In the UK there are a lot of companies offering loft storage conversion services and loft ladder installations, including us. Therefore how you choose the right loft flooring company is really important. So, how do you choose the right one?
Here are 6 tips that you need to look out for when considering a company to convert your loft space into storage.
1. Check Their Reputation
A good reputation is a hard-earned thing. So one of the most important things to get started is to do some research. Look online for customer reviews, accreditations, testimonials and examples of work already carried out by companies. Any serious business will be more than happy to provide you with references from past clients to give you peace of mind. If their customers are happy with their loft work, there’s a good chance you will too.
If companies are saying they are accredited by consumer organisations such as Which? Trusted Traders or Checkatrade, don’t just take their word for it. Check on the relevant website to make sure they’re telling the truth! There are lots of cowboys out there people, be careful!
2. Free Quote?
Depending on the work you require, costs to convert a loft into a usable storage space can vary greatly – so ask for a free quote before committing to anything. Getting this will enable you to make an informed decision rather than regretting your choice later on. Again, most established companies will provide a free quote as standard.
3. Materials Used
The quality of loft ladders is super important – there are many inferior products out there so check before you buy! Your life could literally depend on it! Ask any company you’re considering which suppliers they use. If you’re not convinced by what’s being shown to you, walk away. Don’t hesitate to ask questions or even ask to see previous or current jobs.
4. What about health & safety and hygiene?
Make sure the company you choose is highly diligent about the health and safety of you the customer and their own staff. Do they have a hygiene policy? Will they clean up after themselves? Are they working in a safe way?
Since we created this post back in 2014 the world has changed dramatically… especially in 2020 with the COVID-19 outbreak. Many companies have had to put in place much stricter hygiene measures so as to be able to safely work in people’s homes. Therefore it’s important to only work with companies that are taking these measures seriously. Never be afraid to ask questions and if you feel like your concerns are being trivialised, walk away.
What about Asbestos? Is the company going to be checking for potential Asbestos contamination within your loft space or ceiling?
5. Insurance And Guarantee
Because your roof is part of the structure of your house, you want to ensure that any work done is guaranteed in case issues arise. After all, you wouldn’t be happy if your brand-new roof window started leaking a few months after installation. If the work isn’t guaranteed, then you’re best to find another company.
You also want to make sure that the workers and company you hire are insured during the work, as accidents can happen. Check their terms and conditions to see how they talk about these topics as well as things like complaints.
Before you ask, yes The Loft Boys are fully insured and we wouldn’t dream of doing business any other way!
6. Price And Payment Options
Prices vary between companies, so shop around to find a deal that suits you. Get quotes from several companies to find out which one offers the best value for money. But don’t solely look at the price but also what the service includes such as insurance, a guarantee, quality of workmanship on past installations, and testimonials. All of these things add up to the overall quality of a company’s services.
We sometimes get asked why we’re not the cheapest offering and we always tell our customers the same thing. We’re extremely passionate about quality over quantity. Plus, we always allow our two-man field teams enough time to ensure they get the job done right the first time.
A Final Tip
And our final tip, never pay for work in advance! Ever. If you’re ok with it you can pay a deposit if asked, but never pay for the full amount until the work is completed and you’re fully, 100%, satisfied with the results.
We hope that this quick checklist will help you make the right choice to convert your loft, but if you need more advice or a free quote please get in touch with us today.
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