Loft conversions/side returns Post Reply

[2009Kat]

Hi, we are thinking about converting our loft and/or doing our kitchen side return - our house is a pretty standard 3 bed terrace. Can anyone give me a realistic estimate of what these things tend to cost (with fairly average fittings - don't think we'll be able to afford the poncey kitchen of my dreams)?? Also do you know if it is silly to do the kitchen before the loft? Someone told me may be better to do loft first.
I know I could phone round for some guestimates but would appreciate some guidance on what people have really spent as to what builders think it may cost (as there are always extras etc). Thanks very much Kat

[hjm]

We are having our loft done in March and we are paying £32k. That's with a plaster finish and on top of that we will have to supply the bathroom fittings (they will fit them within the price), get the bathroom tiled etc. We have done a rough calculation and estimate that the total cost will be more like £45k when everything's done (including built in wardrobes, furniture, carpet etc).

We already had our side return done and I think we paid about £45k for the building work and another £20k for the kitchen (although you can of course get cheaper kitchens). We had the whole back of the house removed and we have glass doors right across the back. It is quite a bit cheaper if you have two sets of French doors I think. It is very expensive but I am delighted with it and am so glad we did it.

Try Plus Rooms and Simply Extensions if you want proper quotes - they are both really friendly and very helpful. We are using Plus Rooms for the loft but were also very impressed with Simply Extensions. I would avoid Battersea Handyman as they were unhelpful and quite rude.

I hope that helps

[2009Kat]

Thank you that is really helpful!

[starfish80]

Hi - we also have a fairly standard size terrace in Southfields and our kitchen extension and side return came in at around £70k including the build, the kitchen (not a particularly expensive one but inc new hob, oven, dishwasher, fridge/freezer and a double wine fridge etc) lighting - indoors and out and a new patio. We also had glass doors and windows above the doors across the back of the extension and large veluxes. We met Simply Extensions who seemed very professional and knew their stuff but in the end went with a recommended independent builder. Good luck!

[ceepee]

hi - my husband is a builder and did our side return last summer - we did some other works at the same time. Just for the side return to be built you should reckon on around £25-£30K. We haven't done our loft yet but plan to in a couple of years - so I don't think its a bad idea to wait before you do the loft!

[mumtoafew]

The estimates here seem about right. £50k for attic and £70k for side return or thereabouts.. I completely agree with the other post. We used Battersea handyman a while back and we were disappointed. The work was ok, but rushed, snags not finished properly and so much was 'extra' or added work that the final price was almost double the initial quote. We wouldn't have them do our work again.

[SkippingGirls]

We're also planning to do both the loft and the side return in a couple of years time, as we've just moved in.
Are these quotes for 1 bedroom and a bathroom or 2 bedrooms and a bathroom in the loft?
Thanks
SG