Dormer Construction ~ Loft Conversion #2

🛒 Indestructible Shoes -20% Code 'DYLAG55' : bit.ly/2CYyCjn
🛒 Tajima PZB-400 Plumb-Rite Plumb Bob Setter : amzn.to/30TO0pp
🛒 Roofus Angle Measuring Squares : roofus.tools
Our thanks go to James King for letting Roger film this loft conversion series. The Supreme Finishing Company can be contacted by following the link below.
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[@robandamyp]

I'm a plasterer for some reason watching joinery is great watching people plaster is painful great vid pal keep them coming

[@darrendrew8224]

It's nice to see what my son in law is doing, a quality job keep going Ian.😉

[@robmaule4951]

Absolute craftsmen. Thanks for filming and putt it together roger and Dylan

[@Roger-Bisby1]

Thank you Rob. We hope it gets more views. It takes a lot of time to film and edit these projects and we are not sure how much longer we can do it based on the current numbers.

[@robmaule4951]

Roger Bisby Roger I would be really disappointed if you couldn’t keep producing the films. They are absolutely fantastic and have taught me so much. I’m not a tradesman, and these videos have brought my skill set on so far. I moved into a house built in 1886 this year and no job is simple. There’s a number of projects that I’d be a little lost without skill builder. I’m not sure if there is anything I can do to help you guys but if I can I will. Yo do a fantastic job and I know I speak for thousands of people who greatly appreciate what you guys do. Rob

[@Roger-Bisby1]

@@robmaule4951 Thanks Rob. We are looking at getting more sponsorship and will keep going if we can. The best way to help us is to watch more of our videos and then like and share them.

[@robmaule4951]

Roger Bisby I think I’ve watched and liked them all! 😊 I’ll start sharing the links on my social media too.

[@ryanflynn8727]

Had a pair of those Indestructible Shoes, absolutely destroyed them after one house refurb haha, completely fell apart. Anyway really enjoying this series perfect timing as I'm about to take on a loft conversion for the first time.

[@jimgeelan5949]

Real life,down to earth, as it happens, get over it and it gets done, well done everyone amazing 👍I’ve used that plum bob for years

[@jakebonner7855]

Been roofing /building 30 years mate I don't understand why people are saying that your front roof won't work.They obviously haven't a clue because a bit thinking and you can make most things work.I really enjoy your videos and don't take any notice of the begruders 👍

[@piyushpatel1115]

Hi Jake just had query I have a mid terrace house Roof height as you measure is 2.14m. I have asked 3 architect one of them said roof conversations not possible due to height I believe. 2nd one said I have to lower first floor ceiling to get some space. 3rd one said you can do it and achieve the reasonable 2.0m height minimum. 2 houses in my street similar terrace house have done it. What is your opinion? Is it possible with dormer?

[@gareththomas6426]

Evening gents, could you possibly make a video on a few of the basics like how to lay 8x2 t&g floor boards and build a stud wall with correct spacings and nogging heights etc? Love your channel and all your content, it’s a really interesting watch 👍🏼👍🏼

[@Rolly_the_camper]

If it’s not Robin Clevett then I don’t want to no. Jokes!! Cracking work guys 👊🏽

[@timphillips1787]

5u87m5n

[@gdfggggg]

To tighten up those timber connectors you really need an Impact wrench. Use the big square washers either side of the bolt.

[@jag251080]

I do this all day then come home and watch it how sad am I 🤣

[@chriscoulson7684]

jag251080 me too, I’m a chippy, I love doing a good job and am pretty clued up, but the Key is too keep learning and confirm the methods you use are correct. People think if you watch these, then You can’t be a good builder/chippy but it’s actually the opposite. Your keen to perfect your craft. Can’t ask for more than that from a tradesman

[@Solidsnake0208]

Same mate! 😂

[@tobybeswick36]

same here, you never stop learning! in this 13 minute video there may be a few tips that could better your work. I've learnt alot more off youtube than i have 3 years bench joinery in college

[@Toyotaamazon80series]

@@Jim_Newlands That's because she's a woman.

[@Frieslick]

Same lol

[@jasonantigua6825]

There will always be the people that say,you can’t do it this or that way! They probably have no experience at all!!! Great upload guys.

