Loft Conversion
Your Loft Conversion Journey
When you're outgrowing your home but don’t want the hassle and cost of moving, a loft conversion is a smart, cost-effective solution. Instead of going through the time-consuming and stressful process of buying and selling properties, why not consider unlocking the hidden potential in your home? At Attico Construction, we specialize in transforming unused loft space into beautiful, functional areas that perfectly suit your needs, without the upheaval of relocation.
Why should I get a Loft Conversion
Cost and space efficiency
• High Return on Investment (ROI): Loft conversions are one of the most cost-effective ways to increase the value of your property. Typically, a well-executed loft conversion can add 15-20% to the value of your home, depending on the location and quality of the conversion.
• Appeals to Buyers: If you plan to sell in the future, potential buyers will be attracted to the additional space, especially if it's designed as a bedroom, office, or guest suite.
• Maximizes Space: A loft conversion transforms an unused or underutilized attic area into valuable living space. Whether it's a new bedroom, office, bathroom, playroom, or gym, it makes your home more functional and livable.
• Lower Costs than Buying a Bigger Home: Moving costs (stamp duty, estate agent fees, legal fees, etc.) can be high, especially in areas with expensive property markets. A loft conversion can be a much more affordable alternative, particularly if you’re looking to add a bedroom or office without the expense of buying a new house.
• Avoids the Hassle of Moving: Moving is a stressful process, and it often requires adjustments to your lifestyle and routine. A loft conversion lets you stay in the same home with minimal disruption (other than during the construction phase).
• No need for planning permission: In many cases, loft conversions do not require full planning permission, as long as the project falls within "permitted development" criteria. This makes the process quicker and less bureaucratic. However, always check with your local authority to confirm.
• Utilizes Wasted Space: Most attics are underused or ignored. A loft conversion takes advantage of this often-forgotten area, turning it into something practical and valuable.
Comfort and usability
• Enhanced Natural light: Adding windows, dormers, or rooflights (like Velux windows) can flood loft with natural light, making it feel airy and open improving the overall natural lighting in your home .
• Improved Insulation: Loft conversions can offer the opportunity to upgrade your home’s insulation, which can improve energy efficiency. Insulating the loft space properly can help keep your home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer, reducing energy costs.
• Eco-Friendly Features: With modern loft conversions, you can integrate energy-efficient features like solar panels, underfloor heating, and energy-efficient windows to make the space more sustainable.
• Noise reduction: If you use the loft for quieter activities, like reading, working, or sleeping, you can escape the noise of the main household, especially if you have a busy household or children. The attic offers natural separation from the bustle of daily family life.
• Less Disruptive: Unlike ground-floor extensions, which might involve significant disruption to your existing garden, driveway, or the structure of the home, a loft conversion usually causes much less disruption to the rest of the property.
• Fewer External Changes: Since the conversion typically takes place within the roof space, you’re less likely to face issues with neighbours or local authorities regarding the external appearance of the house.
• More privacy: A loft conversion, especially if it's a bedroom or office, can offer more privacy than other rooms in the house. It’s typically more isolated from the main living areas, providing a peaceful retreat from the rest of the household.
• Potential for future Adaptability: As your family grows or your lifestyle changes, a loft conversion can adapt to your needs. For instance, you can initially use the space as an office and later convert it into a bedroom or living room. It gives you the flexibility to change the layout over time.
• Shorter construction time: Loft conversions tend to take around 6-8 weeks relatively shorter if compared to a ground-level extension, or basement.
Types of Lofts
Mansard Loft
Hip to gable Loft
Dormer Loft
L-shaped Loft
Velux Loft
A loft conversion is an increasingly popular home improvement project that allows homeowners to maximize available space by transforming an unused attic or loft area into a functional, livable space. Whether you're looking to create an additional bedroom, a home office, or a relaxation area, a loft conversion offers an excellent solution to expanding your home without the need for costly extensions or moving. By making the most of your existing roof space, loft conversions not only enhance your living space but can also add significant value to your property.
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There are several types of loft conversions, each offering unique benefits and flexibility depending on the structure of your house, your budget, and your specific needs. Below are the most common types of loft conversions, designed to help you choose the right one for your home:
Mansard Loft
What is a Mansard Loft?
The Mansard loft conversion is one of the most dramatic and space-efficient conversion types, offering significant benefits for homeowners looking to maximize their attic space. This conversion style involves altering the existing roof structure to create a near-vertical wall with a steep pitch, dramatically increasing the available headroom and floor area. By changing the roof’s slope and creating a more upright, vertical side wall, a Mansard loft conversion opens up possibilities for creating spacious, fully usable rooms. These additional areas can be used for a wide range of purposes, including large bedrooms, luxurious master suites, spacious living areas, or even entire floors dedicated to entertaining and relaxation.
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Why Choose a Mansard Loft Conversion?
