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Loft Conversions

Loft conversions, though time-consuming, need not be overly complex. While a DIY approach is possible with research and patience, hiring a professional ensures both functionality and aesthetics. With their expertise and resources, specialists guarantee the realisation of your vision.

Ready to transform your loft?

If you’re seeking to convert your unused loft into an exquisite bedroom or living area, reach out to us at 07307 474714 or

We are London’s loft Conversions first choice

Hiring a specialist loft conversion contractor can ensure you have both.

Loft conversions can take a few weeks to complete, but they need not be overly complicated. An experienced DIY enthusiast can get the job done with enough research, patience, and time, but the reality is that the end result may be more functional than visually spectacular.

Free consultation with exceptional quality

A Guide To The Different Types Of Loft Conversion

The guide below offers an overview of the types of loft conversion available and their main features.

The type of loft conversion you choose will depend on a number of factors, including the type of property you have, how much extra space you want, you need among others.

Rear Dormer

Providing ample rear space and crafted to harmonise effortlessly with your home’s aesthetic. This style of loft conversion is highly favoured as it typically circumvents the need for planning permission. It involves extending your roof horizontally to accommodate a new bedroom, living area, or entertainment space.

Mansard

This option offers generous new space with sufficient headroom. One side of your roof will undergo reconstruction to provide the additional space for a new bedroom, office, hobby room, or any other desired purpose. This conversion type necessitates planning permission due to structural alterations.

Hip to gable

Similar in design to a rear dormer loft conversion, this option is ideal for end-of-terrace properties. It involves the removal of the hips, or end walls, and their replacement with gable walls to provide ample additional headroom. Typically, this type of conversion does not necessitate planning permission.

Velux Conversions

Quickly and effortlessly brighten your loft with the installation of Velux windows. Planning permission is not needed for this type of conversion, yet it offers ample light and ventilation, transforming your loft into a welcoming and airy space.

L-Shaped Dormer

Ideal for specific home designs, this conversion type is gaining popularity. It offers ample space while maintaining the charm of a sloping roof design. Perfect for adding extra bedrooms, a study, or an en suite, especially in properties with existing extensions, corner plots, or Victorian architecture.

Piggyback Loft

A Piggyback loft conversion involves raising perimeter walls with brickwork, adding a new roof set back from the property’s front elevation. It maximises space without compromising existing living areas, offering versatility, cost-effectiveness, and substantial enhanced value to residential properties.

  Pitched Dormer

A pitched dormer conversion extends the roof vertically, incorporating angled rooflines to create additional loft space. This perfect blend of aesthetics and functionality not only maximises living areas but also substantially boosts property value, making it an attractive investment for homeowners.

Side Dormer

A side dormer conversion involves building a dormer structure on the side of a property, typically to increase loft space and natural light. It offers versatility in usage, accommodating bedrooms, bathrooms, or offices. This conversion adds both functionality and aesthetic appeal to the property.

Why Get A Loft Conversion?

There are lots of reasons why you may be considering a loft conversion. You may want to:

Got A Question?

You can browse through our FAQ pages for answers to our most frequently asked questions or contact us – we are here to answer any questions you may have.

Increase the value of your home

Choosing a loft conversion could enhance your home’s market worth by 10-25%, ensuring a greater return when selling, now or later.

Create more living space

Extensions can be costly and challenging to obtain planning permission for. Loft conversions offer swift additional space.

An additional bathroom

For added privacy, a loft conversion can include a separate bathroom, reducing the morning rush in the house.

Building up instead of out

In densely populated London areas, where having a garden is a luxury, the absence of outdoor space can be remedied by a loft conversion.

More storage

Over time, belongings accumulate even in spacious homes. London’s loft conversions provide secure and convenient storage solutions.

Better insulation

As heat rises, insufficient insulation lets warmth escape. A loft conversion improves insulation, saving on energy costs.

No planning permission needed

Planning permission is often not required for loft extensions and can be completed in just 4 weeks. Opt for convenience.

Creating stunning views

Whether you live in urban or rural settings, few things rival the joy of admiring surroundings from home. Loft conversions enhance views.

Enjoying more natural light

Natural light illuminates your home’s interior, and a loft conversion can enhance its influx, inviting you to enjoy upstairs.

Renting out the loft

With rising rent costs, now is the time to build a loft conversion, transforming it into a rentable studio apartment within a few months.