[@superseven220]

Yes they're usually the ones that talk a good job but produce absolute junk

[@jasonantigua6825]

Peter Gillam Absolutely

[@dougsaunders8109]

No such thing as a perfect tool. Plenty of complete tools. Most start buy saying ‘you can’t do it like that’ Great series

[@ronniewilson6597]

The people who own that House must be the luckiest people. Imagine having work done on your house and those guys turn up. There must be a God you would think 😀👍

[@thetessellater9163]

No mate, there is no god, its just people's self-delusion !

[@deanchapple1]

Yes there is a God.

[@Solidsnake0208]

Was trying to track down these comments about the building the purlin/Ashlar wall on the steel not working but couldn’t find them! I’m a qualified civil structural engineer that owns and runs a specialist loft conversion company and I can hands down say it’s the best way of doing it.

[@superseven220]

I thought it was common practice, it's how I did mine and the design and steels were sized and calculations done by a structural engineer with many years experience

[@Roger-Bisby1]

I think those comments were a while ago on the very first video with James giving me a walk around in the loft. It is baffling for sure that anyone thinks it is wrong.

[@CJones-dw1zo]

Hope you guys are going to leave somewhere for those swifts that can be heard in the background to nest next year... good to watch conscientious and diligent trades men at work, a credit to your profession. 👍

[@borodinskyful]

Spot on re the plumb line. The issue with spirit levels is most have low sensitivity; typically 10mm / m. Typically they are advertised as having a build tolerance of 0.5mm /m but the senstivity is the key bit which often isn't even mentioned. To fit a door lining bang on I use one with a sensitivty of 1 mm / m. Makes the job much much easier (pricy though).

[@jag251080]

borodinskyful yes love the idea and the accuracy but I couldn’t personally see myself waiting for it to stop swinging especially during a build where nothing’s truly solid yet and even someone walking past could set it of swinging again 🤔

[@Roger-Bisby1]

@@jag251080 It is heavy and hangs still very quickly but yes it is an issue

[@ciaranduffy7259]

Great job guys looking forward to the next episode.

[@superseven220]

Quality workmanship!

[@tomheal2095]

This is fantastic to watch

[@jimbrown8399]

Those Plumb Bobs are really good as is the speed Square.

[@ericbstudios9807]

Looking great! Is there a video showing how the scaffolding went up? That is an amazing setup

[@tobybeswick36]

great videos! The front perlin supported off the steel with 4x2 is more than strong enough.. I've been involved in building 2 conversions done exactly like this and both were passed by inspectors. Also pretty neat idea to keep old roofing joists in so you don't have to mess around with facias

[@LondonSoundSystem]

Is the argument centred around direct and deflected loading, wind especially because that makes sense.

[@judegraham463]

great video Roger. Thanks.

[@wonkeyleggs]

With those timber connectors I have two 100mm x 100mm x 10mm steel plates with 12 mm holes in the middle use those either side of the timber with some threaded bar whizz it up with an impact drill then take it off and put in your bolt

[@janeweedon6335]

Hubby squeezes the timbers together with big G cramps whilst tightening the bolts - no gaps.

[@jag251080]

all you good tradesman out there a question for you ? I’m a carpenter I’ve done it since leaving school so 20yrs and I love it . My question is how many apprentices have you seen make it and become good tradesman I’ve seen 2 in 20yrs so far ????

[@jimichip]

Been at it about same time as you and I can only think of one.

[@chekymonkey4452]

looking good men keep up the good work

[@davekendrick7231]

Looking good

[@godbluffvdgg]

We call them Additions here; to us a dormer is a small gable in the middle of a gable hip...We put windows in them...When we take off two sides like that one it's a second story addition. Looks like it will be a well crafted project!

[@janeblogs324]

I came here just to find out wtf a former is

[@thetessellater9163]

@@janeblogs324 - might be a bit like a dormer !