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A Mansard conversion is particularly well-suited for homes with older or more traditional roof styles, such as terraced houses, Victorian, Edwardian, or Georgian properties, often found in urban environments. The Mansard design can completely transform the upper level of a house, allowing homeowners to make the most of their available space without the need for extensive outward expansion. It’s a highly efficient way to add significant square footage, especially in areas where building outward is restricted, such as in cities with strict planning regulations or where space is at a premium.
South West London
Mansard Loft Conversion
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Example of mansard loft conversion in Wimbledon | this project took approximatively 8 weeks to complete
Hip-to-Gable Loft
What is a Hip-to-Gable Loft?
The Hip-to-Gable loft conversion is a highly effective and space-maximizing solution for homeowners with a hipped roof, typically found in semi-detached or detached properties. This type of conversion involves extending the sloping side of the roof (the "hip") and replacing it with a vertical "gable" wall, thereby increasing the internal floor space and creating a more usable, functional loft area. The result is a significant increase in headroom and overall floor space, making it ideal for families looking to expand their living space without the need for an outward extension.
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Why Choose a Hip-to-Gable Loft Conversion?
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The Hip-to-Gable loft conversion is particularly suitable for properties with a hipped roof design. Hipped roofs are commonly seen in semi-detached homes, detached homes, and bungalows, where the roof slopes on all four sides. This type of conversion takes advantage of the sloped roof’s side, replacing it with a gable, which is a vertical wall that allows for more headroom and internal space. This structural change significantly alters the attic's layout, allowing homeowners to use the space for a variety of purposes, including additional bedrooms, a spacious home office, or a large family bathroom.
North West London
Hip-to-Gable Loft Conversion
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Example of hip-to-gable loft conversion in Camden Town | this project took approximatively 7 weeks to complete
Dormer Loft
What is a Dormer Loft?
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A Dormer loft conversion is one of the most popular and versatile types of loft conversions, offering an excellent solution for homeowners looking to expand their living space without the need for a full-scale extension. This conversion involves the addition of a dormer window that projects from the roof, creating extra headroom and usable floor space. Dormers can be designed in various shapes and sizes, depending on the style of the property and the homeowner’s needs. Dormer conversions are particularly effective in properties with low or sloping roofs, as they increase both the vertical and horizontal space in the attic.
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Why Choose a Dormer Loft Conversion?
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A Dormer loft conversion is perfect for homes with a low roof pitch or properties that are struggling to make the most of the available loft space due to limited headroom. Adding a dormer window transforms the space, allowing homeowners to create additional rooms that are both functional and comfortable. This type of conversion is often less intrusive and more cost-effective compared to other loft conversion styles, making it a highly attractive option for many homeowners.
West London
Dormer Loft Conversion
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Example of dormer loft conversion in Acton | this project took approximatively 8 weeks to complete
L-shaped Loft
What is a L-shaped Loft?
An L-shaped loft conversion is a unique and highly effective way to maximize the potential of your attic space. This type of conversion involves extending two sections of the roof to create an "L" shape, typically expanding the loft across the front and rear sections of the house. L-shaped conversions are particularly suited for properties that feature extended rooflines or double-fronted houses, providing an excellent solution for homeowners seeking to create large, open-plan spaces or multiple rooms within the loft area. By opening up both sections of the roof, this style maximizes both the headroom and floor space, making it ideal for families looking for additional bedrooms, living areas, or even a full suite of rooms with an en-suite bathroom.
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Why Choose an L-Shaped Loft Conversion?
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The L-shaped loft conversion is an excellent choice for homes with larger or more complex roof structures, particularly those with extensions at the back or properties with wide roof spaces. This conversion style maximizes both vertical and horizontal space, creating a more flexible, spacious environment compared to traditional loft conversions. The L-shape offers ample opportunity to create separate areas within the loft, which can be ideal for families who need distinct spaces for bedrooms, a home office, a playroom, or even a luxurious master suite.
West London
L-shaped Loft Conversion
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Example of L-shaped loft conversion in Hammersmith | this project took approximatively 8 weeks to complete
Velux Loft
What is a Velux Loft?
A Velux loft conversion is one of the simplest, most cost-effective, and quickest ways to transform an unused attic into a functional living space. This type of conversion involves installing roof windows—typically Velux windows—into the existing roof, without changing the structure or shape of the roofline. By adding windows, the space is flooded with natural light, which helps to create a bright and airy atmosphere. Since the roofline remains unchanged, a Velux loft conversion often does not require planning permission, making it an appealing option for homeowners seeking a straightforward and hassle-free solution for expanding their living space.
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Why Choose a Velux Loft Conversion?
