Other than having the ideal design in place, the other key requirement towards achieving your dream home is hiring the right contractor. The only way to do this is by conducting thorough market research among other things. Especially considering how rapidly the construction industry is advancing, you need to be careful with your selection.
The years of experience and level of expertise are some of the things that set a good contractor and a lousy builder apart. Discussed below are some of the important things that can help you choose the right builders for your project.
Image by Franz W.
- Proof of previously completed projects. One handy tip from high-end design experts at Proficiency Bespoke points out the fact that no amount of words can be a substitute for what’s possible. So, the first thing you should do is ask to see some of the projects your prospective builder has handled before.
- Seek recommendations from neighbors and friends. This will be a great way since you will already have an idea of what the builder can deliver.
- Have a look at their certifications and credentials. As mentioned earlier, word of mouth is never enough. It is advisable to see the documents and even establish whether the builder is a member of a trade union or any professional body.
- Establish if your builder has a physical address. Every builder should have a physical location or office where you can visit or report anything.
- Consider the years of experience of your prospective builder. The more the number of years of experience, the more the exposure and knowledge of the construction industry. This means that the builder has had plenty of time to perfect their skill and craft.
- Testimonials from previous clients. What do previous clients have to say about the builder? Would they recommend the builder and their services? Going through the reviews from the previous clients will give you a clear picture of what it’s like working with the said builder.
- Take quotes from various contractors. You will be able to determine the builder who can work with your budget and also get an accurate value of the approximate cost. Always ask for a complete breakdown of the costs to avoid any deal that is too good to be true.
Choosing a suitable design for your loft
When it comes to choosing a suitable design for your home, you’ll probably be split for choice because of the many options available. But, there are several factors that you have to put into consideration when determining the best design. As outlined by guys at ELoft, your needs, preferences, and roof alterations are some of the things that dictate the nature of the project.
With the right builder at your disposal, choosing the best design for your property will be a no-brainer. Also, moving out or buying a new property will be the least of your worries. We shall have a look at some of the loft designs you can have for your house:
- Dormer loft conversion. It is built in a way that the loft projects from the plane of a sloping roof. You can opt for either the flat-roofed, pitched, or hip-to-gable dormer.
- Mansard. This type of loft conversion is most common in terraced houses. It mainly involves having a flat roof whereas the outer walls gently slope inwards at around 72 degrees.
- Hip to gable. Here, the sloping side of an existing roof is turned to a flat gable end. This type of loft is common with properties that have a hipped roof.
- Velux or roof light loft conversion. This is the easiest type of loft and it also doesn’t involve altering the existing design in any way. It also takes the shortest duration to complete.
Having a loft conversion is a great way to make use of your underutilized space and also acquire any extra space needed. With a qualified contractor, you will have access to professional guidance when selecting the best design for your dream home.
The other important thing you’d want to consider is the need for planning permission. It’s advisable to consult with your local authorities to establish if you’ll need any planning permission or if your property falls under permitted development rights.
Heeding to the set legal requirements and building regulations is a must for any construction project. Also by going through the tips highlighted above, you will be able to choose the most suitable builder for your project, and design for your property.
