Loft Conversion & Home Renovation Frequently Asked Questions

A house extension of any kind is enormously exciting, but we understand that it can also be an anxious process, not least because of the large sums of money involved to realise your dreams. So it’s absolutely vital you research the local loft conversion market. You’ll find plenty of builders advertising themselves as loft conversion companies, but you need to be completely confident in the loft conversion company you decide to work with on this most important of projects.

A successful and unblemished track record is rarer than you might think among loft conversion companies in London and near me. We’re proud to stand apart from the competition. Our long standing in London loft conversion marketplace, and the numerous testimonials and referred business we receive provide invaluable reassurance of our commitment to quality and the improvement of our clients’ homes.

Step by step to your loft conversion.

We’ll confirm a convenient day or evening time for our loft conversion specialists to visit you in your home. The home visit allows us to discuss your needs in as much depth as you would like and to carry out a survey of the loft space and assess potential loft conversion design ideas. Hopefully you’ll have looked at some of the many loft conversion examples in our portfolio already, and perhaps have your own wish-list of ideas already. Depending of course on the size of your attic space, our visit should take no longer than half an hour.

From our discussions and the loft inspection, our loft conversion specialists produce detailed quotation within a week. We can provide this by email or by post if you prefer.
If you decide you’d like to appoint us as your preferred loft conversion company, we ask for an initial deposit of just 5% of the quoted loft conversion cost. This allows us to instruct our architect to visit your home, discuss your loft conversion ideas and produce detailed architectural plans within a few weeks. The deposit also allows us to schedule an approximate start date and build time. We’ll then contact you a week or a month before two dates: the erection of scaffolding and a confirmed start date shortly after. This way, the start date means the start of the loft conversion itself.

Our craftsmanship and care are our reputation and our future, and we leave nothing to chance. Our workforce comprises long-standing employees and partners for all construction, electrics, plumbing and exterior roofing work, all overseen on-site by the project manager. There’ll never be an unfamiliar face working on your attic conversion; even our plasterers (the only trade we subcontract) are people we’ve worked closely with for many years.

Converting a loft in the UK typically involves adhering to Building Regulations. These standards ensure that the loft conversion is safe, structurally sound, and meets certain energy efficiency requirements. Here are some key considerations and standards commonly applied:

Building Regulations: Loft conversions in the UK are subject to building regulations, which cover aspects such as structural integrity, fire safety, insulation, ventilation, electrical and plumbing work, and accessibility. These regulations are enforced by local building control officers.

Structural Stability: The existing structure of the building must be assessed to ensure it can support the additional weight of the loft conversion. This includes the floor joists, roof structure, and foundations.

Fire Safety: Loft conversions must comply with fire safety standards to ensure occupants have a safe means of escape in the event of a fire. This typically involves installing fire-resistant doors, smoke alarms, and sometimes sprinkler systems, depending on the size and layout of the conversion.Please refer to Fire Safety Approved Document B

Insulation: Adequate insulation is essential to ensure the loft space is energy efficient and meets current building regulations. This includes insulation in the roof, walls, and floors to prevent heat loss and maintain a comfortable living environment. Please refer to Part L Building Regulations.

Ventilation: Proper ventilation is important to prevent issues such as condensation and mold growth. Ventilation requirements vary depending on factors such as the size of the loft space and the number of occupants.

Electrical and Plumbing: Any electrical or plumbing work carried out as part of the loft conversion must comply with relevant building regulations and be carried out by qualified professionals. See Part P for Electrical Installations and See Part G for Sanitation, hot water and water

Accessibility: If the loft is intended to be used as a habitable space, it must be accessible via a suitable staircase that meets building regulations in terms of width, height, and gradient. Please refer to Approved Documant K.

Party Wall Act: If the loft conversion involves work on a party wall (a wall shared with a neighbouring property), the Party Wall Act 1996 may apply, requiring you to notify adjoining property owners and obtain their consent for certain types of work.

Planning Permission: In some cases, loft conversions may require planning permission from the local planning authority, particularly if the conversion alters the exterior of the property or if it falls within a designated conservation area.