[@SteveAndAlexBuild]

What a top team , that fancy tent must have set you back a few quid but worth its weight in gold ! Love watching craftsmanship on show here superb 👌🏼. Hey Roger I’m a 9 and alex is a 10 .. Steelies never last long on brickies 😉🧱👍🏼

[@andybell9245]

Bricklaying With Steve and Alex yes because you drop mortar on them 🤔😂

[@SteveAndAlexBuild]

Andy Bell 🙄 Yep 😂👍🏽🧱

[@andybell9245]

This is banter or would be In my day you have to be so pc now 🧐😒☹️🙁😊

[@SteveAndAlexBuild]

Andy Bell 😂🧱👍🏽

[@jasonantigua6825]

Great upload Richard

[@garethheathcote4988]

@jason Antigua I keep seeing you commenting on skill builder videos calling someone Richard,there's a bloke called robin and a bloke called roger, who are you referring to mate? Is there somebody called Richard editing or something lol.

[@jasonantigua6825]

Mindyourown Business I don’t know the editors name!!!

[@eddienolan7129]

Novice question for you: I know those joist hangers are tried and tested/trusted, but can I ask why they would be used in this case, instead of hanging the joists inside the beam's web. Would it be because each joist would need to be tapped in from a diagonal position (each end of joist sitting in web of both steel beams)..and the fact that a length of timber will be slightly "longer" when tapped in from a diagonal position instead of perpendicular (to rsj) ?

[@FiscalWoofer]

At 12:17 while admiring the new shoes, I noticed the long leg joist hangers nailed over to the opposite side of the timber filled steel beam. Is this as it would only hold on the vertical otherwise? Or did someone just make a massive order of long legs? I'm building a similar detail now so any help would be most welcome! Super channel guys! That site looked so fun!

[@garychue7343]

LABC often require internal doors to be changed to fire doors on loft conversions. There are no videos on KZbin showing how this is done - can you use the existing door frames etc.? Would be interesting to see this done.

[@jimichip]

This is usually the case, however, in this property (and some others we’ve worked on in the past) they want to keep all of the existing doors as they are the original ones from when the house was built. We’ve discovered a company that produce an intumescent paint system that also comes in a clear varnish that will achieve more than 30mins of fire protection.

[@johncunningham5799]

Nice job

[@Morning_Rays]

@1:14 why use Rufus square to place the piece of ply in between two timber lengths at certain angle? What’s the need for placing these ply piece in between when joining two timber lengths? Is it to increase the width? Thanks

[@SkillBuilder]

The ply are spacers to bring the timbers out so they are flush with the plate. The Rufus was just to square them up.

[@amazing451]

Agrre about plumb bob use them myself many a times. Far better than lasers. Like to know if you intend to fix timber to top of floor joists as can't understand how you are going to lay flooring over steel.

[@SkillBuilder]

Kevin Yes there is a build up piece to go on those joists to bring them to the required height.

[@mcallister8893]

Quality tradesmen

[@jonathanlee5388]

What nail gun do you used to joist hangers please ?

[@jimichip]

Hi Jonathan, it’s a bostitch strap shot. An air nailer specifically for nailing hangers and the like.

[@TheStevenWhiting]

How much luxury must that be working on a roof but with a cover on protecting from the rain.

[@SkillBuilder]

yes it makes a huge difference and is now quite common in London and the Sout East.

[@TheStevenWhiting]

@@SkillBuilder Was an episode of Time Team where they did the same, was a special but it was the Heritage Fund restoring an old building.

[@ChickenDinnerz]

Great series. One little suggestion is when you put links for products to buy, maybe link to shops that are in the trade. Linking to Amazon just takes trade away from the smaller businesses that can actually provide advice and customer service as well. I know you get a bit of kickback from Amazon but I'm sure you could get a deal with some other traders. Otherwise pretty soon Amazon will be the only shop that exists.

[@SkillBuilder]

It's a good point, I know lots of people dislike Amazon's dominance and we'd love the small businesses to thrive. The reality is that Amazon make it really easy to generate affiliate income and I don't know any other online stores with this approach. Robin set up an affiliate deal with someone and got no commission payments, he thought it was suspicious and bought the product only to discover they were not passing the money on to him. If anyone knows a good supplier with an honest affiliate scheme we'd welcome it, because this channel pays the creators very little at the moment and something has to change.

[@benrichards1]

Nice work as always. Quick question. Can those timber connectors that you impacted in to join the timber, be used instead of m12 bolts?.

