1. What if I can't see the roof from the front or get a photo of the roof?
2. Is it important to provide a photograph of the entire roof from the ridge [highest middle point] to the gutter line [usually the same height as the loft floor]?
3. If I take a measurement in the attic for a potential loft conversion, where do I take the measurement from?
4. You mention floor joists and a ridge beam in the attic/roof space in order to take the correct measurements for a loft conversion. What are they?
5. If I want a loft conversion, is it important to provide measurements for the ground floor? And if it is, why?
6. If I would like my staircase to my loft conversion to be placed elsewhere in the property rather than the standard location of over the existing staircase, should I provide a photograph of this location?
7. I'm not sure whether I want a loft conversion or an extension. Is there any general rule of thumb which one I should opt for?
8. I would like a first floor rear extension however it is to the top level of a 'maisonette' and I cannot get access to the garden in order to take a photograph of the rear of the property. What should I do as the website requires a rear photograph of the property as mandatory?
9. I own a property and would like to have an 'UPSHOOT' report to get a simple guide of where I should start. How can I go about getting one as the service isn't available to the general public just yet?



1. What if I can't see the roof from the front or get a photo of the roof? Top ^
If you are considering a loft conversion it is important we know the height of the roof. Normally, we can calculate this from a photo however it would be better if we can have the internal height. So if you can't provide a photograph of the roof from the gutter to the ridge [highest point-usually found in the middle] an internal measurement would be as useful.



2. Is it important to provide a photograph of the entire roof from the ridge [highest middle point] to the gutter line [usually the same height as the loft floor]? Top ^
In short, the answer is yes. However a height from the loft/attic floor to the underneath/internal line of the roof is useful so we can calculate the potential height of your loft conversion. This will allow us to take into account planning design guidelines which may require the loft conversion roof lower than the existing highest point of the roof. So if you are unable to show us the overall height of the roof we will require an internal measurement.



3. If I take a measurement in the attic for a potential loft conversion, where do I take the measurement from? Top ^
The measurement should be taken from the top of the floor joists in the attic to the underneath of the ridge beam which runs along the roof just under the top of a pitched roof.



4. You mention floor joists and a ridge beam in the attic/roof space in order to take the correct measurements for a loft conversion. What are they? Top ^
Floor joists refer to the timber beams which your ceiling on the floor below is fixed to. You will also probably have to stand on them when in the attic. This will normally be the top of your new loft floor. The ridge beam is the piece of timber usually in the middle of your roof and holds up the centre/highest point of the roof. In a terrace property this will normally run above your head from neighbour to neighbour.



5. If I want a loft conversion, is it important to provide measurements for the ground floor? And if it is, why? Top ^
If you are considering a loft conversion, it is better to provide the height from the floor to ceiling of the level you would like the staircase to your loft to start.



6. If I would like my staircase to my loft conversion to be placed elsewhere in the property rather than the standard location of over the existing staircase, should I provide a photograph of this location? Top ^
Yes, the standard location for the staircase to a loft conversion is to continue over the existing stairs. This is to use the natural incline of a staircase and reduce wasted floor space. However if for another reason you would prefer the staircase located elsewhere, the more information you can provide the better. We have provided facilities to upload as many relevant photographs as you think appropriate.



7. I'm not sure whether I want a loft conversion or an extension. Is there any general rule of thumb which one I should opt for? Top ^
Firstly let's find out which one you are allowed. However, a lot of development decisions, especially residential alterations are a result of requirements, more bedrooms or a larger living room. But, a loft conversion will usually provide the extra bedroom and therefore increase the resale value of the property quite considerably, with an extension providing that wow factor when a prospective buyer first walks in.



8. I would like a first floor rear extension however it is to the top level of a 'maisonette' and I cannot get access to the garden in order to take a photograph of the rear of the property. What should I do as the website requires a rear photograph of the property as mandatory? Top ^
It will be difficult to provide planning information without a rear photograph of the property. However, instead why not provide a photograph of the external area you would like to extend on to from a rear window and an image of a near by similar property - obviously the rear view. If you look from a rear window you will probably notice similar properties. Take a photograph of one of these and supply an explanation so we can try to provide some useful guidelines for you.



9. I own a property and would like to have an 'UPSHOOT' report to get a simple guide of where I should start. How can I go about getting one as the service isn't available to the general public just yet? Top ^
At Step 2>Connect on the website we provide a facility to register your interest. At the end of your e-mail simply explain your situation and someone can get in contact with you to move your project forward.