Although recent reports suggest a drop in house prices in London and the South East, acquiring new property is often still out of reach for those trying to climb the property ladder. Nowadays, having sufficient space comes at a premium in both the housing and commercial property markets.

If you’re looking for professional advice on how to put your space to better use – this article is for you.

Commercial Loft Conversions

Has your business grown too large for the premises your company is using? The obvious but not always feasible solution would be to move premises. However, extensions and loft conversions offer exceptional value for money alternatives to the disruption caused by transferring your business to a new building. There are many innovative ways to expand your property without moving, you may also consider basement conversions and office refurbishments, creating better usability of space.

House Loft Conversions

Make the right choice and use the space you already have – transform the empty and under-utilised loft into something that is not only functional but adds stylish and stunning additional space to your home. Transform your empty loft into an extra bedroom with en-suite, extra storage space, home gym or home cinema. It is recognised that loft conversions often enhance the value of your property by as much as 20%. Loft conversions in Kent are a usually straightforward and very affordable way of increasing living space to your home.

Planning Permission and building regulations for domestic loft conversions

Loft conversions often do not require planning permission provided that they meet with permitted development criteria set down by the planning act. Some loft conversions will require planning permission due to their style, size and location and here at Craymanor Limited we provide you with all the necessary planning and building regulation advice, applications and consents required prior to commencing with any work to your home. We will also recommend the best design solutions and the likely cost of the loft conversion at our initial survey so that you have adequate budget allocated before committing to any expense. Once the drawings are completed, then the loft conversion costs will be agreed with you and you can usually expect a 3 bedroom semidetached house with a projecting dormer to be in the region of £30-£35,000.00 plus VAT, depending on the style, size and structural complexity.

Carefully consider all the pros and cons to make a conscious decision. Alternatively, you could consider a house extension – both of these options do not require you to give up any of your garden space. House extensions give you greater flexibility, as you are not constrained by the original dimensions of your property.

Craymanor Limited are chartered builders in South East London & Kent delivering commercial and domestic renovations, extensions and office refurbishment since 1985. Throughout the years, we have established our position as the leading local company for loft conversions and have carried out extensions in Dartford, Sevenoaks, Maidstone, Bromley and Bexley. We are chartered consultants and also work with local designers and architects in Kent to help homeowners and businesses maximum the potential of their homes and offices.

Loft conversions – how much do they cost?

Each loft conversion is a unique project therefore estimates are based on your individual specifications and are unique to each home improvement project. Loft conversion is the most straightforward solution to add extra space, but there may also be planning constraints, roof structure, party walls, huge steel beams… which all need to be accounted for in the quote. Here are, however, some ballpark figures:

• Velux – between £20,000-£25,000
• Standard dormer – £25,000-£30,000
• L-shaped dormer – £40,000-£45,000
• Hip to gable loft conversions – £42.000-£48.000
• Mansard – £45,000-£50,000 (requires planning permission)

Loft Conversion in Vale Road, Mansfield, Kent

This loft conversion is a stunning addition to this family bungalow now offering three additional bedrooms, bathroom and ensuite housed in a large dormer to the side roof slope of the semi-detached bungalow.

How long do loft conversions take?

No specialist loft conversion company will be able to provide a detailed quote nor project timescale estimate if they don’t know the details of the construction, window type, dormers, steel work, plumbing (applies to a loft to bedroom with an ensuite conversion) and velux. Each general contractor will work in their own ways, which can sometimes take noticeably longer than the ‘expected average’ would suggest. A loft conversion for a 3-bedroom semi-detached house with proper staircase, flooring, beams and plastering takes somewhere around 10-12 weeks. More complex attic/loft conversions can take up to 12-14 weeks. It’s crucial that you enquire with your loft contractor, ask for photos from previous works and how long those specific works took. This should give you an indication of what renovation quality you can expect for your money.

Do loft conversions need planning permissions?

Local authorities have allowances for permitted development (PD) on most domestic properties. Often your loft conversion will not require planning permission. We will assess the planning rules that apply to your home and gain the planning certificate you require.

New Home and loft conversion in Sherwood Park Avenue

This new house was built on the side of the client’s existing home creating a large four bedroom property featuring an open plan kitchen, good size lounge at ground floor level with a bathroom and ensuite at first floor level together with a superb loft conversion at second floor offering an additional fifth bedroom.

Do I require insurance for my loft conversion?

If you are managing the loft conversion work yourself, you should consider arranging professional conversion insurance as most of insurance companies will not acknowledge damages or loss while the home alternation is undergoing. Make sure the insurance covers both new and old structures. If the existing structure collapses, your renovation insurance will cover all damages (conversion insurance, in this case, replaces building insurance that is not applicable in this case). Conversion insurance should cover all: materials, tools, temporary works and other equipment, and be put in place on the day of the beginning of works at the latest.