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A Velux loft conversion is ideal for homeowners who want to make the most of their existing attic space without undergoing extensive structural changes. It is particularly suitable for homes with sufficient headroom in the attic, as the conversion doesn’t involve altering the roof’s shape or height. The addition of Velux windows not only enhances the loft's functionality but also improves its aesthetic appeal, making it an attractive and budget-friendly way to add extra living space to your home.
North Central London
Velux Loft Conversion
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Example of velux loft conversion in Angel | this project took approximatively 10 weeks to complete
The Process
When it comes to a loft conversion, the process can be split into two key phases: Design and Build.
First, in the Design phase, we carry out a thorough home survey, provide you with a detailed quote, and create architectural plans tailored to your needs. We’ll handle all planning permissions and permitted development, ensuring your project complies with regulations. Once structural engineer approval is secured and the practical plans are in place, we move on to the Build phase.
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During the Build phase, our expert team of builders brings your vision to life, following the approved plans and ensuring the highest standards of craftsmanship. We manage the entire construction process, from start to finish, to ensure your loft conversion is completed on time and within budget.
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If you already have architectural plans, we can seamlessly take over the build stage with our trusted team of contractors.
The Design Phase
1. Site Visit and Assessment
A thorough site visit is an essential first step in the design phase of any construction project. Our team will visit your property to assess the site conditions, including the terrain, access points, and any challenges that may arise during the build. This site survey helps our architects and engineers create tailored designs that suit your specific requirements and the site’s unique characteristics.
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2. Architectural & Interior Design Drawings
Our expert architectural design and interior design services ensure that your vision is brought to life. From conceptual designs to detailed technical drawings, we create comprehensive plans that detail the layout, materials, and finishes. We work closely with you to ensure that both the architectural design (external structure, floor plans, elevations) and interior design (furniture, lighting, space planning) reflect your needs and aesthetic preferences.
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3. Structural Engineering Services
Ensuring the safety and integrity of your building is crucial. Our experienced structural engineers collaborate with our architects to design a safe, robust structure that meets all UK building regulations. From calculating load-bearing capacities to designing foundations and steel reinforcements, we ensure that your building stands the test of time. Whether it’s a new build or a renovation, our structural engineering expertise guarantees peace of mind.
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4. Planning Permission
Before construction can begin, obtaining planning permission from your local council is essential. We assist you in navigating the planning process by submitting all required documentation, including detailed drawings and proposals. Our team is well-versed in local regulations and will work with you to ensure your project complies with zoning laws, building codes, and environmental guidelines. We'll handle the paperwork and negotiations, so you don’t have to worry about any legal hurdles.
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5. Party Wall Agreement
If your project involves shared walls or structures with neighbouring properties, a Party Wall Agreement may be required. Our team can help you navigate the Party Wall Act (1996) to ensure that your building project is carried out smoothly and legally. We will liaise with your neighbours and ensure that all necessary agreements are in place, protecting both your interests and those of the surrounding properties.
The Build Phase
Here’s a easy-to-follow guide to the build process divided by weeks, so you know exactly what to expect at each stage. From site preparation to the final handover, we’ll be with you every step of the way, ensuring your project is completed to the highest standards, on time, and on budget.
Site Preparation, Scaffolding, and Demolition
The first step in any successful loft conversion is site preparation. During this initial week, we secure the entire area by setting up scaffolding around the property to ensure the safety of workers and protect the surrounding property and landscaping. This is a crucial step, as it helps to protect your home and the area around it while ensuring access to the roof.
Once scaffolding is in place, we begin the process of removing the existing roof. This involves stripping away the old roof materials carefully to avoid any damage to the existing structure of the home. The roof removal allows us to start working on the new loft space, clearing the way for the installation of the new framework in the coming weeks.​​​​
Week 1
Plumbing and Electrical Work
In week 3, our plumbing and electrical teams get to work on the essential installations. This phase includes the initial round of plumbing and wiring to ensure that your loft space is fully equipped with the necessary utilities. Plumbers will install pipes for water supply and drainage, while electricians will run the first wiring for lights, sockets, and any heating systems.
By the end of this week, all major electrical and plumbing connections will be in place, setting the foundation for the installation of fixtures and fittings in the coming weeks.
Week 3
Plastering, Decoration, and Final Electrical/Plumbing Installations​
By week 5, we begin the process of plastering the interior of the loft to create a smooth surface for decorating. This includes applying plaster to the walls and ceilings, which will then be sanded down and prepared for painting or wallpapering.
During this week, we also complete the second round of plumbing and electrical installations. This includes connecting appliances like radiators, lighting fixtures, and electrical sockets. It is also the time for any additional electrical work, such as installing recessed lights or spotlights.
Once the plastering and basic electrics are done, we move on to the decoration phase. Whether you choose to go for neutral tones, bold colors, or even wallpaper, this is where the space truly starts to take shape, creating a livable and comfortable environment.
