Honestly, there is dust and noise; it is a building project, not a tidy job. The good news is that it is contained and predictable. Most access is through the existing landing, so the work stays concentrated around the attic and the stairs rather than spreading through the whole house.
The heaviest disruption is short. When the stair opening is formed, connecting the attic to the floor below, there is a day or two of more noise, dust and coming and going. Before and after that, the build is steadier: insulating, first fix, plasterboarding, skimming and decorating are less intrusive, though skimming and sanding do create fine dust.
Here is what makes the difference on the ground:
- Dust screens seal off the work area so dust is kept out of the rest of the house as far as possible.
- The site is tidied daily rather than left in a mess overnight.
- Access routes, hallways and stairs are kept usable.
- The noisier stages are flagged in advance so you can plan around them.
For an external dormer or hip-to-gable there is also scaffolding outside for part of the job, which affects the garden and the look of the house temporarily. A Velux conversion is less disruptive externally, as the roof is not opened up in the same way.
Most people find it very liveable, especially knowing where the busy moments fall. We will walk you through what to expect for your specific job at the free assessment, and our full process is set out step by step.