Service

Loft Conversion in London

A well-built loft conversion adds a bedroom, en-suite and study to a London terrace without expanding the footprint. We have completed mansard, L-shape, hip-to-gable and dormer conversions across East and South East London for clients who wanted the work done quickly and signed off first time by building control.

Types of loft conversion we deliver

Mansard conversions give the maximum head height and floor area but require planning permission and are most common on Victorian and Edwardian terraces in central and inner London. L-shape mansards are the standard solution for Victorian terraces with an existing rear addition. Hip-to-gable conversions suit semi-detached and end-of-terrace properties in the suburbs (Walthamstow, Wanstead, Winchmore Hill). Dormer conversions are typically permitted development and the fastest to build.

What you get with a KRAMAN loft conversion

Architectural drawings, structural engineer calculations, party wall surveys and agreements, building control application and inspections, demolition and steelwork, new floor and ceiling joists, rafters and roof construction, insulation to current Part L standards, full electrical installation, plumbing for en-suite, plastering, joinery, decoration, flooring, staircase. Velux windows and dormer cheeks finished in matching tile or zinc. Smoke and heat alarms wired into the existing system to comply with London building regulations.

Programme

A typical L-shape mansard runs 10 to 14 weeks on site, including building control sign-off and final inspection. A standard dormer runs 8 to 11 weeks. Hip-to-gable conversions run 10 to 13 weeks. We work to a written programme agreed at contract signing and our handover includes the building control completion certificate, FENSA certificate for windows, NICEIC electrical certificate and Gas Safe boiler servicing record.

Common loft conversion postcodes we cover

East London: E10 Leyton, E11 Leytonstone and Wanstead, E14 Canary Wharf and Isle of Dogs, E15 Stratford, E17 Walthamstow. North London: N6 Highgate, N21 Winchmore Hill. South East London: SE4 Brockley, SE10 Greenwich, SE13 Lewisham. Central London: SW3 Chelsea, SW7 South Kensington, W11 Notting Hill.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need planning permission for a loft conversion?

Most dormer and hip-to-gable conversions in London are permitted development. Mansards typically require planning permission. Conservation areas (parts of Brockley, Camden, Highgate and most of central London) almost always require planning consent. We submit planning applications as part of the project management.

Will my floor below need to be replastered?

Inevitably the existing ceiling is opened up to install new floor joists for the loft, so the room below is replastered. This is included in our quote and disclosed at survey stage so you can plan furniture removal.

Can a loft conversion be insulated to Passivhaus standard?

Yes, we have done several. Triple-glazed Velux windows, 200mm of mineral wool plus 50mm rigid insulation between rafters, internal vapour barrier and breathable membrane externally. The cost premium over standard Part L compliance is around 12 to 18 percent of the loft package.