By working closely with Home Renovation London, you can ensure that your loft conversion project is completed to the highest standards of quality and compliance with all relevant regulations.

Ceiling height requirements: For a loft conversion to be a viable option, and for it to pass building regulations, your ceiling height will need to be 2.2 meters from the floor joist to the highest point. This means there is still enough ceiling height (around 1.9-2.0m) once the roof has been insulated and the floor built up. If you find there is not enough ceiling space, it might be possible to come up with a solution to increase the ceiling height. However, if you live in a conservation area it is unlikely you will get planning permission to alter the roof.

Access and stairs: Staircases are a vital part of a loft conversion, not just for access but for building regulations too. There must be at least 1.9m of headroom for the stairs and the maximum pitch is 42 degrees. There is no minimum width. Simply Loft will be able to discuss staircase options with you and can match your existing staircases or create a new design entirely.

Loft conversion in a flat: It is possible in some cases to add a loft extension to a flat. To do this you will need to own the freehold for the flat as well as the loft space. It is also highly likely you will need to have a party wall agreement with any flats below and to the side of you. Take a look at how we transformed this top floor mansion block flat with a loft conversion.

There are three main things to consider when planning a loft conversion: the amount of clear head room, whether the existing floor will require strengthening, and whether the existing roof insulation will need upgrading.
Depending on the pitch of your existing roof, you may be restricted on the amount of usable floor space you have in the loft due to head height. You can increase the usable space by adding a roof dormer or changing the shape of your roof.
The existing loft floor will most likely only be designed for storage; therefore most loft conversions require new floor joists to strength the floor. The existing roof may not have any insulation (most loft spaces have Rockwool insulation at loft floor level). The existing roof will therefore need to be upgraded with insulation.

Roof sections

There are several types of roof style and shape that you may wish to consider:

Pitched-roof dormer: Pitched roof dormers can be used to increase the usable space within a single room in a loft conversion.

Flat-roof dormer: Flat roof dormers are a better choice for maximising usable space. They can be stretched along the full length of a roof. There are many options for the external finish of the dormer walls; these include vertically hung tiles and timber cladding.

Hip-to-gable roof conversion: A hip-to-gable roof conversion can provide more usable floor space for a loft conversion. The existing roof ‘hip’ is extended into a ‘gable’. This conversion also provides a better roof shape to build a dormer, further increasing the usable floor space in the loft.

extended into a ‘gable’. This conversion also provides a better roof shape to build a dormer, further increasing the usable floor space in the loft. Loft Convirsion in London Company will be able to advise upon which is the most suitable for your particular loft. At the same time, we will work with your budget, taking into account how the room is configured, where the windows are placed and the current energy efficiency.

Getting the design right

Don’t try and make your loft something it isn’t. Take advantage of its shape, nooks and crannies and go with the flow. We will do this naturally, maybe suggesting two smaller rooms rather than one large one. If beams are retained, showing off the natural wood can become a design feature. Think about the layout, particularly if you are including a bathroom.
Placing the stairs is also crucial to the design in order to maximise space, as is putting the door at the top or the bottom. Our loft conversion specialists in london will be able to produce drawings that can be given to builders in order for them to place tenders. If a structural design is required, this can be discussed during the initial stages.

Maximise the light

Going with lighter colours internally will maximise the light and space. The size and position of your windows is also a crucial part of the loft conversion design. If you want to end up with a light room, the glazing should account for about 20% of the roof area.
Where the windows are placed will depend upon the shape of the loft. If it is long and narrow, windows may be spaced along its length. A smaller deeper room may just need one larger window. Windows can be top-hung or come with a centre-pivot. If out of reach, rods or electronic controls can be used to operate them.

Shower or bathroom

The dimensions may be unusual and the overhead beams bulky, but you may still be able to include a bathroom or shower in your loft conversion in London. Baths don’t need a minimum amount of headroom and a free-standing bath can look incredible.
Showers will need more headroom so we will advise on which to go for. Extractor fans may be required if the windows don’t give sufficient ventilation. Think of using opaque glass panels to a divide bathroom from bedroom/other space.