[@SkillBuilder]

Yes you can! if your building inspector is o,k with them. We use them instead of bolts because it is a better job because it prevents cupping at the timbers dry out.

[@80Urfi]

I need a builder for a loft conversion. If you guys are based in the Surrey/Sussex area would love to talk to you about it.

[@robthesamplist]

"loft con" HAHAHAHA.... I literally clicked on it thinking you were at "loft con" convention 2020 doing a mock up of a dormer window.

[@rodgerq]

That would be the only convention on the go this year lol

[@petersmrek7617]

Oh those engineers 🫣🫣

[@tkbbuildingcontractors]

No Padstones under steels?

[@jimichip]

Steel spreader plates on this one. So much easier than padstones.

[@deanchapple1]

How long did it take to build the main wood structure in the video? (Dorma window).

[@SkillBuilder]

1 day t obuild the dormer and get the lid on it.

[@deanchapple1]

Nice! I am doing my own loft conversion. Your video couldn’t have come along at a better time! You boys are great! Keep it up. 😁👍🏼

[@jimbow2310]

What nails are you using in the nailer to secure the joist hangers

[@jimichip]

Hi Jim, it’s a Bostitch strap shot positive placement nailer. It’s such a good time saving tool and pays for itself over and over.

[@jimbow2310]

@@jimichip Thank for the info James. Do you go to the timber yard to select your rafters to get the straight ones?

[@jimichip]

Jim Bow I do if I can collect it and have time as most stuff nowadays is terrible.

[@jimbology74]

Nice

[@warrenwebb2105]

What did u use for the structural walls of the dormer 50x95 or 50X125 studs Great videos

[@SkillBuilder]

100 x 50 or 2 x 4

[@fireblaster9961]

You guys don’t muck about, still need to treat myself to one of them custom levels “what sort of length have you got on that”

[@jimichip]

Thanks mate. The long level is 1800mm but I think they do a 1950mm or longer. Check out their website superiorlevel.co.uk/

[@disklamer]

1:18 I've never seen anyone ripcutting sideways with your hand backwards on the saw. Surpisingly it even seems to work.

[@SkillBuilder]

It is done all the time on site. You do what works, there is no book.

[@db7610]

@@SkillBuilder there is no spoon

[@audiorackcompany4468]

Quality

[@stoveguy2133]

Dang, homeowners must really like house. What’s crew cost each day?

[@andrewdraper8336]

Crew cost may be high but gets done right first time and on time so cheaper in the long run

[@shaunhennessy603]

It's much more fun doing it without the full scaffold wrap.... In the wind and rain lol !

[@wooge3199]

Yes......no ....it's not....dipshit

[@thetessellater9163]

Just one heavy downpour to ruin a house!

[@andybell9245]

Is this how to work down south 🤔😂

[@baldandnorthern6800]

There is a reason why twist nails exist, framing are not allowed according to structural regulations,replace with twist nails, I look forward to your response!

[@SkillBuilder]

Which country are you in? There is no such requirement in the U.K

[@jackpartridge7891]

General question: how much is it to put that scaffolding up?

[@leerolfe5332]

Very vague but a top hat scaffold is anything from 2k to 4k. Depending on spec and location.

[@ABB-bw6tc]

Like it love it

[@superiorbeing95]

7:45 The size of the pivot point is irrelevant for accuracy, it's the size of the Speedsquare

[@SkillBuilder]

Superior Being The point that some people were making on another video was that the surface area (length) of the Rufus where it sits against the beam is too short to be accurate. They say that if there is a slight dip or bump on the timber the angle will be thrown out and result in an inaccurate birdsmouth. James was poining out that if you take a Speedsquare (even a 12 inch one) the pivot point is tiny so if you placed it on a dip or bump you would get the same problem. The Rufus has a longer bearing point since the pivot is within the body of the tool. He used the Rufus in a number of places around the build and it produced the same conistent result which he then checked with another tool.

[@superiorbeing95]

@@SkillBuilder I get all that but in both cases it's the length of the tool that alters its accuracy, basic geometry. I think it's always going to work within the tolerances required anyway, great video, you struck gold with these guys, they're Bisbyesque!

