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0207 4772 883Not all properties are covered by the rules of permitted development. Properties not covered include those in heritage and conservation areas and areas of outstanding natural beauty. Also, some areas have had their permitted development rights removed by their local authority. For more information please call Loft Conversiom im London or your local council to see if your loft conversion will be allowed under permitted development or if you need planning permission.
The rules for permitted development, when applied to loft conversions, are briefly set out below:
You cannot have any part of your dwelling exceed the height of the highest part of the existing roof.
No part of your dwelling can, as a result of the works, exceed beyond the plane of any existing roof slope that fronts a highway (highways are an ill-defined term but include all public roads and most footpaths, bridleways and byways).
Your loft cannot expand your dwelling beyond 40 cubic metres in the case of a terraced house, or 50 cubic metres in any other case (eg semi-detached house).
If your planned loft conversion or house extension isn’t covered by permitted development, you will need to apply to the council for planning permission. Absolute Lofts will make all applications to your local council on your behalf. You will have to pay a fee of £230 to the planning department of your local authority.
If your property does not require planning permission, we advise that the proprietor applies for a Lawful Development Certificate (LDC) commonly known as a COL (certificate of Law.
A COL is not a mandatory document you must attain, however it demonstrates that any and all work being built on the property are within its lawful boundaries and do not break any building regulations. A Lawful Development Certificate is also beneficial if you should ever move on and sell your property.
There are three main things to consider when planning a loft conversion: the amount of clear head room, whether the existing floor will require strengthening, and whether the existing roof insulation will need upgrading.
Depending on the pitch of your existing roof, you may be restricted on the amount of usable floor space you have in the loft due to head height. You can increase the usable space by adding a roof dormer or changing the shape of your roof.
The existing loft floor will most likely only be designed for storage; therefore most loft conversions require new floor joists to strength the floor. The existing roof may not have any insulation (most loft spaces have Rockwool insulation at loft floor level). The existing roof will therefore need to be upgraded with insulation.
There are several types of roof style and shape that you may wish to consider:
Pitched-roof dormer: Pitched roof dormers can be used to increase the usable space within a single room in a loft conversion.
Flat-roof dormer: Flat roof dormers are a better choice for maximising usable space. They can be stretched along the full length of a roof. There are many options for the external finish of the dormer walls; these include vertically hung tiles and timber cladding.
Hip-to-gable roof conversion: A hip-to-gable roof conversion can provide more usable floor space for a loft conversion. The existing roof ‘hip’ is extended into a ‘gable’. This conversion also provides a better roof shape to build a dormer, further increasing the usable floor space in the loft.
extended into a ‘gable’. This conversion also provides a better roof shape to build a dormer, further increasing the usable floor space in the loft. Loft Convirsion in London Company will be able to advise upon which is the most suitable for your particular loft. At the same time, we will work with your budget, taking into account how the room is configured, where the windows are placed and the current energy efficiency.
Don’t try and make your loft something it isn’t. Take advantage of its shape, nooks and crannies and go with the flow. We will do this naturally, maybe suggesting two smaller rooms rather than one large one. If beams are retained, showing off the natural wood can become a design feature. Think about the layout, particularly if you are including a bathroom.
Placing the stairs is also crucial to the design in order to maximise space, as is putting the door at the top or the bottom. Our loft conversion specialists in london will be able to produce drawings that can be given to builders in order for them to place tenders. If a structural design is required, this can be discussed during the initial stages.
Going with lighter colours internally will maximise the light and space. The size and position of your windows is also a crucial part of the loft conversion design. If you want to end up with a light room, the glazing should account for about 20% of the roof area.
Where the windows are placed will depend upon the shape of the loft. If it is long and narrow, windows may be spaced along its length. A smaller deeper room may just need one larger window. Windows can be top-hung or come with a centre-pivot. If out of reach, rods or electronic controls can be used to operate them.
The dimensions may be unusual and the overhead beams bulky, but you may still be able to include a bathroom or shower in your loft conversion in London. Baths don’t need a minimum amount of headroom and a free-standing bath can look incredible.
Showers will need more headroom so we will advise on which to go for. Extractor fans may be required if the windows don’t give sufficient ventilation. Think of using opaque glass panels to a divide bathroom from bedroom/other space.
With all of that eaves space to play with, there should be no shortage of storage space. Talk to us about building shelves, recesses or cupboards into the eaves. Not only does this look good but it is a super way of making use of otherwise under-utilised space. This can be done in the bathroom also, adding storage for towels, toiletries and cosmetic items.
We will not see the eaves space as a problem but instead we will embrace those odd shapes, using them to his benefit when laying out the plans. Where the roof slants, custom-made cupboards can be built in, not only providing innovative storage but maximising the whole of the space.
If your project is loft conversion or house extension in London and you would like for one contractor to look after all aspects of the renovation, including design and build, then get in touch today.
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