to suit your home perfectly.
Heating & Plumbing
Touchstone Lofts Midlands only employ the services of gas registered plumbers. It is possible to install an en-suite bathroom and even a sauna or steam room in your loft conversion, depending on your requirements.
Our plumbers will supply and fit radiators with standard thermostatic valves that stand up to all BTU requirements.
Electrical Installation
All electricians used by our firm are “NICEIC” certified, and therefore able to give you an electricity safety certificate, which demonstrates that the electrical system in your loft conversion has been tested and certified as safe.
Fire Regulations
Because your home will be converted from a two-storey building to a three-storey property, there are fire regulations which must be followed as part of the building regulations.
Our consultant will advise you on the fire safety equipment you require when he visits your home to make an initial appraisal.
Constructing Dormers
If you decide on a dormer conversion you had the choice of a pitched roof, a flat roof, or a Mansard conversion. A Dormer is the preferred type of conversion because it gives you ample headroom and removes the slope of the loft. In many cases a dormer conversion will not require planning permission. Our consultant will advise you on the large variety of finishes you can choose from.
Roof Lights & Windows
Touchstone Lofts Midlands only use “Velux” branded roof lights because of their great quality and also because they come in a wide range of sizes and styles.
You can cover them with Velux blinds which also come in a very varied choice of colours and different types.
If you decide on a dormer conversion with other windows, these can be matched to your existing windows.
