London Loft Conversions
London Loft Conversions
Thinking of turning your loft into a new bedroom, bathroom or an extra living space, but don’t know where to begin? Modern Attics has some advice on the ins and outs of your conversion eligibility…
Where building extensions and loft conversions are concerned, there’s never going to be an immediate start. Regardless of what work is being carried out, there is always going to be an initial planning stage – we can perform a cost and obligation free survey to assess not only the structural suitability but also the legal eligibility of your proposed project, giving you a free report and quotation alongside our proposals, and we’ll even take care of your planning application!
Planning laws changed for the better back in October 2008, which means that most extensions are now possible without planning permission. Dormers and hip to gable extensions are considered acceptable under a 40 cubic metre volume for terraced houses or under a 50 cubic metre volume for semi detached or detached properties.
However, any flats or maisonettes will always need planning permission for any conversions, as will any property which is either listed or located within a conservation area. In addition, if the height of your roof is to be increased, or if a dormer addition is proposed to be facing the front of your property, planning permission will be required. Even if your property is not one of these exceptions, we at Modern Attics will write to the local Council on your behalf to obtain a lawful development certificate to prove that your roof alterations are within the legal requirements.
Building regulations are required for all loft conversions we offer in order for the newly created space to be classified as habitable – adding value to your property. These cover structural integrity as well as insulation, ventilation, energy retention and fresh air circulation. Fire safety is covered by these regulations too, so it’s essential to incorporate fire protection and a means of escape. We will ensure that all work carried out complies with current standard requirements, so you can relax in the knowledge that it will be our responsibility.
If your property is not completely detached then extra permissions may be required in the way of party wall considerations. If any party walls are shared with a neighbour, it will be necessary to inform this neighbour and obtain their consent before any work is carried out, which will almost definitely be the case for semi detached and terraced houses where support beams are often rested on shared walls.
Our free, no obligation survey will explain to you all of the permissions and requirements that would apply to your proposed build, and we will advise where plans may need to be altered in order to fit in with these. Look no further than Modern Attics for the complete loft conversion package!
