Planning your loft conversion

How to get started on your
dream loft conversion

Begin by considering what you want to achieve with your loft conversion. Think about how the new space will be used—whether it’s an extra bedroom, a home office, or a playroom. Sketch out your ideas or create a wish list to discuss with our designers.
Contact us to arrange an initial consultation. This meeting will allow our team to view your space, discuss your ideas, and explore the feasibility of the conversion. We’ll provide you with advice on what can be achieved considering the structure of your home and planning regulations.
Once you decide to proceed, we’ll start the design phase. Our architects and engineers will draft detailed plans and visualisations, helping you to see your ideas come to life. We handle all necessary planning permissions and ensure that every aspect of the design complies with building regulations.

Planning your loft conversion

HIP TO GABLE DORMER

Firstly, hip to gable loft conversions is mostly found on semi-detached properties with an existing hipped roof. It is where the side of the roof is removed off of the sidewall, to maximise the internal head height. Hip to gables is slightly more expensive than a standard dormer conversion, they normally cost 20% more. However, they are the most popular way to convert your loft.

MANSARD

Mansard loft conversions are typically built at the rear of the house, allowing you to gain additional space in the loft area. However, these conversions usually require roof alterations, which means you would need planning permission.

SIDE DORMER LOFT CONVERSION

Finally, an L-shaped dormer conversion is where two dormer builds are constructed in a way that they join together. Usually, one dormer will be built on the rear outrigger roof and the other on the main roof, which gives it the L shape.

VELUX LOFT CONVERSION

A Velux loft conversion is when the shape of the existing roof is retained and Velux windows are installed into the rafters. The rafters will have to be cut depending on the size of the new windows. The inside of the roof space is fitted out to a carefully thought-out design. You will generally not require planning permission to install a Velux window in a loft conversion.

PITCHED ROOF DORMER

A dormer is a roofed structure, often containing a window, that projects vertically beyond the plane of a pitched roof. In addition, they are commonly used to increase the useable space in a loft and to create window openings.

L SHAPE DORMER

Finally, an L-shaped dormer conversion is where two dormer builds are constructed in a way that they join together. Usually, one dormer will be built on the rear outrigger roof and the other on the main roof, which gives it the L shape.

Planning your loft conversion

Full Rear Dormer

Pitched Roof Dormer

L-shaped Dormer

Hip to gable dormer

Mansard

Velux Loft Conversion

Loft Conversion Checklist

To ensure your loft conversion process is smooth and efficient, consider the following stages:
Preparation stage
Assess your loft’s suitability for conversion, obtain a structural survey, and determine whether planning permissions are needed. This stage also includes setting a realistic budget and timeframe.
Start of construction
Once all preparations and permissions are in place, construction begins. This phase includes the structural alterations, installation of windows, and the initial stages of electrical and plumbing work.
Completion stage
Finishing touches are applied, including plastering, decorating, and fitting out. Final inspections are carried out to ensure compliance with all regulations and standards.

Download the Conversion Checklist

How much does a loft conversion cost?

Hip to gable dormer –

Firstly, hip to gable loft conversions is mostly found on semi-detached properties with
an existing hipped roof. It is where the side of the roof is removed off of the sidewall, to
maximise the internal head height. Hip to gables is slightly more expensive than a
standard dormer conversion, they normally cost 20% more. However, they are the
most popular way to convert your loft.
Cost of project: £40,000 – £65,000

Mansard –

Mansard loft conversions are typically built at the rear of the house, allowing you to
gain additional space in the loft area. However, these conversions usually require roof
alterations, which means you would need planning permission.
Cost of project: £45,000 – £70,000

Side dormer loft conversion –

A side dormer is when the hipped roof on the side of the property is built off the
sidewall to incorporate additional head height. The side dormer can be built with a flat
or pitched roof. If the property is detached, you sometimes can maximise space by
constructing a side dormer on both sides of the roof.
Cost of project: £30,000 – £45,000

Velux Loft Conversion

A Velux loft conversion is when the shape of the existing roof is retained and Velux
windows are installed into the rafters. The rafters will have to be cut depending on the
size of the new windows. The inside of the roof space is fitted out to a carefully
thought-out design. You will generally not require planning permission to install a
Velux window in a loft conversion.
Cost of project: £20,000 – £30,000

Pitched Roof Dormer

A dormer is a roofed structure, often containing a window, that projects vertically
beyond the plane of a pitched roof. In addition, they are commonly used to increase
the useable space in a loft and to create window openings.
Cost of project: £30,000 – £45,000

L shape dormer –

Finally, an L-shaped dormer conversion is where two dormer builds are constructed in
a way that they join together. Usually, one dormer will be built on the
rear outrigger roof and the other on the main roof, which gives it the L shape.
Cost of project: £50,000 – £60,000