Fully Certified

We’re registered with Gas Safe and certified by NICEIC. Explore our certifications and insurance coverage for more details.

Our Loft Conversion process

Simplify and enhance your Loft Conversion experience with our streamlined process

Our comprehensive work makes loft conversion simple and stress-free with the following steps:

All our work includes a 10 year guarantee

Call us now for a free no obligation quote for any work you require.

Week 1

We erect scaffolding, use a crane for material positioning, and install flooring and beams.

Week 2

We then construct the main structure of your new loft, gradually shaping its form and layout.

Week 3

The fundamental loft framework will be completed, and we’ll begin constructing the new roof.

Week 4

The roof, along with all exterior tasks such as installing new windows, will be completely finished.

Week 5

We are now ready to connect your new loft with your home. We’ll establish the access point and install the staircase.

Week 6

We shift our focus to the interior, finishing all decorative tasks such as plastering, painting, and wallpapering.

Week 7

During this week, we’ll complete any essential plumbing or electrical tasks required for your loft conversion project.

Week 8

Final touches and a thorough inspection ensure your new loft meets standards before your approval.

Let’s get started on updating your home

If you are looking for an experienced, skilled team for loft  conversion, extension or refurbishment, you’ve come to the right place!

Take the next step by telling us a little about what you are looking for and we’ll be in touch to talk things through and provide a no obligation free quote.

Loft Types

Rear Dormer

A rear dormer loft expansion stands as a top choice across the UK. It involves elevating the existing back slope vertically from the rear of the property. These dormers can either align directly with the property’s back wall or be slightly stepped in to comply with local council regulations. Despite their appearance of flatness and being referred to as flat roofs, the external layer of the roof features a subtle slope to facilitate rainwater drainage into its gutter. The internal ceilings of dormers remain entirely level.


Benefits of a rear dormer conversion

Transforming a confined attic into a luminous, expansive area is achievable through a rear dormer conversion. This newfound space offers versatility, serving as bedrooms, bathrooms, or an inviting office. Incorporating Velux windows on the front roof, opposite the dormer windows, ensures ample natural light floods the room. Additionally, enhancing the dormer’s appeal is feasible by adding French doors to its facade, elevating its charm.


Exterior finish options

The exterior of a rear dormer extension offers various finishing options, including brick, tile, slate, render, or cladding. Tile or slate selections are made on-site to closely match the existing roof. Render finishes are customisable, with skilled plasterers adept at replicating existing designs. Brick options ensure seamless integration with existing brickwork. Additionally, external elements like fascias, soffits, gutters, and windows are meticulously matched to the original finishes, ensuring the dormer seamlessly blends with the original construction.



Will I need planning permission?

If your property benefits from permitted development rights, you can proceed with a Rear Dormer conversion under a Certificate of Lawfulness. This certificate allows work to begin without waiting for formal approval, provided it adheres to council guidelines.

However, without permitted development rights, planning permission is required, and work cannot commence until approval is granted. Upon validation of the planning application by the council, a decision is typically issued within eight weeks.

At Alan Loft Conversions, we determine the necessary permissions and handle the application process on your behalf to ensure the correct approvals are obtained.

Loft Types

Mansard

Named after the 17th-century French architect Francois Mansard, a Mansard loft conversion typically sits at the rear of a property. However, its location may vary depending on the house type and local council regulations. Featuring a flat roof with a gentle slope for drainage, the Mansard’s face slopes back at a distinctive 72-degree angle.


Benefits of a mansard loft conversion

Mansard loft conversions offer an excellent solution for maximising the usable space in your loft or attic. If you’re considering a loft conversion, you likely desire additional rooms such as bedrooms, bathrooms, playrooms, lounges, or offices. A Mansard conversion presents an attractive and functional way to expand your living area.

In specific regions of London and the Home Counties, planning officers often prefer this design over rear dormer conversions.


Exterior finish options

The exterior finish of your Mansard loft conversion can feature brick, tile, or slate. Tiles or slate will be chosen on-site to match your existing roof. If you opt for brick, it will match your current brickwork. Other finishes like fascias, soffits, gutters, and windows will also be matched closely to your existing ones, ensuring your Mansard conversion seamlessly integrates with your property’s original aesthetics.

 

Will I need planning permission?

If your property benefits from permitted development rights, you can proceed with a Mansard conversion under a Certificate of Lawfulness. This certificate allows work to begin without waiting for formal approval, provided it adheres to council guidelines.

