Covering Catford
We work in Catford (SE6) and the places around it, including Blackheath, Greenwich and Beckenham.
Homes in London
London projects often mean working on period terraces with neighbours on both sides, tight access through the house and conservation area controls, so careful planning and party wall work matter as much as the build.
What is a loft conversion?
A loft conversion turns an unused roof space into habitable rooms, usually a bedroom with an en-suite, by strengthening the floor, adding a staircase, insulating the roof and putting in windows. The type you need depends on the roof: rooflight, dormer, hip-to-gable or mansard.
- Planning or lawful development certificate
- New floor joists, steels and staircase
- Dormer or rooflights, insulation and plasterboard
What will a loft conversion cost?
Indicative costs for loft conversions. London and the South East usually sit towards the top of each range.
| Loft conversions | Guide price incl. VAT |
|---|---|
| Rooflight conversion | £30,000 to £45,000 |
| Dormer conversion | £50,000 to £90,000 |
| Hip-to-gable with dormer | £60,000 to £95,000 |
| Mansard conversion | £65,000 to £110,000 |
What approvals does a loft conversion need in England?
English projects need planning clearance from the local council, building regulations sign-off from building control, and party wall notices where the work is on or near a shared boundary. We prepare and manage all three.
In England many loft conversions are permitted development: the extra roof volume must stay within 40 m³ on a terraced house or 50 m³ on a semi or detached house, nothing can sit higher than the existing ridge, no dormer can face a road on the main elevation, and side windows must be obscure-glazed and non-opening below 1.7 m. Houses in conservation areas, National Parks and National Landscapes cannot use these roof-extension rights, so dormers there need planning permission (a rooflight-only conversion can still be permitted development), and flats always need permission.
What should I think about before starting?
- Head height under the ridge decides whether a conversion is practical.
- Fire safety rules can mean new fire doors on the floors below.
What happens after I enquire?
- Send us the details. Give us a postcode, a rough idea of size and some photos, by phone, form or the guide price tool.
- We visit and measure. A surveyor checks the house, the boundaries and the ground, and discusses what is realistic.
- Price and paperwork. The design is priced line by line, and we submit the planning and building control applications.
- Construction and completion. One site lead co-ordinates every trade through to the building control certificate.
Loft conversions: common questions
Is my loft suitable for conversion?
If there is about 2.2 m or more from the top of the ceiling joists to the underside of the ridge, it usually is. We check this at the free site visit.
Does a loft conversion need planning permission?
In England many are permitted development, within 40 m³ of extra volume on a terrace or 50 m³ on a semi or detached house. Conservation areas and flats need permission.
How do I get a price for loft conversions in Catford?
Use the guide price tool for a ballpark figure, then book a visit for a fixed written price for the agreed specification.
Loft conversions in nearby towns
- Loft conversions in Blackheath
- Loft conversions in Greenwich
- Loft conversions in Beckenham
- Loft conversions in Peckham
Learn more about loft conversions, or see every project we cover in Catford.