Attic Conversion

Liam81

Just interested to know if anybody has had any quotes for attic conversions? we're in a 3 bed semi.

daveco23

Liam81 wrote:

Just interested to know if anybody has had any quotes for attic conversions? we're in a 3 bed semi.

Am in a 3 bed semi and got a quote of circa 35 k about 6 months ago.

manchine

Got ours done for 20K - also a 3 bed semi.

I got 5 quotes all of which were either 20K or 25K. I went with these guys in the end:
CHI Attics - http://www.atticconversions.ie/Home/Home_Page/index.html

The guy who came out to do the survey was the only one who showed up with a ladder, torch, *actually* went into the attic, took measurements and then was able to sketch our a rough floorplan for me of what I might expect.
Other guys who showed up, looked about and told us that it was 'standard' and they'd ring us with a quote. Fair enough, it may be standard, but getting an idea of the layout at the end is very handy.

The guys who did the work were top notch and did their best to keep any mess to a minimum and cleaned up after themselves every day.
It was all finished within 12 days.

loyatemu

we got ours done for < 20K - 3 bed mid-terrace, and we're very happy with the result. 35k seems way over the odds.

Sparks115

Has anyone had an end of Terrace 3 bed done? I have heard different reports that the conversion is very small and that the shape of the roof doesnt lend itself to a good size conversion?

loyatemu

the roof on the end of terrace 3-bed is exactly the same shape as on the mid-terrace and the semi-d (ie. it's hipped and slopes down from the attached side of the house), so there shouldn't be any problem. I know of at least 1 end-of-terrace with a conversion in the Grove.

the shape of the roof means you end up with quite a low ceiling (I think ours is about 6'4") and the conversion itself won't be as big as you get in the 2-beds. still worth doing though if you need the extra space.

OFB

Liam81 wrote:

Just interested to know if anybody has had any quotes for attic conversions? we're in a 3 bed semi.

Has anyone seen if they can change the roof line of the 3 bed end of terrace

daveco23

manchine wrote:

Got ours done for 20K - also a 3 bed semi.

I got 5 quotes all of which were either 20K or 25K. I went with these guys in the end:
CHI Attics - http://www.atticconversions.ie/Home/Home_Page/index.html

The guy who came out to do the survey was the only one who showed up with a ladder, torch, *actually* went into the attic, took measurements and then was able to sketch our a rough floorplan for me of what I might expect.
Other guys who showed up, looked about and told us that it was 'standard' and they'd ring us with a quote. Fair enough, it may be standard, but getting an idea of the layout at the end is very handy.

The guys who did the work were top notch and did their best to keep any mess to a minimum and cleaned up after themselves every day.
It was all finished within 12 days.

Odd - it was these guys that gave me the 35 k quote...
Manmachine, what was the end result like? Big room? Did you put in a proper stairs, windows etc?

Charlie-Bravo

I am wondering if anyone got a stairs installed to get up to the new converted attic? I'd like to see where the stairs was put. It seems to be a bit difficult to get a stairs in without compromising one of the bedrooms (this is a two bedroom townhouse).

rara

we paid 22k with declan o'riordan. Highly recommend. 0879391827 or declanor@gmail.com

cuddydale

How much extra space did you gain and do you think it is worth it?

daveco23

Apologies for bumping this to the top...
Anybody out there in a 3-bed Semi d preferably got their attic done and wouldn`t mind me having a nosy round please pm me. Really interested in getting this done but would like to see the end result in a similar house before I progress.
Not holding out much hope - had an attic guy around yesterday and he told me not to bother! Too expensive and risk of support issues in moving the wooden supports and water tank...so he said.
Thanks

FVC

just got 3 bed attic converted. Far better than I expected. Room size 21 x 10. Head hight is just over 6 foot. Plan is to put my two girls up there along with their toys and free up two of the bedrooms downstairs

price <20k

Charlie-Bravo

Fair play FVC...its always good to free up rooms...I've had pleny of visitors stay and sleep on the living room floor!

Can I ask if you got any Velux windows in? Where did you put them...side or rear? What height are they at?

FVC

2 velux windows on the side. lower end of windows are about 5 feet off the floor. plenty of light and a great view of the golf course

anniec

Do you need planning permission for attic conversion and has anyone completed in 2 bed? not much room upstairs for stairs?

Charlie-Bravo

You don't need planning for an attic conversion unless you want to put a dormer window in (you are changing the roof shape doing this).

Not sure if you need 'permission' for the dormer from the management company (depends if there was any stipulations in the contract documents when buying your house??)...Can anybody look into this (especially for The Wood)? Not intending on putting a dormer myself and I would think if a few houses got it done, the dormers wouldn't look the same and make the rear line of the houses look cat.

