Let’s be honest: you’ve probably already spent a few evenings scrolling through Pinterest, imagining exactly where the new master bed will go or how that skylight will catch the morning sun. The vision is the easy part.
Then comes the scary part: The Quote.
If you’re thinking about a loft conversion in York, Harrogate, or Leeds, you’ve likely heard the horror stories. Prices that spiral out of control, builders who suck their teeth and say, “Oh, that wasn’t included,” or estimates written on the back of a crumpled envelope.
At Loft My Pad, we’ve spent over 30 years fixing bad lofts and building brilliant ones, so we know that a quote is more than just a price tag—it’s a roadmap for your home.
If you are gathering quotes right now, here is exactly what you need to look for (and what you should run a mile from).
1. The “Guesstimate” Trap
If a builder walks into your hallway, glances at your ceiling hatch, and gives you a price within five minutes, don’t hire them.
Every home in Yorkshire is different. A Victorian terrace in York city centre has completely different structural needs than a semi-detached in Harrogate. A genuine quote requires a proper look at your head height, your roof pitch, and the location of your current stairs.
We don’t believe in guesswork. We believe in “Design, Plan, Renew.” You need a quote based on actual measurements, not thin air.
2. Design vs. Build: The Disconnect
One of the biggest reasons quotes go wrong is the gap between the architect and the builder.
- The Architect draws a beautiful dream but doesn’t have to buy the timber.
- The Builder has to build it but realizes the drawings are expensive to execute.
This is where the costs creep up.
Because Loft My Pad offers in-house architecture and design, our quotes are grounded in reality. When we design your custom staircase or plan your dormer, we know exactly how much it costs to build because we are the ones building it. No disconnect. No surprises.
3. What is Actually on the Paper?
When you are comparing quotes, you need to make sure you are comparing apples with apples. A quote for £30,000 might look better than a quote for £35,000—until you realize the cheaper one doesn’t include:
- The Skips: Where is the rubble going?
- The Insulation: Are they using high-performance rigid boards or cheap rolls?
- The Windows: Are they genuine Velux or a cheaper alternative?
- The Finishing Touches: Does the price include plastering? Skirting boards? Heating?
A “cheap” quote often leaves you with a “shell”—a structurally sound but empty room that you still have to pay thousands to finish. We prefer transparency. If you want bespoke furniture or a custom bathroom suite included, we put it in the plan so you know the real bottom line.
4. The “Yorkshire” Factor – Loft Conversion Quotes
Local knowledge saves money. Period.
Building regulations in York and Leeds can be specific, especially in conservation areas. You need a team that knows the local planning officers and understands the specific quirks of local housing stock.
We’ve been operating from our York HQ for decades. We know what gets approved, and we know how to source materials that match the character of your existing home.
Ready for a Honest Conversation?
A loft conversion is a big investment, and you deserve a quote that respects your budget and your intelligence.
If you’re ready to turn that dusty attic into the best room in the house, let’s do it properly. No jargon, no hidden fees, just 30+ years of experience and a team that finishes on time.
Call Keith and the team at Loft My Pad today on 01904 819782 for a free, no-obligation chat about your potential space.