Step 3: Special Circumstances

In some circumstances, a loft conversion might not always be immediately possible.

There are certain reasons such as the building being considered by the Secretary of State (for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport) to be of special architectural or historic interest to Worthing, deeming it to be listed (listed building).

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Should you be located within a conservation area such as the South Down National Park, which enforces certain & strict limits on what can be changed.

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The age and condition of a house or roof might necessitate some remedial work to be carried out first, such as foundation, plumbing and drainage, structural modification etc.

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Premier has undertaken many a complex loft conversion and we have always been able to find a solution and completed the job to our client's expectations.

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If the loft conversion requirements (identified during the consultation) include an aspect that will require special attention it will be discussed in detail with the client at the early stage, an example would be the need to apply for permitted development rights at an initial stage of the project.

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Our loft conversions are designed and built to meet the highest standard,  working closely with local planners to meet permitted development rules.

Step 4: Choice (type) of Loft Conversion

Rear Dormer Loft Conversion

If you’re looking for a straightforward, efficient and cost-effective solution, you may settle upon our highly popular dormer loft conversion, or fully utilize the potential of your sloping roof using our hip to gable loft conversion option to gain you that extra room.

Mansard Loft Conversion

For built-up city areas where terraced housing is more common, a Mansard Loft Conversion would be a better option, Mansard (named after the 17th century French architect Francois Mansard) are added to traditional A frame pitched roofs on one side (usually the rear) of the house.

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In certain Boroughs of London and more developed areas, planning permission is more favorably granted to this style of lofts.

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If your property has permitted development rights, you can build a Mansard conversion under a Certificate of Lawfulness. This certificate means that, as long as you build within the council’s guidelines, you do not need to wait for the application to be approved before work commences.

L-Shaped Dormer Conversion

​For owners of older Victorian and Edwardian properties, a more specialized solution may be appropriate, perhaps even one of our bespoke loft conversions. An L shape loft conversion opens up more living space across a main building and a rear dormer conversion adds more height, meanwhile, a optimizes both space and natural light, transforming your attic into a whole new storey for your home.

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These types of loft conversions will involve other trades skills such as plumbing for wet rooms and bathrooms, carpenters to a new bespoke staircase, additional planning permission will likely be required.

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An L-shaped dormer loft conversion is where two dormers are built and connected together. One flat-roof dormer is built over the main part of the roof and the other is built over the rear part of the roof, which then creates the distinctive L-shape from a bird’s eye view. Due to the shape, L-shaped dormers are normally only suitable for Edwardian and Victorian properties where there is usually an existing back addition to the rear of the house.

Hip to Gable Loft Conversion

Adding a Hip to Gable loft conversion works by replacing the sloping roof with a horizontal ridge and vertical gable end, it can transform a loft space with gains in headroom making it idea for loft bedroom with en-suite bathroom.

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Hip to gable loft conversions can be a great option for bungalows, semi-detached, and detached homes, but they are most frequently seen on semi-detached and end of terraced houses. However, it’s important to note that mid-terraced homes cannot accommodate hip to gable conversions due to the lack of a sloping side.

Pitched Dormer Loft Extension

This loft conversion allows for normal vertical facing windows, ideal for a bedroom or bathroom. This style of loft conversion maintains the original look to the house and perfect for increasing the light opening up the space to many uses.