At Siris Solutions, we pride ourselves on delivering reliable, high-quality cleaning services for both homes and businesses throughout Hampshire and surrounds. Our skilled team is dedicated to transforming spaces with the highest standards of cleanliness, allowing you to focus on what matters most. All staff are DBS checked and we are fully insured.
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How can someone tell if their loft is suitable for conversion?
There are many factors leading to this.
Minimum Requirement: A practical loft conversion typically requires a minimum head height of 2.2 meters (about 7 feet 3 inches) from the floor joists to the ridge of the roof.
Assessment: Measure the tallest point of your loft space. Remember that adding insulation and flooring will reduce the available headroom.
Roof Structure:
Traditional Roofs: Older homes often have traditional cut roofs with rafters and purlins, which are generally easier to convert due to open space between supports.
Trussed Roofs: Newer homes may have trussed roofs with W-shaped supports. These can be more challenging and costly to convert, as structural modifications are usually necessary.
Floor Space and Layout:
Usable Space: Evaluate the floor area and consider any sloping ceilings that may limit usable space.
Design Potential: Think about how you plan to use the space—bedrooms, office, bathroom—and whether the layout can accommodate these functions.
Access and Staircase Installation:
Location: Identify where a staircase could be installed without compromising existing rooms.
Building Regulations: Staircases must meet specific standards for width, headroom, and safety.
Structural Integrity:
Load-Bearing Capacity: Ensure the existing walls and floor joists can support the additional weight of the converted space.
Professional Evaluation: A structural engineer can assess and provide recommendations.
Obstacles and Utilities:
Chimneys and Water Tanks: Check for obstructions like chimneys or water tanks that may need relocating.
Electrical and Plumbing: Plan for the extension of electrical wiring, heating, and plumbing systems.
Planning Permission and Building Regulations:
Permitted Development Rights: Many loft conversions fall under permitted development, eliminating the need for planning permission. However, this depends on the size and extent of the conversion.
Exceptions: If your property is in a conservation area or the conversion exceeds specified limits, planning permission may be required.
Building Regulations Approval: Regardless of planning permission, all conversions must comply with building regulations covering structural safety, fire safety, insulation, and ventilation.
Party Wall Agreement:
Shared Walls: If your home is semi-detached or terraced, you may need a party wall agreement with your neighbors before starting work.
Insulation and Ventilation:
Thermal Performance: Proper insulation is essential for energy efficiency and comfort.
Airflow: Adequate ventilation prevents condensation and maintains air quality.
Natural Light:
Windows: Decide on the type and placement of windows—such as skylights or dormers—to maximize natural light.
Impact on Exterior: Adding dormer windows may affect the property's exterior appearance and could require planning permission.
Always consult a qualified surveyor before even attempting to do a conversion.
Run us through the different stages in the loft conversion process - what’s involved?
1.Feasibility Study: Determine if your loft is suitable for conversion by assessing head height, roof structure, and available floor space.
Measurements: Measure the vertical height from the floor joist to the highest point of the roof; ideally, you need at least 2.2 meters (about 7 feet 3 inches).
2. Design and Planning
Hire a Professional: Engage an architect or a specialized loft conversion company to design the layout.
Design Options: Choose the type of loft conversion that suits your needs—Velux, Dormer, Hip-to-Gable, or Mansard.
Velux Conversion: Involves adding skylight windows without altering the roof structure.
Dormer Conversion: Adds a box-shaped structure to the existing roof, increasing usable space.
Hip-to-Gable Conversion: Extends the property by replacing the sloped side of the roof with a vertical wall.
Mansard Conversion: Involves significant roof alterations to create a nearly vertical wall and flat roof.
3. Planning Permission and Building Regulations
Permitted Development: Many loft conversions fall under permitted development rights, meaning formal planning permission isn't required.
Planning Permission: Required if you exceed specified limits or alter the roof shape significantly.
Building Regulations Approval: Mandatory to ensure structural integrity, fire safety, insulation, and accessibility.
Application: Submit detailed plans to your local building control authority.
Inspections: Scheduled at various stages of construction.
4. Party Wall Agreement
Legal Requirement: If your property is semi-detached or terraced, you must notify adjoining neighbors under the Party Wall Act 1996.
Process: Serve a party wall notice and obtain written consent or negotiate terms through a surveyor.