However, without permitted development rights, planning permission is required, and work cannot commence until approval is granted. Upon validation of the planning application by the council, a decision is typically issued within eight weeks.

At Alan Loft Conversions, we determine the necessary permissions and handle the application process on your behalf to ensure the correct approvals are obtained.

Loft Types

Hip to Gable

A hip to gable loft conversion alters a roof with sloping sides, extending the existing ridge to create a vertical gable end. This significantly expands the loft space, often accommodating a new stairwell. However, this design is incompatible with mid-terraced homes lacking a hip end roof.

 

Benefits of a hip to gable conversion

Choosing a hip-to-gable conversion offers a notable expansion of space. With a sloping roof replaced by a partly horizontal one, the loft gains substantial headroom, transforming it into a fully usable area.
Additionally, this conversion can be integrated with rear dormer or L-shaped loft conversions, further optimizing your property’s potential.

Can any house have a hip to gable loft conversions?

Hip-to-gable loft conversions are well-suited for bungalows, semi-detached, and detached houses, with semi-detached and end-terraced properties being the most common choices. However, it’s crucial to understand that mid-terraced homes are not suitable for hip-to-gable conversions due to the absence of a sloping side.

 

Exterior finish options

The exterior finish of a hip to gable conversion can either be tile hung, slate hung, rendered or cladded. If your choice is to go for tile or slate, the type will be chosen on site so that it matches the existing roof as close as possible. If the plan is to do a rendered finish, we have skilled plasterers who can create lots of different render designs to match your existing one. If you decide on brick, the brick used will be matched to the existing brickwork. Other external finishes that will be matched to the existing as close as possible include fascias, soffits, gutters and windows. This way, the hip to gable conversion will look like it was always part of the existing build.

 

Will I need planning permission?

If your property benefits from permitted development rights, you can proceed with a Hit-to-Gable conversion under a Certificate of Lawfulness. This certificate allows work to begin without waiting for formal approval, provided it adheres to council guidelines.

However, without permitted development rights, planning permission is required, and work cannot commence until approval is granted. Upon validation of the planning application by the council, a decision is typically issued within eight weeks.

At Alan Loft Conversions, we determine the necessary permissions and handle the application process on your behalf to ensure the correct approvals are obtained.

Loft Types

Velux

A Velux conversion maintains the original roofline, utilizing Velux windows to introduce natural light into the newly created space. We exclusively install official Velux windows, as they offer superior quality and come with their own guarantee.


Benefits of a velux loft conversion

A Velux conversion, also known as a roof light loft conversion, offers a minimally invasive, budget-friendly, and straightforward approach to expanding your living space. It thrives in areas with ample height between the loft floor and the existing ridge. Compared to alternative conversion methods, Velux loft conversions entail significantly less construction work, resulting in minimal disruption.




Exterior finish options

Since the external roof line remains unchanged, there’s no need to contemplate finishes. The sole visual alteration to the roof is the addition of Velux windows, which can be seamlessly integrated with your existing tiles or slates, ensuring they blend seamlessly with the roof’s original appearance.


Will I need planning permission?

If your property benefits from permitted development rights, you can proceed with a Velux conversion under a Certificate of Lawfulness. This certificate allows work to begin without waiting for formal approval, provided it adheres to council guidelines.

However, without permitted development rights, planning permission is required, and work cannot commence until approval is granted. Upon validation of the planning application by the council, a decision is typically issued within eight weeks.

At Alan Loft Conversions, we determine the necessary permissions and handle the application process on your behalf to ensure the correct approvals are obtained.

Loft Types

L-Shape Dormer

An L-shaped dormer loft conversion involves the construction of two dormers interconnected. One dormer extends over the main roof area, while the other covers the rear section, forming the characteristic L-shape when viewed from above. Typically, this design is most compatible with Edwardian and Victorian residences, especially those featuring rear extensions.


Benefits of an L-shape dormer conversion

L-shaped dormer loft conversions offer an ideal solution for expanding the upper space of your property, particularly for period homes like mid-terraces. This conversion type substantially increases floor area, typically adding at least two sizable rooms to your residence. Incorporating dormer windows, French doors, and Velux windows further enhances the design, resulting in spacious, well-lit rooms.


