Planning your loft conversion

What you need to know

How to get started on your dream loft conversion

Step 1

The first step to creating your perfect loft conversion is to ask yourself the question: “What do I want to use this space for?” Perhaps you want to increase the size of your home by adding a new bedroom and bathroom; you might want to install a new home office, or maybe it’s time the children had a games room. Whatever it is, the primary thing is to understand exactly what your goals are for the space, how you want it to look, and any specific details you might want to include.

Step 2

Once you know what you want in your loft conversion, the next stage is to get in touch with us and book in your project kick start meeting. We will be able to determine if the loft is feasible and discuss everything in more detail so that we can prepare you a cost proposal for your project.

Step 3

The third step is to have your architectural drawings produced. One of our RIBA qualified architects will draw up a set of technical drawings for your new loft conversion. You will be able to liaise with the architect directly to chat about your ideal design for your loft conversion. Once your architectural plans and structural calculations have been completed and the necessary planning approval has been obtained, you’re ready for the work to begin!

Loft Types

Velux Loft Conversion

This is a great option for a smaller loft conversion such as a bedroom or study where adequate height is available within the existing loft space. Velux loft conversions involve keeping the original style of the roof and installing Velux roof lights. Depending on the head height of your loft, we will determine if the Velux conversion is achievable.

Rear Dormer Loft Conversion

A dormer conversion to the existing roof allows for additional floor space and headroom in smaller lofts. The dormer conversion protrudes from the roof slope, normally at the rear of the property, and can be built in a variety of styles. Internally, a dormer will have a horizontal ceiling and vertical walls, compared to the normal diagonal sides of a loft conversion. Dormers are built in a variety of shapes, including flat, pitched, hipped, stepped in or L-shaped.

Mansard Loft Conversion

This type of conversion is great for urban areas or sometimes in conservation areas. The mansard has a  roof with the back wall sloping inwards at approximately 70 degrees. The walls on either side of the mansard are raised in brickwork.

Hip to Gable Loft Conversion

This type of conversion is built when a house has three separate slanting sides to the roof which is then extended to the outside wall, where we build up the gable end. This option is usually a favourite for semi-detached homes. Once the roof has been converted, the loft conversion is normally completed with a rear dormer and Velux windows to the front slope.

Double Hip to Gable Loft Conversion

This type of conversion can only be achieved on detached properties. This is done by extending both of the sloping sides and replacing them with a vertical wall (the gable) at the end to the same height as the ridge. Once the roof has been converted, the loft conversion is normally completed with a rear dormer and Velux windows to the front slope.

Piggyback Loft Conversion

The piggyback loft conversion consists of reigning the existing brickwork perimeter walls to create a space within. This is completed with Velux windows to either side of the sloping roof.

L-Shaped Dormer Conversion

An L-shaped dormer conversion is an extension of a rear dormer. This allows additional floor space and headroom in smaller lofts. The main body of the dormer conversion protrudes from the roof slope to the rear. This is continued to the back ‘L-shaped’ addition which can be used for additional space, i.e. bedroom or bathroom. Internally, a dormer will have a horizontal ceiling and vertical walls, compared to the normal diagonal sides of a loft conversion.

Loft Conversion Checklist

The start of any build project can seem daunting. To help you plan your loft conversion and get organised, we have compiled the checklist below.

1. Before The Work Begin
Deposit paid
Building control fee paid
Architectural drawings
Certificate of lawful development
Planning permission
Party wall agreement
Dormer connection agreement
Pre-start meeting with Contracts Manager
Start looking into sanitary ware / bathroom tiles
2. During The Build
Clear garden furniture and pots
Scaffolding erected
Delivery of skips, portaloo and rubbish chutes
Materials delivered, steel beams craned into place and floor structure completed
Order sanitary ware and have it delivered by week 3 of the build
Structural construction of the roof complete
First fix electrics and plumbing completed
New staircase installed
External windows / French doors installed
External tiling and Velux windows completed
Second fix electrics and carpentry completed
Completion and snagging complete
Completion payment due
Building control to carry out final inspection
Removal of scaffolding, skip and portaloo
Site clearance
3. Once The Build is Compelete
Building control to issue final certificate
Sussex Lofts to send out guarantee pack

Download the Sussex Lofts Conversion Checklist

How much does a loft conversion cost?

The cost of a loft conversion is completely dependent on the project. Every loft is unique, so we can’t set a final figure until we’ve gotten to know yours! As a rough indicator, a loft conversion can cost anything from £45,000 upwards depending on the size of the project. Whatever work you require, we will provide a highly competitive quote. If our loft conversion quote is outside your budget, we are happy to look at where we can trim some costs and make it more affordable for you. Just ask! We split your payments into separate installments for your ease and protection.

Sussex Lofts professional approach to all aspects of the project ensured that the works were carried out on time and on budget. All of their employees from the Managing Director to the decorator all possessed excellent technical knowledge and were clearly experienced in their trade. The guys on site were polite and considerate and are a credit to the company
Mr & Mrs Andrews – Byfleet

Get started with your Sussex Loft Conversion today

For a FREE no obligation quote or to discuss your initial ideas for improving your home
please call us on: 0203 6039777 or

We promise to reply quickly to arrange a convenient time to view your property and provide a quote.

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