Anyway, if there is anyone out there that has done the conversion in a 2 Bed townhouse and has a good size stairs put in I'd be grateful if you let me and the missus see it.

Ciarán.

neets

fvc,

that sounds great. did you put a staircase up to it and do you have a contact number for the people who did it?

Eoin

Here's a 2 bed townhouse on daft.ie with an attic conversion; can't believe how roomy it looks

http://www.daft.ie/searchsale.daft?id=153199&search=1&ea=1

anniec

Thanks for the link Eoin it looks great! however it looks like you have to pull the ladder down as the bedrooms are still the same size which wouldnt really work as an additional room can you imagine coming down in the middle of the night!!

Sparks115

HI Anniec, just to let you know the 2 beds in Charlesland are supposed to be far easier to convert than the 3 bed. I am having my 3 bed converted next week so if you want the number of my guy who also did my sisters attic last week and it looks amazing.

Sparks115

okay for anyone out there who has any idea about planning permission or architecture.....if you get your attic converted does anyone know if can you have your Velux windows to the side elevation of the house? I know you definately dont need planning permission if your windows are to the back as that makes you exempt but not too sure about the side and with the 3 bed houses in Charlesland it looks like they have to be at the side. Would appreciate any help on this before Monday as my Velux windows are going in!!!!:eek: :eek:

ryecatcher

Just noticed a 3bed mid-terrace in 1st section of the park (along south wall) who has 2 velux windows to the side of their house ...HTH

loyatemu

we have ours to the side, same as FVC - afaik you don't need permission provided they're not to the front.

I have seen a 3-bed with a window to the back as well, so that is possible too.

Charlie-Bravo

Loyatemu,

You need planning if its on the front or side....veluxes are ignored by planning to rear only.

Sorry for being the bearer of bad news.

Larry David

daveco23 wrote:

Apologies for bumping this to the top...
Anybody out there in a 3-bed Semi d preferably got their attic done and wouldn`t mind me having a nosy round please pm me. Really interested in getting this done but would like to see the end result in a similar house before I progress.
Not holding out much hope - had an attic guy around yesterday and he told me not to bother! Too expensive and risk of support issues in moving the wooden supports and water tank...so he said.
Thanks

No problem. JUST got mine finished on Friday by "www.atticconversions.ie" (as receommended earlier) for 20K + VAT and I'm very happy. It hasn't even been painted yet, so if you want to view it, it'll be in it's "finished" state. I'm in Baldoyle btw.

loyatemu

astrofluff - do you have a source for this?

my information is that only front-facing windows require permission, and I'm clearly not alone in this as there are several other houses in charlesland with side-facing veluxes.

Charlie-Bravo

I'm looking into the planning regs....It doesn't say anything about velux windows being exempt development.

http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/ZZSI600Y2001.html

Just rang Wicklow CC and they have informed me that if it is not mentioned as an exempt development in the planning regulations, i.e. Velux windows (which is not mentioned at all), then you must obtain planning permission to have them.

So there is a dilemma about Velux windows here!

Sparks115

Was onto an Architect and Solictor today and basically the story is.....
When u go to sell your house your buyer can request a certificate to say that you have permission for the Velux windows. Most people dont bother as they dont want the hassle. If you are worried that it may affect selling your house you can apply at a later date. It will take 6-8 weeks to go through. 99% of houses dont have planning permission for Velux windows based on the fact that when they go on to sell the buyer wants the conversion and wants your house so they dont get into the red tape. But if you want to cover your bottom, apply when ever you want. I am not saying you will definatly get obviously it all depends where u are what you over look etc but personally I plan to stay for a few years so I am not going to worry about it now I'll worry about in a few years . (Scarlet Ohara syndrome)!!;)

Thanks to everyone for their advice....by the way I spoke to a loola in the wicklow planning office (very unhelpful I might add) dont ever ring her...grumpy knickers grumpy grumpy grumpy!!!

Charlie-Bravo

I think we have to think clearly about what might happen should you go for planning permission for a Velux in the side of the roof. There is a privacy rule about having windows minimum 11m from a boundary it faces or 22m between directly opposing windows (not every County Council Development Plan states it clearly). In this case it could be house specific....please check before you go ahead with it.

See http://www.wicklow.ie/PUBLICATIONS/Planning/County%20Dev%20Plan/05_Design.pdf section 7.7 on page 37...

"Generally windows in the gable/side walls of dwellings will not be permitted where the windows would closely overlook the curtilage of an adjoining dwelling."

