The space in a loft or attic can be as much as 30% of the total floor area of the home. It usually only contains a cold water storage cistern and chimney stack. In almost all cases it is wasted space that can be turned into habitable space. If the attic is used for storage there is no need to lose all of this storage space as some attic space can be retained. On average, a good loft conversion adds around 15 - 20% to the potential sale price of a house.

We offer a complete service for loft conversion, from architectural planning and design through to completion. We work closely with our clients and deal with all building regulations and liaise directly with the local council to obtain planning permission where required, we will create a type of conversion that is most appropriate for you and your needs. There are several styles of loft conversion available:

• Does the roof void give adequate height and room? Usually a height of 2.4m is required under the roof ridge (the highest point), although with careful design, you may get away with 2.1m.
• Are the joists in the roof void strong enough for a floor? Generally the joists in the roof are not designed to take a floor (often 4" x 2"), so you'll probably need to install new joists (6" x 2" or 8" x 2").
• Is the loft above the second storey? This makes the conversion more complicated as certain additional planning regulations relating to fire precautions apply, these include:
  • The stairs must enter the main stair well on the second floor, an alternative is to provide an external method of escape.
  • The floor of the loft conversion must provide at least a half hour fire barrier.
  • All doors on the ground and first floor must have self closers, any new doors must be half hour fire doors.
  • Mains powered interlinked, fire/smoke detectors must be fitted on each floor.
• Dormer - Dormer conversions are used in properties where the existing roof space is sloped because they generate additional space by extending the walls up through the roof a short way on one side to create a flat ceiling inside. This allows headroom for the finished room and also makes a solid staircase viable, which is both safer and more attractive than ladder-style steps.
• Velux - Velux conversions are only available if your existing roof space provides enough headroom. They are less disruptive than a Dormer conversion, and less likely to require planning permission. With their gently sloping ceilings, Velux conversions retain the rustic charm of being 'up in the eaves'.
  
• Hip to Gable - Hip to Gable conversions are only suitable in houses that are already hip-ended but they do offer the most additional space. We extend the existing roof in line with the external wall, which creates enough extra space for several rooms inside whilst leaving the outside of the house looking virtually the same as before.