Britain has a wonderfully rich stock of period houses - everything from medieval cottages to Georgian townhouses and Edwardian mansions. But many of these historic properties are now at risk

Period Property Manual

Arts & Photography

Ian Rock

Architecture

J H Haynes Co Ltd

Right now, with so many of us working from home, there is an urgent need to create additional 'office space'. In a lot of properties the answer to this dilemma is staring us in the face. Most lofts are wasted space that can realistically be converted into high quality accommodation – usually with significantly lower construction costs than building an extension. 
But there's another reason why loft conversions are consistently voted the Number One home improvement project. According to the RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) creating extra rooms in your roof can boost your home's value by more than 20%. The trouble is, converting lofts into living accommodation can be complex. 
So should you employ a specialist contractor or save money by managing individual trades? And how realistic is it to tackle some of the work yourself? Where do you start? 
Expert advice comes in the new 2021 edition of the Loft Conversion Manual. Comprehensively updated, this latest edition includes detailed advice on the new planning rules for adding extra storeys to your home, and also covers recent technical developments that can make it easier to convert complex roof structures. Perhaps most importantly of all, the 2021 Loft Conversion Manual explains how to schedule building work to keep noise, dust and dirt at bay and minimise disruption. 
At 224 pages this unique manual is illustrated with hundreds of photos and diagrams, making it the UK's most comprehensive guide to designing, building and managing a loft project. 
Professional advice on selecting and managing building contractors How to make big savings directly employing individual trades Clear guidance on compliance with the Party Wall Act, Planning and Building Regulations How to select the right dormers and roof windows for a bright attractive living space – from the multiple available styles and design options How to correctly design and install loft stairs and make the necessary structural alterations Step-By-Step photo features show how to install different types of insulation, how to fit roof windows, and how to make the most of limited space with 'dropped ceiling' conversions

The Loft Conversion Manual: New 2021 Edition

Engineering & Transportation

Engineering

HOUSE Publishing

The 1930s House Manual

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Books by Ian Rock