Loft conversion & storage
The DIY-able half: boarding, insulation, ladder and lighting
A habitable-room conversion is structural work and needs an engineer and building control. Boarding out a loft for storage, insulating it properly and fitting a ladder is a different job. A couple of weekends, and it pays for itself in heating.
What it costs
All in, doing the DIY jobs yourself
£770 – £2,400
~53 h · 14/14 you can do this
All in, everything outsourced
£2,600 – £38,700
Indicative ranges for a typical project. Materials are what you would pay at a merchant; labour is what a trade would charge for the same line.
What the job involves
Plan & prepare
- Set the budget and a contingencyBeginner
£0 – £0
Materials
- Check permits and building rulesEasy
£0 – £0
Materials
- Get three quotes for the work you outsourceBeginner
£0 – £0
Materials
- Measure up and order materialsEasy
£0 – £0
Materials
First fix
- Insulate the loft to 270 mmEasy
£220 – £560
Materials · Labour £260 – £600
- Board out the loft floorIntermediate
£170 – £520
Materials · Labour £260 – £600
- Run Cat 6 network pointsIntermediate
£35 – £150
Materials · Labour £170 – £430
- Insulate exposed water pipesBeginner
£15 – £50
Materials · Labour £70 – £150
Second fix
- Fit a loft ladderIntermediate
£100 – £300
Materials · Labour £150 – £340
- Add lighting and a socket in the loftIntermediate
£35 – £130
Materials · Labour £130 – £300
- Draught-proof doors and windowsBeginner
£15 – £70
Materials · Labour £75 – £190
Decorate
- Paint doors, frames and skirtingIntermediate
£35 – £100
Materials · Labour £170 – £410
Finish & check
- Fit smoke alarmsBeginner
£15 – £75
Materials · Labour £45 – £120
- Walk round and write a snagging listBeginner
£15 – £70
Materials · Labour £85 – £260
Plan your renovation, job by job
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