Exterior finish options

The external finish of an L-shaped dormer conversion offers various options, including tile hung, slate hung, rendered, or cladded. Depending on your preference, tiles or slates will be selected on-site to closely match the existing roof. If a rendered finish is chosen, our experienced plasterers can craft a range of designs to complement your current exterior. Additionally, fascias, soffits, gutters, and windows will be carefully matched to seamlessly integrate the dormer with the existing structure, ensuring a cohesive appearance.


Will I need planning permission?

If your property benefits from permitted development rights, you can proceed with an L-Shape Dormer conversion under a Certificate of Lawfulness. This certificate allows work to begin without waiting for formal approval, provided it adheres to council guidelines.

However, without permitted development rights, planning permission is required, and work cannot commence until approval is granted. Upon validation of the planning application by the council, a decision is typically issued within eight weeks.

At Alan Loft Conversions, we determine the necessary permissions and handle the application process on your behalf to ensure the correct approvals are obtained.

Loft Types

Piggyback

A Piggyback loft conversion involves elevating the current perimeter walls using brickwork and constructing a new roof, set back from the property’s front elevation.


Benefits of a Piggyback loft conversion

Opting for a piggyback conversion offers notable advantages, notably increased headroom along the roof slope, resulting in expanded usable space without the need for a dormer conversion.


Will I need planning permission?

Before commencing work on a piggyback conversion, obtaining planning permission is necessary since raising the ridge falls outside the scope of a Certificate of Lawfulness.

At Alan Loft Conversions, we handle the application process to secure the necessary approval.

Loft Types

Pitched Dormer​

A pitched dormer loft conversion, also known as a pitched roof dormer, is commonly selected when the existing roof height allows for it. Renowned for its aesthetic appeal, this conversion design adds character with its unique internal angles.

 

Benefits of a pitched dormer conversion

Transforming a confined attic into a luminous, expansive area is achievable through a rear dormer conversion. This newfound space offers versatility, serving as bedrooms, bathrooms, or an inviting office. Incorporating Velux windows on the front roof, opposite the dormer windows, ensures ample natural light floods the room. Additionally, enhancing the dormer’s appeal is feasible by adding French doors to its facade, elevating its charm.

 

Exterior finish options

The pitched dormer conversion’s exterior finish options include tile hung, slate hung, rendered, or cladded. The type chosen on-site ensures a close match to the existing roof. Skilled plasterers can craft various render designs for a seamless finish. Fascias, soffits, gutters, and windows are matched to existing finishes, ensuring the conversion blends seamlessly with the original

Will I need planning permission?

If your property benefits from permitted development rights, you can proceed with a Pitched Dormer conversion under a Certificate of Lawfulness. This certificate allows work to begin without waiting for formal approval, provided it adheres to council guidelines.

However, without permitted development rights, planning permission is required, and work cannot commence until approval is granted. Upon validation of the planning application by the council, a decision is typically issued within eight weeks.

At Alan Loft Conversions, we determine the necessary permissions and handle the application process on your behalf to ensure the correct approvals are obtained.

Loft Types

Side Dormer

A side dormer loft conversion mirrors the design of a rear dormer but is positioned alongside the property rather than at the rear. The original side slope is elevated vertically from the rear elevation, either extending directly from the lower brick wall or slightly stepped in to comply with local regulations.

For detached properties, maximising space may involve constructing side dormers on both sides of the roof. Despite their appearance as flat roofs, side dormer roofs feature a slight slope to facilitate rainwater runoff into the gutter, while the internal ceilings remain level.

Benefits of a side dormer conversion

Transforming a dim, cramped loft into a luminous, spacious area, a side dormer conversion offers versatility. Ideal for bedrooms, bathrooms, or the expansive office you’ve longed for. Enhance the appeal further with a triangular-glazed window at the rear for an extra wow factor!

 

Exterior finish options

The exterior facade of a side dormer conversion offers various options, including brick, tile hung, slate hung, rendered, or cladded finishes. We ensure close alignment with existing roof materials for tile or slate options. Skilled plasterers can replicate existing render designs, while brick choices match your property’s existing brickwork. Additional finishes like fascias, soffits, gutters, and windows are harmonised to seamlessly integrate the side dormer into the original structure.

 

Will I need planning permission?

If your property enjoys permitted development rights, a side dormer conversion can proceed under a Certificate of Lawfulness. This ensures immediate commencement of work within council guidelines.

Otherwise, planning permission is necessary, with approval typically issued within eight weeks of validation.

At Alan Loft Conversions, we determine the required permissions and handle the application process on your behalf to secure the necessary approvals.

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