Add plenty of storage

With all of that eaves space to play with, there should be no shortage of storage space. Talk to us about building shelves, recesses or cupboards into the eaves. Not only does this look good but it is a super way of making use of otherwise under-utilised space. This can be done in the bathroom also, adding storage for towels, toiletries and cosmetic items.
We will not see the eaves space as a problem but instead we will embrace those odd shapes, using them to his benefit when laying out the plans. Where the roof slants, custom-made cupboards can be built in, not only providing innovative storage but maximising the whole of the space.

Loft conversions and extensions are two different things. A loft conversion turns an attic into living space, while an extension adds new rooms to the outside of a building. The best option for you depends on your needs, budget, and the size and layout of your home.

Adding the extra weight of a loft conversion to an existing home can put extra stress on the foundations. Your home's foundations should be checked before carrying out a loft conversion — to do this, your builder will need to dig a trial hole to expose the foundations. Your building inspector may want to check these also.

If your foundations are deemed not deep enough to support the extra weight, you'll likely require a structural engineer's input. We may suggest structural interventions to spread the load of the weight through structural beams, or else look at underpinning the foundations. Both of these can add a lot to the cost of your project.

As loft conversion experts with several years of experience under our belts, our team is fully qualified to support your protect whatever loft conversions type you have chosen for your home in London.

Much like other loft conversions, hip to gable varieties do come under your permitted development rights. This means you can avoid needing traditional planning permission, and all the subjectivity that comes with it.

However, you should still apply for a lawful development certificate, so you have proof your build was legal at the point of construction. You’ll also need to make sure your hip to gable extension fits with the rules of the scheme.

Design rules your loft conversion will need to follow

A volume allowance of 50 cubic metres additional roof space for detached and semi-detached houses.

Uses similar building materials to the existing house.

The development must not include a window in any wall or roof slope forming a side elevation of the dwelling house.

The roof pitch of the principal part of the dwelling must be the same as the roof pitch of the existing house.

A dormer wall that is set back at least 20cm from the existing wall face.

Has windows that are non-opening if less than 1.7m from the floor level.

Has side windows that are obscured/frosted

A dormer wall that is set back at least 20cm from the existing wall face.

Ideal for end of terrace and detached homes, a hip to gable loft conversion straightens an inwardly slanted end roof to create a vertical wall - thereby changing the hip roof into a gable one. By changing the structure in this way, you add not only extra floor space within the room, but also create more room within the staircase area. This is a great solution for anyone looking at creating more head height in their loft.

A house extension of any kind is enormously exciting, but we understand that it can also be an anxious process, not least because of the large sums of money involved to realise your dreams. So it’s absolutely vital you research the local loft conversion market. You’ll find plenty of builders advertising themselves as loft conversion companies, but you need to be completely confident in the loft conversion company you decide to work with on this most important of projects.

A successful and unblemished track record is rarer than you might think among loft conversion companies in London and near me. We’re proud to stand apart from the competition. Our long standing in London loft conversion marketplace, and the numerous testimonials and referred business we receive provide invaluable reassurance of our commitment to quality and the improvement of our clients’ homes.

Step by step to your loft conversion.

We’ll confirm a convenient day or evening time for our loft conversion specialists to visit you in your home. The home visit allows us to discuss your needs in as much depth as you would like and to carry out a survey of the loft space and assess potential loft conversion design ideas. Hopefully you’ll have looked at some of the many loft conversion examples in our portfolio already, and perhaps have your own wish-list of ideas already. Depending of course on the size of your attic space, our visit should take no longer than half an hour.

From our discussions and the loft inspection, our loft conversion specialists produce detailed quotation within a week. We can provide this by email or by post if you prefer.
If you decide you’d like to appoint us as your preferred loft conversion company, we ask for an initial deposit of just 5% of the quoted loft conversion cost. This allows us to instruct our architect to visit your home, discuss your loft conversion ideas and produce detailed architectural plans within a few weeks. The deposit also allows us to schedule an approximate start date and build time. We’ll then contact you a week or a month before two dates: the erection of scaffolding and a confirmed start date shortly after. This way, the start date means the start of the loft conversion itself.

