South London Loft conversions

South London Loft conversions are an increasingly popular way for homeowners to expand the useable space within their house without going through all of the hassle and expense of moving. There are a number of different types of loft conversions in South London but the most common is a 'dormer'. What is a dormer and what are its benefits and disadvantages?

The main objective of anyone considering an attic conversion in London is to achieve more useable space. In some cases the space within the existing loft is sufficient to add a bedroom and bathroom just by installing VELUX windows in the existing slope to provide natural light. In most properties the existing space is too small to be used for much more than a storeroom and so the most common type of work undertaken is the installation of a dormer as the back of the property.

A dormer loft conversion will usually protrude from the rear roof at a ninety degree angle, stepped back at least 200mm from the rear wall of the house. Dormer loft conversions in South London significantly add to the useable floor area by extending the height at the existing ridge for the majority of the rear half of the property. They are constructed using an insulated timber frame with marine ply exterior. Most dormer loft conversions include a window or set of French doors, providing natural light and a garden aspect.

South London loft conversions incorporating a rear dormer design are generally hung externally in slates or tiles to match the existing roof although can be rendered, clad in timber, lead, aluminium or any other suitable external material. An important consideration when selecting external materials is maintenance of the finish. Most traditional roofing materials do not require regular maintenance however a timber or rendered finish will require regular care which can add to the long-term costs

Most dormer conversions have a 'flat roof' which is usually a three layer felt roof, although can be lead or a liquid poured roof, depending on the specification required. It is possible to lay a 'green roof' on top of the flat roof which can be a great benefit to wildlife in urban areas and helps to regulate the temperatures in London loft conversions, especially on very hot or cold days.

Some dormers do have a pitched roof (either with a single pitch or a double pitch) which is often more sympathetic to the look of period properties. The disadvantage of a pitched dormer is that it requires more existing head height in the loft as the pitched roof adds to the overall height. It also does not provide as much useable floor space as a standard flat roof dormer. Yet pitched dormers are popular with planning departments as they do not dominate the entire roof. In some cases pitched dormers are the only way to achieve planning consent for a loft conversion in London.

Tips to find the ideal Loft Conversion Company

A loft conversion is either used as a bedroom, storage, teen den, entertainment room, children's playroom, home office or even a bathroom. Globally, loft conversions have become a welcome trend for those who desire to extend their property without using up space meant for the garden or any other thing. Whatever your needs or wants, a loft conversion is one of the most cost effective and efficient ways to add to your living space without actually moving.

Before the project of converting your loft to a usable space is initiated, several factors are supposed to be considered. Firstly, the loft space that is to be used for the project should be properly inspected to ensure that the dimensions are such that will make the planed conversion feasible. It should also be ascertained if the space under the roof bridge is spacious enough for headroom.

Types of Loft Conversion

Dormer Loft Conversion

 Dormer Lofts are constructed in treated timber and clad in slates or tiles to match your property. Normally these are constructed under permitted development.

Mansard Loft Conversion 

Mansard type lofts are formed by building up both party walls. The rear walls are constructed with treated timbers at a 70 pitch and clad in slates. Windows are formed and cladded in lead. This type of loft normally needs planning permission.

All successful loft conversions depend on finding the right builder, unless you plan on undertaking the job yourself. A word of caution if you are thinking such a move; loft conversions can be a really big job that is best suited for the professionals. It is not the ideal area to cut corners and try to save money.

Finding a good builder is stressful at best. You need to be absolutely sure you can deal with the builder and deal with the workforce that will invade your home. You also need to know enough to be sure you are getting a good service and your bed won't fall through the floor the first night you sleep in it!

Research of building companies online is probably the best place to start if you don't have any recommendations. You start out by finding companies who will undertake work in your area and initiate contact. Take into consideration the type of interaction you have with company personnel, response time and level of friendliness. I know one such kind of company which is very famous for loft conversion, diy loft conversion, diy attic conversion and all type of conversion. The company is located in south London, known as Doran Bros. 

Dormer style loft Conversions in London

If you are frustrated with the lack of available space in your home then you are not alone. In order to solve this problem many people in the UK have turned to loft conversions as they are a quicker, easier and cheaper way of gaining extra space without moving home.

There are two main types of conversions that tend to be the most popular. Dormer conversions are seen when you do not have quite enough space for headroom and to complete the conversion. Additional space must be made by construction of the dormer area, thus the name.

A roof light or Velux conversion is usually seen when there is sufficient room available for the conversion. This is one of the most commonly seen and often the least expensive style of loft conversion.

Despite the seeming lack of loft conversion styles, this is far from the case. There are multiple design and modification differences that can be made to either basic loft conversion style. One of the best ways to get an idea of what you desire in your loft conversion is by seeing what other people have done for their loft conversions in different areas.

If you were to take a look around London you would find countless examples of conversions. A very popular style of loftconversion in London area is the dormer style. Often, with terraced homes a slight variation on the dormer conversion is chosen to be employed, termed the Mansard loft conversion.

A simple glance through advertisements in Surrey reveal how sought after homes with a loft conversion are. While no one set style seems to rule the fashion, homes sporting lovely dormer style loft conversions and Velux style conversions can be found on every road. It's quite amazing how luxurious and elegant a conversion can become, featuring its own master suite with bathe.

The overall look and features of a conversion are almost endless. You are certain to find exactly the look and features of what your ideal loft conversion would have with your happiness guaranteed. Today, people around the UK are learning the wonders and joy of that added space with their loft conversion. You can now see a loft conversion in any upscale London area to some of the tinier country homes. So why should you suffer any longer with less room? Start today, and soon your conversion will be a living dream.

Advantages of a Loft Conversion

A loft conversion is one of the most popular and effective forms of home improvement. Taking advantage of this unused space can give you a nice bright room and add a whole new perspective to your house. Not only will a loft conversion give you that much needed space but it can also add value to your property.

On average 30% of your house's potential space is in the loft, therefore you should make the most of this space. The loft conversion can be a versatile space used as a bedroom, living space or even as an office.

What different types of loft conversion are there?

There are four basic types of loft conversion. The original design of your roof you will determine which type of loft conversion you can have and which will look the best.

Rooflight Conversion

Rooflight conversions involve fitting windows into the roof at the same angle as the roof, so that the structure of the roof is untouched. Rooflights usually don't involve planning permission and because there isn't any structural change they are cheaper and quicker than other conversions.

Side Dormer Conversion

Usually, these smaller dormers are built to retain the character of your property. A side dormer is often constructed instead of raising the hip to create a full gable extension. Often these conversions are where strict planning regulations are in force.

Mansard Conversion

A mansard roof is one with two slopes, one at an almost vertical 72 degree angle and then the top section slope which is almost horizontal. This roof style will maximise available space in your loft. Mansard roofs are not seen much in suburban areas, they are usually seen on older properties in cities. 

Mansard  loft conversions  usually require planning permission and because of the changes in roof structure it can be expensive.

Hip to Gable

A hip to gable conversion requires changing the external form of the roof. It allows more headroom and this means you can capitalize on the floor space. Because of the structural changes to the roof, this type of conversion usually requires planning permission.