Loft conversions are a fantastic way to add space to your property. Your loft is generally at least half of the footprint of your house, so the potential for extra space is huge. A typical, unconverted loft will be separate from the rest of the house, accessible via a hatch or a ladder. They can be used for storage, but in most cases, they are an empty, unused space. Loft conversions are often associated with home renovations in London, as the potential for extra space is so great and they are fairly simple to carry out. They are the second most popular type of extension we do here at Home Tales. 

Dormer loft extension

A dormer extension is the most popular type of extension we do here at Home Tales. This option opens up the rear pitch of your property to allow for a flat, extended roof to be formed. This is the most popular design as it gives the most amount of useable space in the property. Sloping roofs restrict how you use the internal space, so having the 90-degree angled walls inside opens up your room to a wide array of opportunity. 

L-shaped dormer 

L-shape dormer extensions are similar to our simple dormer extensions, the only difference is in their size. If your existing property has an outrigger, which many London properties do, then you can build an additional dormer extension to sit on the outrigger, as well as the main body of the house. Our clients often want additional bedrooms in their property, so this design can allow for two bedrooms to be formed. Alternatively, you might want an additional bathroom, a gym or a study. The options are endless. 

Loft in Wandsworth 

We recently completed a l-shaped dormer in Wandsworth, SW18. The new loft extension has a new staircase leading up to the newly created second floor. There is a small landing area in the loft. This landing gives access to the two newly created bedrooms and a family bathroom. One of the bedrooms and the family bathroom is in the front, main dormer. The rear dormer allows for the second bedroom. 

Mansard extension 

Mansard extensions are another type of loft extension. They are similar to a dormer; the only difference is the new proposed walls are pitched at an angle of 70 degrees. This does create a slant on your walls (internal and external). Some local councils favour this design, as they feel it’s less imposing on the host property. If you are in a conservation area, this might be a design you have to consider. 

Loft in Hammersmith & Fulham 

We recently submitted a planning application to Hammersmith & Fulham council for an l-shape mansard loft extension. The property is in a conservation area. The new loft will house two additional bedrooms, as well as a family bathroom to this property. In order to give the new rooms a generous head height, we are also proposing we increase the ridge height of the property by 200mm. 

Loft in Ealing, W5

We added two new bedrooms to a Victorian terrace in Ealing by extending with an l-shaped loft conversion. The homeowners wanted to create a space for themselves (the parents!), enabling their three teenage sons to take a bedroom each on the first floor. We created a spacious master bedroom with an en-suite and walk-in wardrobe. We even managed to squeeze in an extra bedroom which will be utilised as a study.

Loft conversions are hugely popular in London, and it’s easy to see the reasons why. In terms of value added to the property, it’s a no brainer. They cost between £30k and £60k to build, and they can add over £100k to the property value. In terms of disruption, they are fairly moderate. Ground floor extensions are hugely disruptive to your everyday life, as they affect your kitchen and practical daily life. A loft conversion can be boarded up inside, to limit dust and noise entering your existing property. A scaffold will be erected so the builders can use this for access for most of the build duration. For this reason, almost all of our clients who are undertaking a loft conversion chose to live in during the build. 

If you are thinking of undertaking a loft conversion, contact our friendly team today on 0207 043 2378 or email us at hello@hometales.co.uk. Did you know you can book a home visit or telephone consultation online? Click here and you will find our bookings page. Following our discussion, we will issue you with a no obligation quote for the works.