Loft conversions, everything you need to know

Dormer loft conversions are the most common kind in London, and you will have seen them in every neighbourhood. This is mainly because they are versatile and can be installed on most types of properties from detached houses to top floor maisonettes (subject to planning approval). In terms of the process a loft conversion is when a rectangular box shaped structure is built up in place of the pitched roof.

What is a dormer loft conversion? A new structure is built on the roof, with a flat roof and walls set at ninety degrees to the floor. This gives much more usable space in the loft and a comfortable ceiling height. Typically dormers are located at the rear of the property. Generally the new structure must fit in line with the current height of the ridge although permission can be sought from the local planning department where the ridge is too low to achieve adequate head height.

What are the different types of dormer loft conversion? There are quite a few, and which one suits depends on the house:

• Flat roof: built at the rear of a terraced house, where the gable or boundary walls are already there. These add the most loft space for the money, and are the most common.
• Side: the dormer box is built into the side of the sloped roof.
• Front pitched: also called a gable dormer, a small dormer topped with its own small gable roof.
• L shaped: one of the larger options, built on properties with an outrigger. Two parts form an L and add a great deal of space.

Will I need planning permission for my loft conversion?

One of the great advantages of dormer loft conversions is that they are included in the homeowners permitted development rights. These rights allow homeowners to add liveable space and extend their homes without needing to go through the full planning application process as long as specific criteria are met and guidelines are followed, some examples include:

Your current home:

• Is not a building containing one or more flats.
• Has not already had additional storeys added to it under permitted development rights
• Was not changed from non-residential to be used as a house under permitted development rights.
• Was not built under permitted development rights.
• Is not in a conservation area.

Limitations on the proposed development:

• Materials must be similar in appearance to the existing house
• Volume of enlargement must not exceed the original roof space by more than 40 cubic metres for a terraced house, or 50 cubic metres otherwise.

• Must not exceed the height of the existing roof.
• The front roof must not exceed the existing roof slope.
• Must not include verandas, balconies or raised platforms. Juliet balconies are permitted.
• Side-facing windows must be obscure-glazed.

Further details can be found here:

the GOV.UK householder permitted development guidance

Is my home suitable for a loft conversion? Almost any house with a pitched roof and enough head height can take a dormer. The usual candidates are London terraces, end of terrace, semi detached and detached houses. Edwardian, Victorian, 1920s and 1930s houses, new builds and bungalows all convert well. Conservation areas, flats and maisonettes need more care and often a planning application.

What are the benefits of the loft conversion? One of the main benefits of loft conversions is to increase the value of the property by adding an extra bedroom and en-suite, however not all properties would be able to achieve this and it is dependent on location, circumstances or existing property condition. Unlike velux loft conversion the loft conversion will allow vertical walls and normal stairs with skylights allowing light onto first floor dark areas, you would also benefit from additional storage and en-suite, most dormer loft conversion will add a good size bedroom space with a lot of options that can be added from Juliet balconies to flat roof skylights and built in wardrobes. A dormer is usually the cheapest of the loft conversions.

To talk to the team, send two lines through the contact form. You can also call 020 7731 6841. We usually reply within a few hours, weekends included.

Where NU Projects builds lofts

We build loft conversions across West and North London, including St John’s Wood, Highgate, Barnes, Battersea and Chelsea. The scope is set out under extensions and lofts.