Week 5
Week 2
Framework Installation and Staircase Construction
In week 2, the focus shifts to the framework of your loft conversion. The exact details will depend on the type of loft conversion you're having—whether it’s a Velux, dormer, Mansard, or hip-to-gable—but the goal is to install the new structure that will support the space above. We work with precision to ensure that the framework is secure and meets all necessary building codes.
Additionally, we begin the construction of the staircase that will connect your new loft space with the lower levels of your home. A custom-built staircase is essential for integrating the loft space into the rest of your home, and careful planning goes into ensuring the staircase is both functional and visually appealing.
Week 4
Roof Installation, Windows, and Insulation
During week 4, we start to close up the space by focusing on the roof and ensuring the structure is fully watertight. The new roof will be tiled and sealed to ensure that the loft is weatherproof.
At the same time, windows will be installed, allowing natural light to flow into the new loft space. The choice of windows depends on your preferences and the overall design of your loft conversion, and we ensure that these windows are energy-efficient and in keeping with the aesthetic of your home.
Additionally, we will carry out the insulation of the loft, ensuring that the space is energy-efficient and comfortable throughout the year. Proper insulation is essential not only for temperature control but also for noise reduction and maintaining energy efficiency in your home.
Week 6-8
Final Touches, Inspections, and Certification​
The final phase of your loft conversion takes place over the next few weeks. During weeks 6 to 8, we conduct the final inspections to ensure that everything is completed to the highest standards. This includes checking that the plumbing, electrical, and structural work has been done correctly and safely. Any outstanding issues are addressed, and a snagging list is created to fix any minor defects.
Once everything is finalized and you are satisfied with the results, we will remove the scaffolding and clean the site to leave your home looking pristine. At this point, you’ll receive your completion certificate, confirming that the work has been carried out according to regulations and building codes.
Additionally, we provide you with your ten-year satisfaction warranty paperwork, ensuring peace of mind for the future. This warranty guarantees that any issues with your loft conversion will be handled quickly and efficiently, allowing you to enjoy your new space with confidence.
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What you need to know
FAQs
How long does a Loft Conversion take?
The average time for a loft conversion is 6-8 weeks.
Do I need planning permission for a loft conversion?
In many cases, loft conversions are considered “permitted development,” meaning they don’t require full planning permission. However, this depends on factors like your property's location (e.g., conservation areas or listed buildings) and the extent of the work. You may need planning permission if you are altering the roofline significantly or adding dormers. Always check with your local planning authority to ensure your plans comply.
Do I need to move out during the loft conversion?
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In most cases, you don’t need to move out of your home, but you will experience some disruption. The construction team will likely need to work in the attic and access the property frequently, which can be noisy and dusty.
How much does a loft conversion cost?
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The cost of a loft conversion depends on factors such as the type of conversion, the complexity of the work, and the size of the loft. On average 30k + VAT upwards.
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Will I need a structural engineer for my loft conversion?
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Yes, a structural engineer is typically required for loft conversions, especially if there are any structural alterations involved (such as reinforcing the floor or changing the roof structure).
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Can I use the space for something other than a bedroom?
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Absolutely! Loft conversions are highly versatile and can be used for various purposes beyond a bedroom. Popular options include:
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Home Office: Ideal for those working remotely.
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Home Gym: Provides a private, quiet space for workouts.
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Playroom or Games Room: Perfect for families with children.
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Studio or Art Room: A creative space with lots of natural light.
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Living Room: A comfortable and quiet space to relax.
Can I rent out the loft conversion?
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Yes, you can rent out the loft conversion as long as it meets the necessary building regulations, including fire safety, ventilation, and room sizes. If you plan to rent it out as a separate living unit, you may need to apply for planning permission, particularly if you intend to create a separate entrance or install a kitchen.
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Do I need Party Wall Agreement for my loft conversion ?
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Your project involves a shared wall or structure (party wall).
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You are altering the roof or boundary in any way that might affect the neighboring property.
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You are carrying out excavation or digging near a shared boundary.
Even if you don’t think your work affects the neighboring property, it's a good idea to check with an architect or surveyor to ensure you comply with the law and avoid any potential disputes. Always notify your neighbors early to ensure a smooth and legally compliant project.
What happens if my loft conversion is damaged during construction?
If damage occurs during construction, your contractor is typically responsible for repairs, as long as the damage is due to their work. You should ensure that The contractor has adequate insurance to cover potential damages.
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How can I finance a loft conversion?
Financing a loft conversion can be done in several ways:
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Personal Savings: If you have the savings, this is the simplest option.
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Home Improvement Loan: These are unsecured loans specifically designed for home renovations and improvements.
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Remortgaging: You can increase your mortgage to cover the cost of the conversion, which may have lower interest rates compared to personal loans.
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Government Grants: In some cases, you may be eligible for grants or schemes (e.g., if your project is eco-friendly or energy-efficient).