Hi,

(1) How long is a piece of string :-)

(2) Looking at possibly buying a bungalow and converting the loft.
The joists are 2*4 on about 13" spacing ( standard for older style houses
and bungalows) and so would not be up to current building regs.
I assume from reading various threads over the years that the best way to go
would probably be to have steel beams inserted to provide the main load
bearing structure, and then joist and floor over the steel.
[I am aware that there are other options also]
I know neighbours who have been quoted abot £25k for a full loft conversion
of a similar area on a two storey house.
Does any one have a guide to how much the basic structural work (new load
bearing structure plus stairway) is likely to cost to give me an idea of how
much I can save by DIYing the rest?

Yeah, I know (see question re piece of string) but if someone has done a
similar job and has ball park figures it would give me a start before I
begin involving architects, builders and the like.

Even with the lost space due to new floor and extra insulation I reckon I
should be able to fit in two bedrooms and a shower/toilet. This is withoput
a dormer of any kind.

All very tentative at the moment - weighing up potential and future costs in
buying a detached 2 bedroom bungalow compared to buying a 3 bedroom semi.

TIA
Dave R