Loft conversion specialists London, United Kingdom
Nuhous is a leading London, United Kingdom based loft conversion specialist. Design and build of all varieties of loft conversions including dormer loft conversions, hip to gable loft conversions, mansard loft conversions and L shaped loft conversions on terraced, semi-detached, town houses or detached houses in the London area and outside of London.
Loft Conversions From £25k
Loft Conversions London Design and Build Company
Will planning permission be required for my Loft Conversion?
For a loft conversion this question is really a matter of whether your new space will be eligable for permitted development or alternatively if it requires a full planning application. Provided your property is suitable for permitted development rights and you are not planning on altering the front elevation of the property, for most UK homeowners planning permission is not usually required. There are of course multiple terms and stipulations to this and some exclusions such as living in a conservation area. The loft conversion must be designed to conform to the recommendations set out in the Town and Country Permitted Development Act.
Planning permission is required however if you wish to extend or alter the roof space and it exceeds the specified limits and conditions of the permitted development order for example if the new loft space will be more than 40 cubic metres on a terraced house or 50 cubic metres on a semi-detached or detached.
This guidance applies to domestic houses only. Properties divided into flats or maisonettes or houses created through permitted development rights to change use will require full planning approval for a loft conversion, they may also require landlord/freeholder consent as well.
Building Regulations Approval
Did you know that loft conversions will require building regulations plans, calculations and building control approval prior to the commencement of work on site, it is important not to start work without this.
Building regulations approval is required to convert your loft into an habitable part of your home.
The building inspector will want to make sure of amongst other things, the following:
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The structural strength of the new floor is sufficient to take the live and dead loads imposed by new fixtures, furniture and people using the loftspace.
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The stability of the existing structure (including the existing roof) is not compromised by the loft conversion.
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Safe escape from the loft room (generally classified as 3rd floor) in the event of fire.
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Safely designed stairs providing access to the new loft room.
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Appropriate sound insulation is incorporated into the design between the loft conversion and the rooms below.
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Upgrading of insulation to ensure a warm and energy efficient additional space within your home.
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It is also important to consider that your loft conversion will likely require you to obtain written consent from your neighbours under The Party Wall etc. Act 1996.
Is it Feasible?
Nuhous provides a full range of loft conversions for different property types. Did you know that a loft conversion can take as little as 4 to 6 weeks and can increase your property value by an average of 21%. as quoted from Leading Insurance Company
This is a great way to add extra space to your home. It has never been a better time to start your loft conversion project!
Get in touch with us for free no obligation quote. Prices From £25K
Permitted development guidelines
If your project falls into the following criteria it will most likely be within your permitted development rights and planning permission is generally not required:
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Your new loft space is within the volume allowance of 40 cubic metres additional roof space for terraced houses*
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Your new loft space is within the volume allowance of 50 cubic metres additional roof space for detached and semi-detached houses*
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You are not planning an extension beyond the existing roof slope of the main elevation facing the highway.
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No part of the extension is to be taller than the highest part of the existing roof.
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Materials used in the extension must be similar in appearance to the materials used on the existing house
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You are not planning to add balconies, verandas, or raised platforms to the project (Juliet balconies are permitted)
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All side-facing windows must be obscure glazed; this includes any opening 1.7 metres above the floor
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In designated areas, for example Conservation areas, roof extensions are not permitted development
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Aside from hip and gable roof extensions, all roof extensions are to be set back at least 20 centimetres from the eaves.
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What type of Loft Conversions is there
Loft conversion types and about them
Dormer
Dormer loft conversions are the most frequently undertaken type of roof extension. This is because they are suitable for almost every property. A Dormer extension will dramatically boost the size of your usable room space.
Hip To Gable
We believe the additional work required on a hip-to-gable loft conversion is well worth it. The existing wall will require building up at the side of the property so that the roofline can be altered. The result will be that you are able to use virtually the whole footprint of the loft, capitalising on the potential new space.
Mansard
Mansards are essentially mega-dormers, they create the most extra living space in the loft. The side wall will be built up vertically and a steep sloping rear wall will connect to the flat roof. It has been likened to adding a whole extra storey to a house. Substantial changes will be made to the roofline and therefore in most cases full planning approval will be required.
L Shaped Lofts
Very popular option in London or other areas with a high concentration of period properties. These lend themselves to houses that have an existing two storey extension or have been built in an L shape. Multiple rooms can be added, many clients put a master bedroom in the larger dormer section and a full bathroom in the smaller dormer. Other options could include a childs bedroom or study in the small dormer.
Popular Lofts and Cost of Loft Conversions
Most loft conversions involve adding an extra floor to an existing two storey house or bungalow. Popular choices are Dormer with front and rear Velux, Hip to Gable, Mansards or L shaped loft conversions.
