Loft conversion preparation in Newton Abbot

Good to Know

**Asbestos risk**: Houses built before 2000 might have asbestos insulation or boards. If we suspect asbestos, work stops and you need licensed removal before continuing. **Insulation removal**: Full PPE required - coveralls, gloves, respirator, goggles. Fibreglass insulation is unpleasant but not dangerous with proper protection. We bag it all for disposal. **Water tanks**: Cold water storage tanks in lofts are obsolete with modern mains-pressure systems. We disconnect, drain, and remove them. Plumber needs to cap/redirect plumbing properly. **Boarding value**: Loft boarding is often cheap chipboard with little reuse value. We usually dispose of it unless you specifically want it kept. **Cable safety**: Old cables might still be live. We don't touch live electrical work - electrician needs to isolate/remove safely. We remove dead cables and fixings. **Timing**: Do this before conversion builders arrive. They charge premium rates for clearance time. We charge handyman rates and get the space ready for them. **Skip hire**: You can arrange your own skip or we can include it in the quote. Loft clearance usually fills a 4-6 yard skip (£150-250 hire cost). **Structural checks**: Before conversion, you need structural engineer assessment. They check whether joists can support floor loads, if roof structure can be altered, etc. We just clear the space. **Planning/Building regs**: Loft conversions usually need building regulations approval, sometimes planning permission. Prep work doesn't, but the conversion does - check before starting. **Access**: Standard loft ladders are fine for clearance work. Conversion builders usually need proper scaffolding or scaffold tower for safe access during build work. **Bat checks**: Legally required before loft conversion if evidence of bats. We'll mention if we see bat droppings - you need a bat survey before work continues. **What to keep**: Decide what stored items you want kept before we start. We can move them to garage/shed or dispose of them - your choice.