Looking for a specialist loft conversion company in Kent and South London? For further information on types of conversions and our processes, get in touch:
Email: ­info@craymanor.co.uk
Tel: ­020 8302 4415

Bungalow loft – conversion vs extensions

Loft conversions add to the living space without an exterior addition or altering your current house’s floorplan. Loft conversions are the preferred solution for neighbourhoods where properties are located closely together, with a lack of suitable back garden space to build a full extension. Are bungalow loft conversions cheaper than extensions? Yes. One more advantage of loft conversions over extensions is their costs. Bungalow conversions are commonly cheaper than an external extension.

This semi-detached house in Eltham having a new master bedroom with ensuite enabling the existing bedroom at first floor to be turned into a study and providing more space for the children and growing family at this house.

Bungalow loft conversion ideas

Bungalow loft conversion to bedroom
In the most common type of loft the sloped ceilings create a cosy space that’s ideal for a childs bedroom, the little ones will also have no trouble walking around under a chalet style roof. Rooftop bedrooms are also loved by teenagers, who will enjoy their own independent space and privacy. Loft bedrooms with an ensuite create a standalone additional space, either for unexpected family guests or grandparents while visiting or staying over took look after the children. It is preferable to, if possible, locate the bathroom directly above the bathroom of the lower floor – this makes the necessary plumbing work more straightforward.

Turn your loft into playroom or daytime family space
Lofts of traditional bungalow style houses make it tricky to utilise the empty loft space. With sloped ceilings are a common drawback, making the space considerably smaller. With a little bit of careful planning, you can could create a fabulous home theatre or daytime playroom. Proper insulation and soundproof flooring will keep your professional digital sound system under control.

This two storey side extension and loft conversion to this house in Sidcup created additional living space incorporating two additional bedrooms, a bathroom, enlarged kitchen and integral garage.

Loft conversion to a walk-in wardrobe
This idea is the one all ladies will fall in love with. Transforming your underutilised loft space into a functional walk-in closet for you and your partner for a more luxurious home design. Loft conversion to a closet allows for tall shoe shelving or extendable hanging rails for your clothes without limiting your living space. Large mirrors will not only be functional for getting ready, but also will make the room seem bigger (another clever trick right there!).
Follow to this Pinterest list to find plenty of clever ideas on how to effectively utilise the loft space despite slanted ceilings.

Converting a bungalow – limitations

Regardless of how you decide to utilise your attic space, there are several restrictions applying to bungalow loft conversions:

• Lack of load bearing walls
• Sloped ceiling limits the headroom available on the second level
• Original building features need to be worked around
• You may not be allowed to have dormers

Another aspect to consider is allocating ample space to fit in a staircase in a property that was never designed to have a second floor. Some of the ground floor space will need to be sacrificed. The location of a staircase will be dictated by the internal layout. Our structural engineer and a loft conversion building company will be able to recommend the best solution to that takes up the minimum of ground floor space that is necessary.

The advantage of older bungalows over newer ones are their steeply pitched roofs, however that depends on the design. The steep slope of the existing roof will allow for ample headroom on the upper floor, especially if your goal is to use the space as a sleeping area, not a rarely used storage room. Nonetheless, consider that anything of 1.50-1.60m will be totally unfeasible. Even the best conversions into dormer bungalows, will feel too claustrophobic, especially to taller people. If your initial idea to expand upwards fails because a regular loft conversion would be too low, look into raising the roof.

Traditional bungalows can still retain their original features, such as brickwork or chimneys. Materials can be sourced to make sure the newer elements of the construction blend in well. This is also your chance to refresh the elevation and make your aged bungalow look like a new build.

Bungalow building regulations

Building regulations applying to bungalow conversions are not as strict as for other domestic alterations. As an example, installation of fire doors is a requirement for “2-storey into 3-storey” conversions, but this is not the case for bungalows. Your conversion will often fall under permitted development. However, you will still need to submit a lawful development. Also, you may not be allowed to have dormers. Here at Craymanor, we will be able to advise on the next steps during the initial site visit.

Convert your bungalow to add value

When it comes to adding value to your property, a bungalow loft conversion can be considered one of the most cost-effective alterations that delivers a high return on investment. Added property value can be as much as twice the amount invested in the conversion.

Here at Craymanor we offer our clients in Sidcup and across Kent a huge range of bespoke building projects designed individually for every single property; no one design is repeated. We also have relationships with some of the finest suppliers of bespoke kitchens, studies, bedrooms and bathrooms, offering excellent ranges throughout the whole property from hand woven carpets, hand prepared wood floors, all the way through to hand crafted covings, mouldings and decorative effects.