This is a very topical discussion!

Just a note about Planning Enforcement. If the County Council is pressured by a difficult neighbour (and there are plenty of them about as we all know) the council might use their Planning Enforcement department to issue the legal letters to the homeowners and have them, the Velux windows, removed(keep those spare roof tiles!!!).

Mullie

If anyone has converted their attic in a 2 bed townhouse, could you post a few pics? I'd like the see the end result and especially how the stairs fit in.
Thanks!:D

loup

Just bumping to ask a quick q re: velux windows to the side of the house? We are getting a conversion done and want a velux on the side of the house. As we are on a corner we dont overlook another dwelling. Is it possible to get clear glass on this velux as opposed to frosted? Also is there any restriction on window size?? Not sure about planning permission either..checked South Dublin Co Co website but couldnt find anything!

Sparks115

you do need planning permission but it can be applied for after the fact and takes normally 6- 8 weeks.

Charlie-Bravo

Hi Guys,

Happy New Year and all that. This is a re-newed request to anyone in a 2-bed townhouse who has had an attic conversion done and has put in a proper stairs also. Was speaking with the missus and she doesn't like all the ideas I am coming up with and would like to see a finished result before letting me destroy the house!

We would be grateful if any of you guys have it done or even know of someone that has this done and wouldn't mind letting us see it.

Thanks,

C.

Hammiepeters

Hi, we are ready to convert out attic, 3 bed end of terrace. Have tried the web address of the company in the thread and they say they don't serve this area. Any links or numbers for companies that do and have would be welcome!
We are going to apply for p.p for 4 Velux on the side of the house.
Also, if you have had your 3 bed mid or end of terrace done would you p.m me, would love to hear how it went etc.

Sparks115

Hammiepeters wrote:

Hi, we are ready to convert out attic, 3 bed end of terrace. Have tried the web address of the company in the thread and they say they don't serve this area. Any links or numbers for companies that do and have would be welcome!
We are going to apply for p.p for 4 Velux on the side of the house.
Also, if you have had your 3 bed mid or end of terrace done would you p.m me, would love to hear how it went etc.

Just saw this after you pm me. I can give you the number for Karl the guy that did mine and my sisters and another familys house in Charlesland grove. All 3 are super conversions and to be honest so quickly done and no mess!!! couldnt recommend them highly enough in fact after rebuilding a house nearly in Drumcondra and having employed every crappy plumber/electirician carpenter etc these guys should get aN AWARD FOR BEING THE BEST TRADESMEN IN IRELAND!! I should get commmsion for recommending them but honestly if you would like to see ours or get the number for them just pm me.

cheers

Siobhan

VISTA MAR

Hammiepeters wrote:

Hi, we are ready to convert out attic, 3 bed end of terrace. Have tried the web address of the company in the thread and they say they don't serve this area. Any links or numbers for companies that do and have would be welcome!
We are going to apply for p.p for 4 Velux on the side of the house.
Also, if you have had your 3 bed mid or end of terrace done would you p.m me, would love to hear how it went etc.

Hammiepeters, try www.onlinetradesmen.com They will do the searching for you.

MimiQ

astrofluff wrote:

Hi Guys,

Happy New Year and all that. This is a re-newed request to anyone in a 2-bed townhouse who has had an attic conversion done and has put in a proper stairs also. Was speaking with the missus and she doesn't like all the ideas I am coming up with and would like to see a finished result before letting me destroy the house!

We would be grateful if any of you guys have it done or even know of someone that has this done and wouldn't mind letting us see it.

Thanks,

C.

Hi there,
I'd also like to see some completed attic conversions on the 2 beds to see what's possible. Did you manage to find any examples or recommended builders?
Thanks,
E.

Highealy

INCH wrote:

Just saw this after you pm me. I can give you the number for Karl the guy that did mine and my sisters and another familys house in Charlesland grove. All 3 are super conversions and to be honest so quickly done and no mess!!! couldnt recommend them highly enough in fact after rebuilding a house nearly in Drumcondra and having employed every crappy plumber/electirician carpenter etc these guys should get aN AWARD FOR BEING THE BEST TRADESMEN IN IRELAND!! I should get commmsion for recommending them but honestly if you would like to see ours or get the number for them just pm me.

cheers

Siobhan

we have just moved to charlesland end o f terrace 3 bedroom can you give me the number for Karl for attic conversions new boards site and don't know how to get this number

matti

hiya. just wondering if anyone who was considering the 2 bed attic conversion went ahead with it? we said we would do it before we moved in but 2 years later we still haven't!! had loads of ideas about how we'd go about it but don't know if any of them would work!!

