There are several things to keep in mind when turning your loft into an office. These include Permitted development rights, design and building regulations requirements, and choosing an architect or designer.

Permitted development rights
There are certain legal requirements to follow when converting a loft to an office in Cobham. First, you must seek building control approval for the project. You can apply for this through the planning portal or the ePlanning website.

After securing planning permission, you can then proceed with your loft extension. The planning authority must give their consent to the work as quickly as possible. The process usually takes between eight to thirteen weeks for a loft extension, depending on whether an Environmental Impact Assessment is required. The majority of planning permission notices are valid for three years. Therefore, you can complete the work within this window, but if you require a longer period, this should be specified in the letter of approval.

Designing a loft conversion
There are a number of considerations when designing a loft conversion. The first consideration is where the space is to be located. A loft conversion that is not a proper use for the space will lead to compromises and awkward adjustments. Therefore, it is important to decide where you want to use it in advance.

To make the most of your loft space, make sure that you make use of natural light. You can do this by choosing light colours and placing large skylights. You will also need to take care to keep your computer screens away from the glare of the sun.

Building regulations requirements
When you use a loft as an office in Cobham, there are a few building regulations you need to meet. First, you need to ensure that your loft has good insulation. You need to have a U-value of 0.16W/m2K or greater. This can be achieved by installing a minimum of 250mm of mineral wool insulation. You can also include extra insulation in your renovation plan.

Building regulations are standards set by the government that ensure buildings are safe and functional. They govern all types of construction, installations, and demolitions. If you’re planning a loft conversion in Cobham, it’s vital to get the relevant approvals. While it may not take planning permission, it’s vital to check that everything is legal before you start work. 

Cost of a Loft Conversion
Depending on your chosen type of loft conversion, the price you’ll have to shoulder to be able to convert your loft ranges from £25,000 to £95,000. A quick and simple loft conversion will have you spending around £25,000 to £40,000. And that is by a Velux loft conversion. With this type, you can enjoy the benefits of transforming the unused space in your house in Cobham and building it into a cozy bedroom or a charming library. A dormer loft conversion will require you to spend from £40,000 to £60,000, this is because the construction needed will change the architectural structure of your roof. This type of loft conversion will build a box-like structure in the rear of your house and you can design it later on as a convenient home office or gym. If you’re looking into a massive expansion that doesn’t utilize the space in your garden or driveway, you can get a mansard loft conversion. This type of loft conversion usually costs around £60,000 to £95,000. Being the most expensive type of loft conversion, you’re guaranteed to enjoy a maximized space with an ample amount of headroom where you can be fully comfortable.

Moving Out During a Loft Conversion
You will not be asked to move out of your home in Cobham while the loft conversion happens. The reason behind this is that the construction mainly happens at the top of your property. Hiring a reliable loft conversion specialist that can do the project with minimal disruption is your best option. Fortunately, the team we have at NEO LOFTs fits the criteria and is always ready to take on the loft conversion project for you. But if you still want to leave your house while the loft conversion is ongoing, you’re free to do so.