As home renovation specialists, we work with a variety of projects, be that loft conversions, kitchen extensions, first floor extensions and refurbishments. Each project is unique, both in existing property layout and also in the scope of works of the proposed changes. There is nothing more rewarding them looking back to see how far we have come. Before and after photos really help to put the journey into perspective and compare the old with the new. At Home Tales, our team try to take lots of pictures before, during and after, as we feel it gives our new and prospective clients a good visual idea of the journey ahead of them. Afterall, pictures speak a thousand words. 

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SW18 – loft conversion

We thought we would walk you through the journey of one of our latest projects. This was a loft conversion we completed on the Southfield’s grid in Wandsworth, South London. Like many Victorian properties, the host property had an existing ground floor and first floor outrigger. As a result, we proposed an l-shape dormer loft conversion to maximise the space available to the homeowner. Our loft conversion added two dormers to the rear of the property, one over the main building and one over the existing two-storey outrigger. We also added 3 large Velux windows to the front roof pitch, to enable natural light penetration from both sides. 

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Before the loft extension was added, the property was a two-storey, 3-bedroom home which included a ground floor and first floor. The loft conversion added a second storey onto the property and the addition of two spacious bedrooms and a bathroom. We inserted a staircase leading to the new floor, which leads onto a new landing area giving access to the new rooms. Both bedrooms have eaves storage which can be accessed via a small door. This gives the homeowner lots of invaluable storage space. The front bedroom benefits from both Velux windows from the front roof pitch, as well as a rear window overlooking the garden. The back bedroom has a larger rear window which floods the room with natural light. The two grey windows are made from aluminium. The bathroom sits towards the front of the property and has a large Velux window, enabling natural light penetration and ventilation. We fit the tiles and appliances. The tiles were from Fired Earth and look fabulous. The landing area shows that the loft conversion is spilt level. This is because the property has a natural spilt level throughout, so the rear of the house is 2 to 3 steps lower than the front. The same steps appear on the ground floor between the front living room and kitchen, as well as the first floor between the master bedroom and rear bedroom. 

The build took 12 weeks to reach a watertight shell. We had scaffold up for most of that duration which enabled the builders to access the site without having to interrupt the day to day routine of the house. For this reason, the clients decided to live in for the duration of the building works. 

W5 – loft conversion 

We extended into the loft of this Victorian, mid terrace property in Ealing, W5. The homeowners wanted to create a master bedroom with a walk-in wardrobe and en-suite. They deliberated with the idea of encompassing the second bedroom into the master bedroom, to create a larger, more generous room size. After much thought, they decided they would benefit more from having an extra bedroom instead, so we created this lovely little study room. The build took 10 weeks to complete, and the homeowners couldn’t be happier with the finished result. The conversion enabled them to give their three teenage sons a bedroom each on the first floor. 

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The Build Phase with Home Tales

Here at Home Tales, we are passionate about all aspects of the design and build process. We designed both of these lofts and gained the relevant approvals via the local councils. Both homeowners used our recommended builder and opted for our Project Management Service. This keeps us very much involved during the build process, and we visit site at regular intervals to check off payment milestones, keep track of progress and ensure everything is running to the schedule. If you are interested in our project management service, check out one of our latest blogs, which runs through the 6 top reasons on why you need a project manager. 

If you are still in the early stages, and need architectural designs and planning permission, call us today on 0207 043 2378 or email us at hello@hometales.co.uk. In the first instance we would recommend having a consultation with a member of our team, which enables us to explain more about how we work. We will also take the opportunity to learn more about your project, so we can issue you with a no obligation quote for the works. You can also book a consultation directly via our website, via our live online booking link.