A guide of the process of hiring a tradesman to install loft vents, including the costs of labour and materials.
Loft vents is a simple solution for ventilation in a loft or attic space. If you have a bedroom, use the loft as a game room, or even if it is used as a storage space, you don’t want it to get musky, smelly, or for mould to develop. Ventilation in the tight space is necessary to prevent these issues from arising.
Although cutting a vent-hole in the ceiling seems simple enough, it might be a little more difficult of an undertaking to install the vent, if you’ve never done this type of project before. Therefore, it is probably best to hire a professional to install the loft vents, leading to the loft area of your home.
Obviously measuring the area to be cut is the first step. Depending on where the vents will be placed, you might need to install 2 or 3 vents, for large attic/loft spaces. Roof tile vents are a great solution. They are installed on the roof and lead the ventilation directly to the space. However, in some homes, you might have to use the interior vent system to provide ventilation to the space.
When installing tiles on the roof, or vent systems inside the home, proper placement is imperative. This guarantees proper air dispersion throughout, and a comfortable room if you use the loft frequently. The type of vents installed will depend on your budget, the age of your home, and the appropriate amount of ventilation required in the space.
This is a common question for most homeowners. If you notice condensation on the windows, if the room feels muggy, or you notice hints of mildew or mould, these are obvious signs it is time to install vents.
In other homes, it might not be so obvious. So, the best way to determine if you do require ventilation is possible to have a survey conducted. This will provide you relevant details of the loft, whether it requires ventilation and any additional work you possibly have to do around the home.
Again, this is a job best left to a professional, rather than a DIY project. When deciding on the vent system, consider all options. Soffit, under fascia vents, roof vents, bathroom, and other available systems. Don’t rule something out, just because it is costly. Find how long they will last, how much more efficient different options are, and how easy they are to maintain. These factors will guide you in choosing the right ventilation system.
Understand the spacing. Some contractors may say you need 4 vents, another might say 10. Make sure you get a few quotes. Honest contractors will tell you what you need, along with what they actually suggest. So, don’t simply look at the price alone when choosing a company to install vents. Consider their experience, honesty, and yes, rely on reviews and ratings, from prior customers, to help guide you in choosing a contractor.
Simple installation job, where airflow is present, and insulation is properly in place, shouldn’t take more than 1-2 days to complete. If however, insulation work is required, exterior vents are being installed, or complex systems are in place, this simple job might turn into a complex, 1-2 week undertaking. Only a home assessment will truly reveal the duration of the project.
In terms of the price you will pay for installation, this will also depend on the type of vents chosen, how many are required, and of course the contractor you hire. Most contractors will charge a flat rate for labour, which can range from £150-£250 per day. Soffit or fascia vents can cost well over £200, while a bathroom vent system might only cost £100.
The best way to ensure you not only choose the right ventilation system, but also find the best pricing when hiring a company to install these systems, is to compare quotes. You also have to consider the aesthetic appeal and resale value. Installing fascia vents is a great upgrade, and might be worth doing if you plan on reselling your home in the near future. So, consider your options, and don’t simply rule out a particular system, based on the cost alone.
We have hundreds of homeowners each day checking the prices on YourJobCost before hiring a tradesperson. That way they've already got a good idea of how much they should be quoted.
Here is a list of commonly asked questions in regards to having loft vents installed.
This is probably the hardest question for a homeowner to answer. Even if a loft feels a bit warm, you might not truly have to install vents. But, in some homes, it is clearly obvious you do need vents. If there is mould, mildew scents, or other murky effects in the room, vents might be necessary. The best way to determine this answer is to call contractors to visit your property and assess the space.
This is a personal choice for homeowners. If you want something simple, fascia or soffit vents are easily hidden, and won’t be a huge eyesore. Roof vents are also a great option, and aren’t visible at all. Of course, these also come with a higher price tag. It is best to get a quote for each vent type, the number of vents being installed, and determine the aesthetics, and how important that is to you, prior to installing the vents.
This also depends on the size of the space, insulation, and possibly how cool you want the loft area to feel. A contractor should provide you with the minimum required, as well as their opinion of what will work best for the space.
This isn’t a simple task. Especially if you run into problems with insulation, or the HVAC system. It is a project which is best completed by a licensed contractor.
A contractor will provide you with their suggestions. Obviously, your budget, and the relevancy of each project being completed should be considered when determining vent installation projects.