Our craftsmanship and care are our reputation and our future, and we leave nothing to chance. Our workforce comprises long-standing employees and partners for all construction, electrics, plumbing and exterior roofing work, all overseen on-site by the project manager. There’ll never be an unfamiliar face working on your attic conversion; even our plasterers (the only trade we subcontract) are people we’ve worked closely with for many years.

A Mansard creates ample habitable space. We work with clients to realise an array of living spaces including:

Mansard loft bedroom en suite: If you’re outgrowing your home and craving extra room for yourself, children or guests, a Mansard loft conversion creates space for one or two bedrooms and en suite bathroom.

Due to altering the roof structure to a 72-degree angle it is usual to have to seek planning permission for a Mansard loft conversion. Depending on where you live in London there may also be criteria the conversion needs to meet to ensure it matches the character of neighbouring homes.

We can advise and support you in obtaining any planning permission your conversion might need.

If you are adding a Mansard to a terraced or semi-detached home, it is also likely that work will be required to the party wall you share with your neighbours. Again, we can advise on steps to take to ensure neighbours are informed and agree with the work before your conversion starts leading to a smooth, stress-free build.

Planning permission is not always required as the structure of the roof is not altered in anyway, only the windows are added. However, if you live in a conservation or heritage area or you live in a flat, then planning permission may be required. We can provide you with free advice, help you through the planning process with our Simply architectural team and guarantee that all work meets building regulations.

The major benefits of adding a L shaped loft conversion is that they fall under permitted development rights. These rights do allow you to extend your house without the need of planning permission as long strict planning permission guidelines are followed. We do however recommend lawfulness certificates are obtained from planning meaning that you will hold an official document that your development is legal. Some L shaped loft conversions may require full planning application.

For example, you will not qualify for permitted development if:

The height of your dormer exceeds that of the original roof.

You live in a listed building or conservation area.

Bats live inside your loft. As a protected species, you need a special license to disturb their home.

Your neighbours are affected by your dormer through overlooking or overshadowing.

Your dormer exceeds 40 meters on a terrace house, or 50 meters on a semi-detached house or detached house.

The materials used by your dormer are out of character with the rest of your house.

If your project does falls within the permitted development, it should be made sure that the application to planning is made for Lawful Development Certificate. This will eliminate any legal issues and also helps on future sales of the house.

A Mansard creates ample habitable space. We work with clients to realise an array of living spaces including:

Mansard loft bedroom en suite: If you’re outgrowing your home and craving extra room for yourself, children or guests, a Mansard loft conversion creates space for one or two bedrooms and en suite bathroom.

Whether you want to modernise your small flat, or a complete house redesign renovation, no job is to big or small. We believe in building strong relationships with our clients, to understand your vision and to allow you confidence in your project getting delivered on time, how you want it, and within budget by one of London’s leading professionals.

A professionally refurbished flat in London can increase in value by several times the cost of the refurbishment, particularly for higher value properties. Similarly, rental value increases considerably, particularly if the flat is in a good location.

The cost of renovating a London flat depends on various factors such as the flat's size, condition, and whether it requires any structural work. Other cost factors include adding safety or sound features to comply with building regulations, replacing kitchens and bathrooms, and other large miscellaneous elements that need consideration.

A full London flat flat renovation, which includes modifying the flat layout into a modern and comfortable living space can include fitting a new kitchen and/or bathroom, replacing flooring, installing a new boiler and radiators, re-plastering walls, some basic structural work, replacing a ceiling, and installing new electrics. .

