Professional home improvement builder in Suffolk, specialists in loft conversions.

Pro Build East Ltd are based in Hadleigh and primarily work throughout Suffolk, but also cross into Essex, Norfolk and Cambridgeshire.

Generally loft conversions rarely require planning permission unless they significantly change your home's appearance.  There are stipulations, including that the loft conversion uses visually similar materials to the ones your home was originally constructed in, does not expand your home by over 50 cubic metres and does not exceed the height of the current roof.

A helpful guideline to follow is, to make sure that the distance from the highest point of the current ceiling ties, to the underside of the ridge beam, is at least 2.25m. If the current height falls below this measurement, there are two options: either consider reducing the height of the ceilings in the rooms below or, if permitted by your local planning department, explore the possibility of raising the roof ridge.

There are different types of loft insulation. The most common are: 1) "Blown-in Insulation" - cheap and easy, involves blowing material into the attic; 2) "Spray Foam Insulation" - more expensive but provides better insulation and seals air leaks; 3) Radiant barrier insulation - cost-effective, uses reflective material to reflect heat. Keep in mind that it may not be as effective in colder climates.