Housing Minister Caroline Flint announced last week changes to the planning law. Families that need more space but cannot get a mortgage for a bigger home or sell their property because of the credit crunch will now find it easier to convert their loft or build an extension. Over 80,000 homeowners a year will no longer need planning permission to extend their homes. From October 1st Loft conversions will also not require planning consent if it extends no more than eight inches (20cm) outwards from the eaves of a property.

Loft conversions are consistently voted the number one home improvement project and make a lot of sense. They use otherwise wasted space, create extra living accommodation and can boost your home's value by up to 20% according to the RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors). Nevertheless, converting a loft into one or two new rooms can be complex. You could leave it to a builder - but can they really be trusted to get it 100% right? Or you could do it yourself - but where do you start?

You need expert advice and it comes in the Haynes Loft Conversion Manual costing just £19.99 (RRP) written by Ian Rock, an experienced chartered surveyor. The manual takes you through the step-by-step process of a conversion process through to retention, snagging, building regulations and the defects liability period. It is packed with hundreds of colour photos and practical advice such as how avoid cowboy builders, is a conversion practical, will you get your money back and how much should you do yourself?

The Haynes Loft Conversion Manual will prove invaluable to both readers doing it themselves or those employing professionals. It is presented in the straightforward style familiar to all Haynes manuals and at just £19.99 it could save you thousands of pounds by ensuring your loft is professionally converted - and preventing the stress of building works unnecessarily intruding into your private life - Don't start work without it!

Other titles in the Haynes home improvement series include: the Home Extension Manual, the Eco House Manual, the Garden Building Manual, Victorian House and the 1930s House Manual.

IAN ROCKS TIPS & TRAPS FOR LOFT CONVERTERS

DO's

1. Always check whether you actually need planning permission, as it may not be required. Many loft conversions are classed as 'permitted development'.

2. Unless you live in a detached house, by law you must comply with the Party Wall Act.
This means having to formally notify your neighbours at least 2 months in advance of any works to the wall that separates you from them. Unless they agree, you may have to appoint a surveyor to draw up an agreement.

3. When comparing quotes from loft conversion firms, be sure that you're actually comparing like with like. Different firms may or may not include things like decoration, supply of sanitary fittings, VAT and the fees for structural engineers' calculations, planning and building regulations applications. Make sure your contractor confirms that all their work will fully comply with planning and building regulations.

4. The works should be programmed to minimise intrusion into family life. Ideally, access to the loft for all the major jobs should be external, via scaffolding, leaving the fitting of the new loft stairs as late as possible to reduce disturbance.

5. Be aware that complying with new fire regulations usually means having to replace most of your existing internal doors throughout the house with new fire doors. If your main reception area is open-plan, you may be required to construct a partition wall to create a fire-resistant hallway.

6. Be sure to obtain your Building Regulations completion certificate before making the final payment to the contractor.

DON'Ts

1. Don't be shy of asking your Local Authority Building Control Officer for their technical opinion. They have good local knowledge of potentially complex matters such as complying with fire regulations and provision of loft stairs.

2. Don't underestimate the extent of the finishing works. Complying with Part L  of the Building Regs - thermal insulation - is now a major part of the project.

3. Don't be overly optimistic when budgeting. Making unrealistic budget assumptions at the outset is the most common reason for projects coming in over budget.

4. Don't just pick any builder from Yellow Pages. Try to get a builder via recommendation, check their previous loft conversion projects and talk to former clients.

5. Once you've accepted a quote or tender, don't change your mind about the design!
Some builders make nearly half their profits charging for expensive 'extras'.

Author Ian Rock is available for interview. For further information or to request a review copy, please use the email provided.

Email: Rebecca@eventspr.co.uk