Loft conversions are widely considered convenient and cost-effective home improvement projects. They do not only allow you to get more space that can have its own dedicated function, but also increase the overall value of your home. You may be able to accommodate an additional double bedroom with an en-suite, a home office space or playroom for the little ones.

This article provides a comprehensive overview of all loft conversion aspects you need to know before you decide with proceed with your project – from design considerations to applying for permitted development or planning permission.

Find out how exactly you can benefit from your loft conversion investment, and what crucial aspects of the build will allow you to complete a best-value lost conversion.

Let’s start with the basics…

What is a loft conversion?

When already an owner of vacant space that’s not being used to the fullest extent, it’s always easier to adapt it into a habitable room or bedroom, rather than move home. No doubt, this solution will create the additional space that’s in demand, while saving you the hassle of relocating.

The initial design considerations that we will be able to talk you through include: ceiling height, access (staircase alterations), lighting installation, plumbing works, utilities connections, flooring, fire escapes and alike.

However, what you should be aware of from the square one is that not all lofts can be converted. A brief survey will be required to determine if your house loft is suitable for a conversion. The initial site survey should look at 2 crucial element that can qualify your house for a conversion:

• roof structure – post mid-60s many roof structures are modern trussed roofs (compared to previously popular traditional-cut and purlin roof styles)
• ceiling height – the minimum height requirements are 2.2-2.4 m for a traditional roof, and usually 2.4-2.6 metres for modern roofs (post mid-60s)

Contact here at Craymanor Limited to help you carry out a brief assessment and advise you on which type of loft conversion will work best in your case. Which type of loft conversion will allow you to make the best use of the empty space at hand, will be determined by the following:

• What type of roof structure does your house have?
• What do you want to use the loft for after it’s been converted?
• And last – but not the least – what’s your budget?

No matter what your questions are, there are three kinds of loft conversion projects we look at: internal and dormer loft conversions (least complex and invasive), and loft conversions requiring a removal of the roof and a new build.

Dormer loft conversions are considered the best choice in most cases as they provide a good space ratio. The latter, on the other hand, require complex building works and can be quite pricey and time-consuming, although they do provide more flexibility. Pre-fabricated units can be incorporated to assure the roof is watertight within a few days.

Internal loft conversions – they are a cost-effective solution that involves little or no changes to the existing roof structure. Side windows can be added to the roof slope, floors straightened and walls insulated.

Dormer loft conversions – either single, full-width, side dormer, hip-to-gable or L-shape dormer. Single dormer conversions can be added in pairs to assure symmetry.

Are loft conversions good investments?

Whether you own the property, or are still in the process of paying off a mortgage, you can consider a loft conversion to substantially contribute to the value of your home. Most cases involve an increase of 20%. Your house will be valued more by estate agents depending on the location and the quality of work carried out to the loft, so choose wisely. It can be said that completing a loft conversion usually guarantees a return on investment.

Do loft conversions require planning permission?

Usually, undertaking a loft conversion does not require a planning permission, unless your project involves altering or extending the roof space exceeding certain limits and conditions. The terms of permitted development can be found on legislation.gov.uk website (2015): https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2015/596/schedule/2/part/1/crossheading/class-b-additions-etc-to-the-roof-of-a-dwellinghouse/made

Permitted development means that you are free to undertake your loft conversion without applying for a planning permission. However, for a project not to require a planning permission, the following limits must be met:
* There can be no verandas or balconies
* In case of terraced houses: maximum space extension of 40 m3 (under Permitted Development Rights)
* For semi-detached and detached houses: max. of 50 m3 of additional roof space
* No new extension can exceed the highest point of the existing roof
* Materials used must appear similar to the structure of the existing construction
* Any side opening must be at least 1.7m above the floor, without frosted glass
* Roof extensions are not permitted on certain areas such as: World Heritage sites, conservation areas, national parks and other similar areas.

If your property does not meet any of the requirements listed, the project may require a full planning permission. We will in any event always obtain a Lawful Development Certificate for any of the loft works.

How long do loft conversions take?

There are certain reasons that may will increase the timeframe of the conversion project, such as:

• Type of the existing roof structure
• Type of the loft conversion you’ve decided on
• What materials are going to be used
• Type of staircase to be installed
• Are plumbing and utilities required in the loft?
• Number of rooms and windows to be added

These numerous variables make it difficult to accurately estimate how long your loft conversion project will take. Setting the dates of milestones and giving you an estimates time frame for your conversion is only possible after our initial site visit. Industry’s guidelines suggest that loft conversion project usually last between 6 and 8 weeks before the build is completed. 8-12 week project would apply to more complex conversion works.

Craymanor Ltd are a trusted loft conversion company based in Sidcup, delivering home improvement solutions to South East London and across Kent. Find out more about our loft conversion services or contact our team to request a personalised quotation on your project.