Creating the Perfect Loft Conversion for Your Small Terraced House

The structure of terraced homes makes loft conversions extremely suitable options for home improvement. This is because terraced homes, especially those built before 1960, tend to have steeply pitched roofs and thereby larger loft spaces.

Some of the most popular types of loft conversions for terraced homes include:

Velux loft conversion

The simplest type of the conversion, Velux loft conversions are ideal for homes which have a roof height of at least 2.3m. This is because these loft conversions essentially involve the installation of roof windows (or Velux windows) into the pitch of the roof, without altering the structure of the roof.

A staircase, additional insulation, and floor reinforcements then help convert this roof space into a quick, simple, and beautiful loft room. The bright and airy space created make Velux loft conversions perfect for a guest bedroom, playroom, or even a spacious bathroom.

Rear dormer

Constructed on the rear part of the property, this type of loft conversion involves vertically extending the roof to create a box-like structure which provides additional headroom and floor space.

Rear dormers are exceptionally popular in terraced homes as they are relatively simple and cost-effective conversions. They also help create the perfect additional bedroom or extra bathroom.

L-shaped dormer

Suitable for end-terraced properties, this type of loft conversion is essentially a combination of a side and rear dormers to create a much larger space. This new space may be used to design multiple bedrooms, en-suites, or even play rooms and open plan living areas.

The addition of a roof terrace or Juliet balcony helps to further optimise the design and create valuable outdoor space.

Mansard conversion

Though more complex to construct when compared to other loft conversions, mansard lofts are visually appealing structures that involve altering the existing roof to create a flat roof with a sloping wall.

These conversions allow you to use the entire width of the property and may be used to design incredible living spaces within your home.

Most loft conversions in terraced houses fall under permitted developments and therefore, do not require planning permission. However, for a loft conversion to qualify as a permitted development, it must meet certain criteria and specific limitations. These include:

• The property must not be listed or located in a conservation area
• The loft conversion must not exceed the height of the existing roof
• The loft conversion must not include balconies, verandas, or raised platforms
• Side-facing windows must be obscure glazed
• Volume of enlargement must not exceed the original roof space by more than 40 cubic metres for terraced houses

If the loft conversion does not fall under permitted developments then planning permission will be required. The process for securing planning permission involves submitting a comprehensive application including detailed plans of the proposed design, and may take up to 8 weeks for approval.

Due to their shared walls, terraced houses do, however, require party wall agreements. These must be in place before the build can commence to avoid any legal disputes in the future.

Loft conversions are incredibly versatile in their style and design. However, when deciding on a plan for your loft conversion for your mid-terraced or end-terraced property, you must consider the space available, the structure of the existing roof, and the placement of the staircase to gain access to the loft space.

The type and style of the rooms or rooms created may then be used to design:

• Bedrooms
• Bathrooms/ En-suites
• Home offices
• Library/ Study corners
• Playrooms
• Home gyms
• Walk-in wardrobes

With feature walls, bespoke interiors, and fabulous views, it is also easy to make the newly-created space into one that perfectly complements your individual style.

The cost of a loft conversion in London can range from £20,000 to £120,000. This range is a clear representation of the myriad of factors that affect the cost of the conversion.

Naturally the complexity of the loft conversion, and the amount of structural work involved, play a significant role in the overall cost of the build. Other factors that influence the budget include:

• Location
• Building materials
• Fittings and fixtures
• Insulation

The style of the room you hope to design also affects the cost of the project. For example, creating a bathroom with all the plumbing requirements and fittings would be more expensive than designing a modest home office.

And while loft conversions significantly increase the value of your home, it would be prudent to check the ceiling price of properties in your neighbourhood to ensure that you do not overspend on the loft conversion build.

Being the primary loft conversion specialists in London, Good Design and Build are the de facto experts in loft constructions for terraced properties.

Our exceptional team of architects, builders, technicians, and project managers, oversee every aspect of the conversion project, from start to finish, in order to create stunning loft rooms that add incredible space and value to your home.

This includes, but is not limited to:

• Initial survey of the property
• Plan and design of the conversion
• Securing requisite approvals and coordinating with the local council
• Daily on-site management of the build
• Contractual work, etc.

Our unmatched expertise, unparalleled passion, and utmost professionalism enable us to create the best, bespoke loft conversions that truly bring style, comfort, and even privacy to your terraced home.