Before you start on Loft Conversion, you need to check if your loft space is actually suitable for a conversion. Most of the houses within London come with permitted development, which in simpler terms means that you can carry on with your loft conversion without the need of any planning permission. We can visit your house for a site survey and guide you on what can be done with regards to your loft conversion. 

Measure the Headspace

Did you know that your Loft needs to have a minimum head height of 2.3m for you to convert it? Yes, that's correct, there is a limitation on the conversion of your loft based on the height. There are other obstacles which can affect this decision or hinder the planning permission process too, such as the pitch of the roof, chimneys, water tanks in the loft, etc. Don't worry if your roof space is less then 2.3m as there are various options available such as removal of the section of the roof or all of it, in order to increase the headspace. This, in turn, will add to the cost and will require planning permission, unlike a more straightforward conversion.

Do consider the floor below

Another idea is to lower the ceiling of the rooms below so that this way your loft's headspace increases and meets the required 2.3m height. This process again can be costly but can sort your issue for more space. 

Look for other Conversions on your Street

An easy way to get a clue if your loft can be converted is to look for loft conversions on your street. Look for similar houses on your street and whether or not they have had loft conversions. If you see example, then its more then likely that you can too. All in all, everything is possible if you want a loft conversion. 

Before you start the Loft conversion work, you need to consider the layout that you need. In other words, where the bathroom will be, storage places, where to place the bed, etc. If you're planning an ensuite, you must take into account the height and the internal spaces so that you can perfectly place the shower and handbasin which cannot compromise on headspace. Another factor to consider during the early stages is the location of the stairs. Go through all the possibilities so that you can get the maximum space for your loft conversion. Do you know that a small decision such as where to place the door can make a big difference between a boxy loft conversion and the one that is more open. 

Here are the two main options when it comes down to designing your Loft: 

Firstly, you need to hire an architect, this could be someone local to you who can visit your house and create drawings, which the builders (us) can put to reality. You will be able to tell the architect exactly what sort of design you like and what specifications you need internally. 

The second option is to hand over the full project to us as we will design and build your loft conversion to your design. We have our local architects who will visit your place and draw the designs for you. The added benefit is reduced architect costs and the all-inclusive service offered. 

Why do people opt for a Loft conversion? This is because properties in London are small and the majority of the time, they lack the extra bedroom or bathroom that is very much required for a growing family. A loft conversion is an ideal way to balance out your house in terms of proportion. As stated most loft conversions are for adding that extra bedroom or two, however, there are other ideas for a loft conversion, such as cinema room, an office, a playroom for the kids and much more. If your house has brilliant views then you must take advantage of this by adding a brilliant loft room. Many people think that the awkward ceilings, beams are a limiting factor when it comes to creating a bathroom in the loft. It is all possible and we have created beautiful bathrooms in the loft with easy access from the loft bedroom. Another alternative to the bathroom is a stylish shower or wet room, but first, you need to check whether you have the permitted headroom for the shower. You will need to fit a good-sized window, that is if an extractor is not required. Here is a great guide on how to choose the right shower enclosure for your loft room. 

A loft conversion can give you lots of space and ideas that you can implement. if you always wanted a walk-in Wardrobe but space was little around your room then why not have your very own walk-in wardrobe. We can make use of the space in the eaves with built-in storage which will solve the problem of the awkward sloping roof. You can add a large skylight above your dresser or walk-in wardrobe positioning it in such a way that it gives you the most natural light. We absolutely love the concept of having a master bedroom in the loft with this walk-in wardrobe concept. For those people who do not have space in the loft for a dresser or walk-in wardrobe, they can opt for an open wardrobe or clothes rack that will dramatically reduce the amount of space required. 

The answer is Yes! By adding a loft conversion will give you the best chance to make your house more energy efficient, as the installation of the insulation is a standard requirement. As per the building regulations, it is required, and there are two forms of insulation which either your local authority or a local building inspector will determine when they visit your house.  The Cold Roof Insulation: which in total is 10cm of insulation, 7cm is made up by filling the spaces between the rafters with foam insulation. The remainder of the 3cm of slab insulation is attached to the inside of the rafters. It is important that the 5cm gap is left between the roof felt and insulation in order to allow for ventilation purposes. The Cold Roof insulation is the most straight-forward method to use. Secondly, the Warm-roof insulation, this involves foam insulation of 10cm thick to be fitted over the rafters before the capping, tile battens and tiles are added. When creating a dormer, this is the more difficult option that is usually used when the roof covering has been taken off.  This 10cm thick slab of foam insulation can insulate a dormer wall, whereas a 10cm thick quilt of insulation is needed between plasterboard attached to both sides of an internal partition wall. In addition, you will require a 10cm thick insulation between your lofts floor joists. All in all, the insulation work in the loft will help bring the energy costs of your house down. Read more on how to insulate your roofs.

Yes, in most cases, you will be required to get additional new joists that comply with the building regulations because the existing ceiling joists are very unlikely to be able to take the load of a conversion floor. You can get your structural engineer to specify the exact size and grade required. The new joists will span between the load bearing walls in the loft, and are usually raised slighly above the existing ceiling plasterwork with the use of spaceers below the joist ends. You need to ensure that this spacing must be good enough to avoud any new floor joist deflection from touching the ceiling plaster below. The new joists will run along the existing joists. In addition, above window and door openings, thicker wood is used to bridge the opening, because you do not want pressure on the existing opening lintel. RCJs which are known as Rolled steel joists, are specifically used to distribute the load, and in some installations are used to carry the ends of the new joists. If you head space is limited, then bigger thicker joists, much more closely spaced, can be specified. 

In order to improve your property's energy efficiency, the roof space should be as airtight as possible. It is imperative to introduce controlled ventilation to avoid any risk of condensation and maintain good air quality in your loft. Ventilation in your loft can be via the means of background ventilation such as airbricks and trickle vents, and rapid ventilation via windows, and extract ventilation in wet areas, such as kitchen and bathroom. There is no requirement that the attic bathrooms must have a window given the fact the extract fan can offer rapid ventilation. 

A house extension usually increase the heating requirement of the home, and for this reason your boiler might have to be upgraded, but on the other hand, a loft conversion needs little capacity because the walls will be well insulated which will improve the overall energy efficiency of the property. Heat emitters in the attic rooms can be in the form of radiatiors, underfloor heating or even electic floor heating mats in bathrooms. Please do note that if the bathroom has been added then a boiler upgrade might be needed. 

Yes, they do! Did you know that by adding a loft converion to your property ,you can add more than £42,000 plus to the overall value of your property. An if you add an extra bathroom then the value could further be boosted by £10,000. (Source TheGaurdian) According to Nationwide Building Society,an extra bathroom might add around 5% or £9600 on to the value of a property in the UK. (Based on average house prices). However by increasing the internal floor space by 10% will add a further £10,000 or 5.1% to the value of the property. Based on average UK property prices, an extension or loft converison could increase your property's value by over 22% or close to £42,000 and by adding an extra bedroom could boost the value of your property by 11% or £22,100. The chief economist at Nationwide, Robert Gardner, said that home buyers are ready to pay more for extra usable space as this was often seen as a better quality accomodation.