Loft conversion contract example and payment schedule
A loft conversion changes your roof, structure and access through an existing home. This example shows how to describe the work, separate responsibilities and connect payments with identifiable progress.
Worked example only. These are fictional project details and amounts, not market rates or a completed agreement to sign. Adapt the scope and stages to the actual project, programme, cash flow and chosen contract.
Example contract arrangements
Project: Rear dormer loft conversion with a new staircase, one bedroom and an en-suite, to the agreed drawings and specification. The example contract sum includes the specified builder-supplied work and any applicable VAT; it is not a guide to the market price of a loft.
Work documents: List every architectural and structural drawing by number, revision and date, together with the specification and accepted quotation. Resolve differences before signing.
Design and responsibilities: Name the architect and structural engineer and record which design, approvals and inspections each appointment covers. Any design undertaken by the builder must be identified expressly.
Roof and occupied home: Agree scaffold, temporary weather protection, protection of the existing rooms, access, welfare, security and how the staircase opening will be managed. Record who pays for any temporary accommodation.
Inclusions and exclusions: Define the bathroom fittings, electrical points, doors, finishes and making good. State whether decoration, floor coverings and homeowner-supplied fittings are included or excluded.
Programme and changes: Record the start arrangements and programme. Keep a written change register showing the instruction, price and time effect; follow the chosen contract when agreeing variations.
View an official contract sample
View JCT’s official Home Owner contract sample page (PDF). This shows the work-details section only; obtain the complete appropriate contract separately. Publisher copyright remains with JCT.
For a small domestic project in England or Wales, JCT offers Home Owner forms with different arrangements for direct homeowner management and appointed contract administration. Review the responsibilities as well as the project label; this example does not select a form for your particular loft. Read the publisher’s guidance.
Worked payment schedule — £80,000
The amounts below add up to £80,000. They illustrate a structure, not recommended percentages. Define exactly what each stage includes and how the amount is assessed and becomes due.
Named pre-start procurement — £8,000
Agreed scaffold, steel or other identified orders; supplier details, delivery dates and ownership/insurance arrangements recorded.
Paid to date: £8,000.Structural floor and dormer frame — £16,000
The listed structural work and required specialist checks are evidenced; covered-up work is documented.
Paid to date: £24,000.Roof and dormer weather-tight — £16,000
The agreed roof covering, flashings, windows and weatherproofing scope is complete and evidenced.
Paid to date: £40,000.First-fix services and staircase — £12,000
The specified service routes, staircase and related first-fix scope are checked against the documents.
Paid to date: £52,000.Insulation, linings and plastering — £12,000
The listed insulation and lining work has been recorded before covering, with agreed plastering complete.
Paid to date: £64,000.Second fix, fittings and testing — £12,000
The specified joinery, sanitaryware, electrical/plumbing second fix and testing records are available.
Paid to date: £76,000.Agreed completion and handover — £4,000
Completion is assessed under the contract; outstanding items, certificates, handover information and the final account are addressed.
Paid to date: £80,000.
Before using a schedule like this
Match every amount to the actual programme, procurement needs and value of the agreed work. A pre-start payment needs a named purpose and evidence; it is not automatically a safe deposit. Record invoice dates, payment terms, how progress is assessed and any final-balance or retention arrangements in the chosen contract.
Use the contract’s process for payment, variations, delays and disputed items. An inspection date or a photograph alone does not settle everything payable. Legal terms and remedies need advice on the actual agreement and applicable jurisdiction.
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