Home owners are turning to new technology pioneered by a local firm which makes it easier and quicker to convert attics into extra living space.
The specialist conversion venture called Loft Creations is already celebrating early success after creating 19 new jobs and netting £250,000 orders, with £200,000 in further business on the books.
Loft Creations uses a new patented beam technology that allows time-saving conversion of attic space.
It was set up by James Roach,33, who masterminded the turnaround of Ripon-based Truss Loft in 2011.
He said: “The loft conversion sector is one that I know well, and having secured the rights to install the lightweight patented TeleBeam technology, we saw this as a great time to offer a professionally project-managed, fast, clean and hassle-free loft conversion service.”
Consumers benefit from expertise in seeing projects through from the initial planning stage, if needed, to the designing, building, furnishing and decorating their new living space.
Mr Roach left his job as finance director of outdoor furniture retailer Akula in November to launch the firm based at offices in Conyngham Hall, Knaresborough.
He started with one full-time employee. Now the company now employs four full-time staff at its head office and 15 full-time sub-contractors on site.
Mr Roach said: “The early success we have seen is proof that the market is ready for a more completely managed provider of loft conversions as an alternative to hiring one-man band builders and other tradesmen with all the risks and hassle that this involves.”
Loft Creations architect Simon Horne, who leads the planning team for the business, said: “There are a great many people looking to maximise the square footage of their properties to gain space for kids or grandparents but also as an investment.
“We are seeing parents with school age kids wanting to stay local, but needing more space, and we have clients looking for home offices or granny flats for visiting relatives too. People are very focused on the extra value that increased living area can drive when properties are resold.”
The firm has already delivered several domestic contracts in York and Harrogate.
It currently has five projects underway and is in the planning consent stages of loft conversion work for a number of other clients across Yorkshire.
Mr Roach said: “We have some exciting plans for 2014, with new services planned and we will be expanding further in the first half of the year, building on the early progress we have made.”
For further information go to loftcreations.co.uk
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