[@daveday11]

Sorry skill builder, a bump or dip on the back of a rafter is irrelevant when using a speed square. It's just a pivot point for the plumb or seat cut.

[@coops6621]

Why the double up for below the window cill?

[@thetessellater9163]

Probably because that's what the structural engineer specified ? Essential to use these guys, avoids the risk falling on you !

[@Roger-Bisby1]

standard practice. Mostly to prevent stud work bowing outwards but just a bit more solid. It is only wood and that grows on trees.

[@malifaux2481]

How do you deal with a neighbour who's building a dormer themselves, had the planning permission but now appears to be going over the boundary line? Waiting to see what building control say guess thats all you can do.

[@SkillBuilder]

I would not worry about the boundary line if all he is doing is putting an overhang to keep the weather off the wall. It is fairly common to do this kind of thing and, if you build a dormer next to his you have a wall to join to

[@malifaux2481]

@@SkillBuilder The issue is once the tiles are on the whole wall will be over the boundary line. Not to mention that he's put a joist 8" into the 9" party wall (you're only allowed to chip in 4") and never issued a party wall notice.

[@garethheathcote4988]

@james king sod the idiots that tell you via KZbin comments that your doing it wrong,your the tradesmen on the job following engineers specifications and building control,what do the com mentors know lol. I've even seen your mitre saw stand criticised I. These comments,I use the same one myself but with the twelve inch flex volt. Nice job and thanks for another great video from you,roger and the skill builder team. What do I have to do to get my hands on a skill builder polo shirt please?

[@jimichip]

Thanks mate, I’m trying to get one of those polo shirts myself! 😂

[@express375]

More timelapse please :)

[@Dan-tj7ft]

Most rc walls and columns are plumbed by using a plumb bob, Gravity can’t be wrong.

[@jimbology74]

Poop

[@jimbology74]

Ebd

[@wormwood6424]

I have a grade 2 listed terraced property in Wales.I want to make a basic loft space with sky light. Under what heading of the planning permission do I choose for my application?

[@adgeebike9173]

Best bet is to check out the local council website.

[@wormwood6424]

@@adgeebike9173 yes. They do have restrictions but the neighbours property plans were passed and they practically rebuilt their entire home. So not sure exactly how things work lol.

[@CJ-mj9bo]

We use lasers for door linings, keeps your hands free👍🏻

[@Solidsnake0208]

Me too! Works perfect!

[@jimichip]

We do too, they’re great for door linings but sometimes (especially when outside) we go with the plumb bob.

[@jacobporter4623]

I have a laser set up to get me close and I've not problem using them for marking head and sole plates but they're not accurate enough in my personal experience to get you bang on with the door

[@CJ-mj9bo]

Jacob Porter , we tend to get hinge side bang on with laser and set rest of the margins to the door. Although i do check with a level at times👍🏻

[@mazinga5159]

Nice work , how much a loft in that size will cost ?

[@SkillBuilder]

£75,000

[@mazinga5159]

@@SkillBuilder thank you for your reply, is included fitting radiator , lights ,sockets and bathroom in that price ? Many thanks

[@emmatarn4662]

Ians hair still looks good..

[@Roger-Bisby1]

To be fair, yours looks better.

[@brucelangridge6302]

Only trouble with the indestructible boots "no ankle protection"

[@SkillBuilder]

yes and the fact that they aren't indestructable

[@robnicholas1811]

How are you getting over that middle steel? Crossing those joists with more timbers?

[@martinspencer9950]

Should have set hangers slightly higher 😉

[@jimichip]

We will be adding an additional 2x1 to get over the steel. We didn’t want to raise the hangers as it would’ve meant cutting them which would compromise their strength. Ideally we would have used 8x2 instead of 7x2. We ordered 7x2 as it was on the spec and we ordered the specified long leg hangers but the two just didn’t work together with that steel hence the height difference.

[@adreenryan2901]

I would have cut them into steel beam then strengthen them with noggings

[@jimichip]

Adreen Ryan we do that often but on this project the engineer asked for it this way so that’s what we do.

[@leerolfe5332]

Cracking build. Take no notice of the knobber know it alls!