scubasteve217

Anyone get quotes for a conversion in a 2-bed??

roses

Liam81 wrote:

Just interested to know if anybody has had any quotes for attic conversions? we're in a 3 bed semi.

i had mine done.cost 25k.good size room with shower and toilet.guys name was mark..0857575527.work was a1.

neets

roses wrote:

i had mine done.cost 25k.good size room with shower and toilet.guys name was mark..0857575527.work was a1.

hi roses,

was this for a three bed semi or a 2 bed?

woodser

€13000 for a 3 bed p.m me for contractor details. €9000 for a 2 bed two different contractors .Neighbour and myself had it done includes painting and decorating.I know some people were ripped off for 25000:mad:

Charlie-Bravo

woodser wrote:

€13000 for a 3 bed p.m me for contractor details. €9000 for a 2 bed two different contractors .Neighbour and myself had it done includes painting and decorating.I know some people were ripped off for 25000:mad:

It really depends what you want done, how you want things done, stairs?, insulation?, proper roof windows at correct heights?, wardrobes?

All I say is be careful of the cowboys who come in and cuts all the joists out just to put in a stairs. The joists are structural elements of the roof, cut these and your gaurantee is gone. I have seen it in some houses in Charlesland already with it done incorrectly.

All I say is BE CAREFUL, €9000 or so is cheap but what are they doing that makes it so cheap?! (probably not a lot)

First question to ask the contractor is if he has Contractor's all risks insurance, public liability and employer's liability insurance. If he works on your house without these and fu'ks the job up...you will end up paying alot (and most likely more than 25k) to fix the problem. Bye bye equity.

woodser

astrofluff wrote:

It really depends what you want done, how you want things done, stairs?, insulation?, proper roof windows at correct heights?, wardrobes?

All I say is be careful of the cowboys who come in and cuts all the joists out just to put in a stairs. The joists are structural elements of the roof, cut these and your gaurantee is gone. I have seen it in some houses in Charlesland already with it done incorrectly.

All I say is BE CAREFUL, €9000 or so is cheap but what are they doing that makes it so cheap?! (probably not a lot)

First question to ask the contractor is if he has Contractor's all risks insurance, public liability and employer's liability insurance. If he works on your house without these and fu'ks the job up...you will end up paying alot (and most likely more than 25k) to fix the problem. Bye bye equity.

Full stairs I'm a 3 bed neighbour 2 bed superior job done in both Another neighbour of mine got it done for 25000 -half the space Windows not to Regulations 07 ie 1.2 metres from guttering- top opening fire escape.Shifting the tanks took them about 2 hours not expensive.Included 3 new veluxes stairs plastering radiator tapped into heating system 5 recessed lights 4 double plug sockets Fire door on stairs party wall closing in stairs.And all remaining storage area floored fireproofed fully insulated.Structural work checked by my structural man-- excellent job reinforcing roof and used screw and glue ply to reinforce existing trusses also vents from sewers moved.Also 2 entry points to storeage area.Also had to put in a suspended floor in the 3 bed.Fully insured. And to new standards introduced jan 07. 1 guy was best for 2 bed.The other for 3 beds better on structural.Tons of cowboys out there get someone whose work youve seen done in charlesland

Charlie-Bravo

woodser wrote:

...Tons of cowboys out there get someone whose work youve seen done in charlesland

hear hear

BonnieD

Was advised by Attics Express that type of roof and timber frames associated with the three bed end of terrace, were not suitable for a conversion unless planning permission was sought for a gable wall build up/side dormer. Has anyone gone down this route, or just settled for a smaller type conversion? Also, can the management company really prevent changes to your roof, if planning permission was sought and granted?

mikedragon32

Someone in the know will probably be along later with a detailed answer, but I believe you need to seek the permission of the Management Company BEFORE you seek the pp.

Weclome to Charlesland btw...

loyatemu

i'm pretty sure its stated in the lease that you need the Managements Co. authorisation to make structural changes.

i doubt any of your neighbours would be too keen on what you're planning - it would look downright odd. Are you sure the attic can't be converted normally? We had ours done (mid-terrace but the roof shape is the same).

BonnieD

Thanks for your input Loyatemu. I would prefer not to even have to look at the option of changing style of roof, as I agree it would look weird, and the hassle and extra expense of course. This advice was based on one company, so there are others who may of course think it is a workable idea based on the existing structure.


Can I ask about yours - Did you get something that could be used as a bedroom or an office or did it just yield you storage space?
Did you put in a proper stairs? And if you dont mind, who did it for you, and how much? (have you any piccies??)

Thanks again.