5. Structural Calculations and Engineering
Structural Engineer: Hired to perform calculations for beams, joists, and supports.
Load-Bearing Assessment: Ensures existing structure can handle additional weight.
6. Selecting Contractors and Obtaining Quotes
Research: Obtain multiple quotes from reputable builders or loft conversion specialists.
References and Portfolios: Check previous work and customer testimonials.
Contracts: Ensure all terms, costs, and timelines are documented.
7. Preparation Work
Clearing the Loft: Remove stored items and debris.
Access Arrangements: Set up scaffolding and determine access points to minimize disruption.
8. Construction Phase
a. Structural Work
Floor Reinforcement: Install new floor joists to support the converted space.
Roof Alterations: Modify the roof structure as per the design (e.g., installing dormers or skylights).
Steel Beams Installation: Insert beams to support new structures and redistribute loads.
b. External Changes
Window Installation: Fit skylights or dormer windows to allow natural light.
Roofing: Apply new roofing materials where necessary to ensure weatherproofing.
9. Insulation and Ventilation
Insulation Installation: Fit thermal insulation in walls, floors, and roof to meet energy efficiency standards.
Ventilation Systems: Install vents or mechanical systems to prevent condensation and ensure air quality.
10. Electrical and Plumbing Work
First Fix: Run electrical cables and plumbing pipes before walls are boarded.
Lighting and Heating: Plan for sockets, lighting fixtures, radiators, or underfloor heating.
Bathroom Fittings: If adding a bathroom, install necessary plumbing for water supply and drainage.
11. Staircase Installation
Design Compliance: Staircase must meet building regulations regarding steepness, headroom, and handrails.
Placement: Ideally located above existing stairs to optimize space.
12. Wall Construction and Plastering
Stud Walls: Build internal walls to create rooms or divide spaces.
Plaster boarding: Cover walls and ceilings with plasterboard.
Plastering: Apply plaster for a smooth finish ready for decoration.
13. Second Fix Work
Electrical Completion: Install sockets, switches, and lighting fixtures.
Plumbing Completion: Fit sanitary ware, taps, and connect radiators or heating systems.
Carpentry: Fit doors, skirting boards, and any bespoke woodwork.
14. Finishing Touches
Decoration: Paint walls, lay flooring, and add decorative elements.
Fixtures and Fittings: Install shelves, wardrobes, and other built-in furniture.
15. Final Inspection and Certification
Building Control Sign-Off: A building inspector conducts a final check to ensure compliance.
Completion Certificate: Issued upon successful inspection, essential for future property sales.
16. Post-Conversion Considerations
Updating Insurance: Inform your home insurance provider about the changes to adjust coverage.
Energy Performance Certificate (EPC): Update if required, as alterations can affect your property's energy rating.
Tax Implications: Be aware of any changes in property tax due to increased property value.
How long have you been in business?
3 Years now but was previously self employed years ago before taking on partners in a previous business.
Do you bring your own equipment and supplies?
Yes, All tools need for the job at hand are in perfect working order and are reliable and safe. Rest assured all working equipment is regularly serviced and checked.
How long have you been in business?
3 Years now but was previously self employed years ago before taking on partners in a previous business.
What guarantee does your work come with?
I offer a 12 month Warranty against any workmanship and am always on call for any touch ups that are sometimes required after completion.
What do you love most about your job?
No 2 days are the same and seeing how peoples lives are enhanced by me doing my job gives me the greatest joy.
What inspired you to start your own business?
Working for other people have never appealed to me and being in charge of my own time was the only true step to making my life my own again.
Why should our clients choose you?
I am trustworthy, vetted and will not leave until the job is finished. I am fair with my pricing and love what I do.
I am fully DBS checked and fully insured for public and personal liability.
Can you provide your services online or remotely? If so, please add details.
NO, The nature of my job is hands on so this cannot be done remotely.
What changes have you made to keep your customers safe from Covid-19?
Mask wearing and fully sanitized ensuring even after the pandemic we keep protocols in place making people feel safe and healthy.
Carpet Cleaning
Carpet Cleaning
End Of Tenancy Cleaning
End Of Tenancy Cleaning
Daily, Weekly or Monthly residential cleaning
Daily, Weekly or Monthly residential cleaning
Commercial cleaning
Office cleaning