[@jimbow2310]

How much was the full wrap scaffolding?

[@chriscoulson7684]

Jim Bow looking at 4-5k for that size. I did a loft conversion last year and it was a similar size. Well worth the money and also it saves so much time that it pays for itself. We had a proper staircase installed aswell so no ladders

[@garethheathcote4988]

@christian coulson you wouldn't go to these lengths of properly and professionally converting the loft if you were going to install some ladders for your access. This is a full on dormer loft conversion done to local council building specifications. You wouldn't be able to class it as a room without a proper staircase and fire doors.

[@jacobporter4623]

@@garethheathcote4988 I think he means site staircase to access the scaffolding

[@chriscoulson7684]

Mindyourown Business I was referring to the scaffold 😂

[@chriscoulson7684]

Jacob Porter 😂😂

[@JC-un4bg]

Welding will kill those boots haha the laces will be the first to go it kills all Boots though

[@JACKATTACKED]

👍

[@eointoland2267]

Hi

[@Solidsnake0208]

Any loft converter that works without one of those dewalt saw tables... isn’t a loft converter!

[@garethheathcote4988]

The mitre saw stand? I use the same myself and I've done a fair few loft conversions. What brand are you a fan boy for m8 lol?

[@Solidsnake0208]

Mindyourown Business for the mitre saw table? DeWalt obviously!

[@thetessellater9163]

Now there's a dumb remark ! Skillfull builders don't need vanity kit ! Bit like the carpenter who spends an hour just getting all his multifarious tools out the van, while the proper chippies just get on with the work !

[@Solidsnake0208]

the tessellater 😂 calm down mate, have a sense of humour! It was meant in jest, but at the same time I have three teams who work for me, all of them use one, as does every other respectable loft converter I know. Unlike a general carpenter who are going somewhere different every day, we set up in the roof and we’re there for roughly 2 weeks on the first fix, so getting it out the van is the least of our worries.

[@johnfithian-franks8276]

Have you never heard of laser levels?

[@thetessellater9163]

Yeah, they're great indoors, aren't they.

[@Roger-Bisby1]

Can you not see them being used all over this build?

[@paulmcgeoch2603]

What size feet you take? 😂😂😂

[@thetessellater9163]

Same as me shoes...

[@Roger-Bisby1]

I was wondering when someone would pick up on that error.

[@adriancarey7848]

Why slivers of wood between dormer header 6x2s; anyone?

[@andrewplatt]

So the header is flush with both faces of the stud

[@ivandanielsam]

Packers so the inside and outside face are flush with the rest of the timbers.

[@hughodaly7304]

I think to make the 6x2 flush with the 4x2 on both sides

[@coops6621]

Adrian Carey to make overall thickness of the two joists plus packers the same as studs under

[@robnicholas1811]

Probably to make it 95mm instead of 2x45mm as he has a 4x2 plate underneath?

[@MrDavidAMason]

Must have mega money in for the job. Progress seems slow

[@RobNorman08]

Here we go KZbin loft conversion expert in the house...........

[@Roger-Bisby1]

Hi David We are not releasing these as they happen. It takes time to film, edit and scedule. We are really surprised when viewers think it is a live stream.

[@cindygirlification]

It’s an amazing waste of manpower and materials doing major renovations to old buildings when you can just build new 🙄

[@chinbad]

ted 88 This is London mate, the only way is up😂

[@thetessellater9163]

Sounds like America - land of the wasteful ! Not many new build single house sites near where you already live, means its much less wasteful than new build!

[@entirecosmos4335]

Music is so depressing

[@badnbourgeoisie6480]

Don't want to be the fun sponge here, but please wear hard hats when there's all that scaffolding above you

[@Jackdaly2000]

Why

[@jimjam1934]

Why, whats gonna fall on them???

[@badnbourgeoisie6480]

@@Jackdaly2000 the sky m8, are you simple?

[@badnbourgeoisie6480]

@@jimjam1934 nah nothing, never in history has scaffolding collapsed, you're right here 👌🏻👍🏻👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻

[@RobNorman08]

@@badnbourgeoisie6480 Cos a hard hat is gonna do wonders when scaffolding collapses... plank..