If you are renovating in order to sell your house, then it might be better not to carry out large scale home renovation & refurbishment, as house buyers often like to make the new house 'their own' by redecorating it to match their personalities. So a few coats of white or light grey paint might be all you need to make the property look clean and fresh. If you do not intend to move any time soon, here ar 7 projects that can increase Your house value. 1. kitchen Renovation. 2. Remodeling the attic or basement. 3. Improve energy efficiency. 4. Swimming Pools. 5. Garage Conversions. 6. Loft Conversion. 7. Bathroom Renovation London.

Finding the right person to do your loft conversion can be a challenge; the work is a serious investment and you need to make sure that your home and your money are protected. Loft Conversion in London specialists are ready to help you to make the most of the space that you have. We provide loft conversion services across London and near me. Loft conversion specialists in West London. Air conditioning London Loft conversion specialists in South London. Loft conversion specialists in East London. Loft conversion specialists in North London. We cover Kensington, Chelsea, Mayfair, Knightsbridge, Hammersmith, Fullham, Earl's Court, Battersea, Richmond, Kingston, Ealing, Park Royal, Shepherds Bush, Acton, Finchley, Wembley, Paddington, Maida vale, Kilburn, Swiss Cottage, Edgware, Harrow, Slough, Uxbridge, Hounslow, Hayes, Enfield, Barnet, Camden, Hackney, Westminster, Islington, Greenwich, Newham, Bexley, Bromley, Aylesbury, Guildford, Reading, Watford and Essex.

Whether you’re dreaming of a contemporary kitchen remodel, a classic kitchen refurbishment, or a bespoke kitchen renovation, our designers and builders can bring your vision to life. Our committed team in London offers a comprehensive range of services

Cabinets

Kitchen Renovation London offers a diverse & creative range of kitchen cabinets installation in London. It's easier than ever to transform your space into the kitchen of your dreams, even with a limited budget. From high gloss handleless kitchen units to solid wood kitchen cabinet units, we have you covered.

With over 20 years of expertise in installing kitchens of all sizes, we are aware of the needs and aspirations of our London clients. Kitchen Renovation London is your first choice for managing complex details of your kitchen remodeling project because we use innovative fabrication methods and techniques.

Worktops

There is a range of worktops materials that you can choose from, all with different benefits, looks and finishes. Kitchen Renovation London specialists in the delivery of Quartz Worktops near me, Granite-Worktops, Marble-Worktops, Dekton-Worktops, Porcelain Countertops, Wood-Worktops, Oak-worktops & laminate-Worktops. We have over 20 years’ experience in the industry, providing us with the knowledge and expertise to kitchen worktops London. We offer kitchen worktops that are affordable, heat-resistant, scratch-resistant, stain-resistant, impact-resistant, maintenance-free, anti-bacterial, durable and long-lasting, Easy to clean and they can be moulded into any shape.

Flooring

All specialists at Kitchen Renovation London understand that kitchen renovation and refurbishment, in general, are careful investments made by London homeowners. You can be assured that the materials used are high quality since we have solid partnerships with the most reputable kitchen suppliers in London and beyond. Our flooring professionals are well trained and they all have over 20 years worth of experience handling kitchen floors.

Kitchens are busy spaces. They are a focal point of our homes where cooking, socializing through food and drink, and even work or study takes place. As such, choosing a kitchen floor material that balances style, comfort and function is an integral outcome for Kitchen owners in London. Kitchens are generally wet spaces, therefore it’s also important to make sure your flooring should is durable enough to resist mold or mildew. Both style and practicality are top priority for us at Kitchen Renovation London.

Sinks & Tabs

Upgrade your kitchen with our selection of stylish and durable kitchen sinks designed to enhance both functionality and aesthetics of your kitchen. Our top-quality kitchen taps are designed to elevate your culinary space with style and functionality.

Doors & Accessories

We supply and fit high-quality replacement kitchen doors from popular shaker styles to modern high gloss handleless doors. We use top quality materials and accessories as well as highly qualified, full insured tradesmen to ensure the new kitchen you love, lasts for years. we specialise in providing high-quality replacement kitchen doors that are tailor-made to your exact specifications. Our ability to customise any kitchen door is part of our commitment to helping homeowners bring their kitchen renovation visions to life.