Core service
Loft conversions in London
Dormer construction, roof reconstruction and structural alteration on occupied London houses.
What we build
A loft conversion is a roof project before it is a bedroom project. The existing roof structure is opened up, new floor and roof members are installed, and the building has to stay weathertight throughout. We plan the weathering sequence in advance and work to it.
- Dormer conversions
- Zinc dormers
- Lead dormers
- Roof reconstruction
- Structural alterations and new floor structure
- Staircase alterations
- Bathrooms and en-suites
- Bespoke joinery and eaves storage
- Rooflights
- Natural slate
- Insulation and airtightness
- Building services and heat emitters
Roof and dormer construction
We build dormers in lead, zinc and natural slate. Lead dormers were built at Brompton Square in Knightsbridge alongside a new natural slate roof; a zinc dormer forms part of the Caithness Road project in Brook Green. Where a property sits within a conservation area or is listed, cheek and roof coverings, window proportions and slate coursing are set out to match the approved details.
Structure and stairs
New floor structure is installed off the existing masonry or off new steelwork, depending on the engineer’s design. Staircase alterations are usually the most disruptive element for a family living in the house, so we form the new opening, install temporary protection and close the floor back up in a defined window rather than leaving it open for weeks.
Performance
Roof build-ups are insulated and detailed for airtightness, with ventilation paths maintained where required. Where an MVHR or comfort cooling system serves the loft, ductwork and condensate routes are set out with the ceiling build-up rather than fitted around it afterwards.
How a project runs
A loft conversion begins with a survey of the existing roof: its structure, the headroom available and where a new staircase can land. The architect and structural engineer design the conversion from that, and party wall notices are served where new steel bears on the party wall.
Scaffold goes up first, with a temporary roof so the house stays dry while the old roof is opened. We then form the new structure, build the dormer and the roof coverings, and insulate. The staircase is usually the last connection into the house, so the rooms below are disturbed for as short a time as possible.
Our loft and roof projects
Questions we are asked
What type of loft conversion suits my house?
The four common types are a rooflight conversion, a rear dormer, a hip-to-gable conversion and a mansard. Which is possible depends on the shape of the roof, the headroom, where the stair can go, and what the planning position allows.
Do I need planning permission for a loft conversion?
Many rear dormer conversions to houses fall within permitted development, within set volume limits. Mansards, front dormers, conversions in conservation areas and anything to a flat or a listed building usually need planning permission or listed building consent.
Which materials do you use for dormers?
We build dormers in lead, zinc and natural slate, matched to the house and to what the planning consent requires. Lead dormers and a new slate roof were built at Brompton Square, and a zinc dormer at Caithness Road.
Can we live at home while the loft is converted?
Usually, yes. Most of the work is done from the scaffold and through the roof, and the house below is protected throughout. The disruption is greatest at the end, when the new staircase is connected into the floor below.