Loft conversion

[Deancosmos]

Hello all. We are considering having our loft converted to give us 2 more bedrooms and a shower room. We would need a hip to gable extension and a full width dormer at the rear. Two questions, is a quote of �45,000 reasonable (Surrey area) ? And are these quotations negotiable like double glazing/conservatories ?

Thanks.

[terence7556]

have you have any other quotes to compare them against?

[monkeyeyes]

Price seems a little high - what sort of spec. have you given the contractors ?
Always get 3 quotes.
Always ask to see loft conversions as carried out by your chosen contractor.
Always quiz the house-holder about conduct of contractor.
Always retain 5% of finished price for 3 months after end of contract - time for 'snags' to appear.

[Deancosmos]

Thanks guys. We have had 1 other quote for �43,000 but that was not a local firm. The price from both companies included obtaining planning permission and all finishing including plumbing.

[gasman]

It sounds about the going rate to me and make sure you have done you're homework on the guys you choose as monkeyeys also sugests.

[Reverandfunk]

45 grand is the going rate?

To lay a bit of chipboard and put a couple of velux windows in???

I'm in the wrong job lol and do u still need to get planning permission??

[pauln90]

I saw this ad recently from a company in London. Seems your quote is about right for the area you live in.
http://www.loftconversionwarehouse.com/loftfac ts.htm

20 years ago it cost me �10,000 to have one bedroom put in the loft space of a terraced house,and i live in the North

[dasherman]

Always beware of salesmen who are open to negotiation.

It usually means that the first quote was deliberately over the top and then they make reductions to make you think you're getting a bargain.

I was recently quoted �7300 for double glazing,which then got reduced to �4300 for exactly the same spec,and that's still over the top. Remember that the salesman has to make his commision and he'll make his money from you!

For a loft conversion of that size I would recommend at least 5 quotes from different sized companies,generally the bigger the firm/name the higher the price. A small local firm with a good reputation may well be your best bet.