Loft Conversion Specialists based in Romford, serving customers in Brentwood, Chigwell, Epping, Chelmsford, Upminster & Surrounding
Opening times: Mon - Fri 8.30am - 6.00pm
Telephone: 01708 871 666
Essex Loft Conversions - Dormer
Are you looking to transform your unused loft space into a bright, functional, additional room? If you live in Romford or Surrounding area's and you're considering expanding your living space and adding value to your home, a Dormer Loft conversion by Romford Lofts might be the perfect solution for you.
Romford Lofts have helped hundreds of discerning homeowners across Essex to maximise their homes potential. With over 25 years experience in high-quality home building services we can help you to affordably make your vision a reality.
Unlock the hidden potential of your property and trust Romford Lofts to help you transform your loft into a captivating and practical living space that the whole family can enjoy. Whatever your planning on using your loft space for, our team leverages thoughtful design and meticulous construction to create inviting loft conversions that can add immediate value whilst significantly enhancing the liveability of your home.
UPMINSTER • DAGENHAM • EPPING • CHELMSFORD • HORNCHURCH • CHIGWELL • WALTHAM STOW • BRENTWOOD • COLLIER ROW • ROMFORD • WOODFORD
What is a Dormer Loft Conversion?
A dormer loft conversion involves extending a property’s roof vertically to create additional floor space and headroom. The extension projects outward from the sloping roof, forming a box-like structure with windows, which allows for more usable space and natural light.
Dormer loft conversions are versatile and can be built in various styles, including flat-roof, pitched-roof, and L-shaped dormers, making them suitable for different property types. They are a popular choice for creating extra bedrooms, home offices, or living areas, as they offer a practical and cost-effective way to transform unused lofts into functional, comfortable spaces.
Why are Dormer Loft Conversions so popular in Essex?
Dormer loft conversions are incredibly popular in Essex due to their practicality, versatility, and ability to significantly enhance a home’s functionality. By extending vertically from a property’s roof, a dormer conversion increases both headroom and usable floor space, transforming previously cramped attics into spacious, comfortable rooms.
One reason for their popularity in Essex is their adaptability to various property types, including terraced, semi-detached, and detached homes. This makes them an excellent option for many homeowners across the county. Dormer loft conversions also allow for larger windows, bringing in more natural light and creating a bright, welcoming atmosphere.
In many cases, dormer conversions fall under permitted development rights, eliminating the need for planning permission and streamlining the process. They’re also more cost-effective than other loft conversion types like mansard or hip-to-gable, offering excellent value for money while adding significant value to the property.
Whether you’re looking to create an additional bedroom, a home office, or a family living area, dormer loft conversions offer a practical solution that meets a variety of needs, making them a top choice for Essex homeowners.
What’s Included in a Romford Lofts Dormer Loft Conversion?
At Romford Lofts, we believe in providing a smooth, stress-free experience. Our all-inclusive quotes mean everything is covered from start to finish. Here’s what you can expect:
• Initial Consultation:
We’ll visit your home to assess your loft space, discuss your needs, and confirm the suitability of a Dormer conversion.
• Tailored Design:
Our designers will create a bespoke plan that makes the most of your space while complying with all building regulations.
• Expert Installation:
Our skilled tradespeople will complete all necessary work with precision and care.
• Finishing Touches:
Once the work is complete, we’ll finish the space to your specifications, leaving you with a beautiful, ready-to-use room.
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Do I need planning permission for my loft conversion?Planning laws changed in 2008, meaning most loft conversions could be possible without the need for planning permission thus making the process a lot simpler for many homeowners. This law change means that homeowners can extend their roof space by adding a dormer or hip-to-gable conversion by 50 cubic meters for a detached or semi-detached property and by 40 meters for a terraced house. This is called the permitted development allowance. However, there are several exceptions to the permitted development allowance rule, namely, flats and maisonettes will always need planning permission. If the property is located or listed within a conservation area, or if the roof height is being increased then these will require full planning permission and meet the policy design guidelines of your local council.
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What is building control?The building control office located within a local authority is in place to ensure any building work undertaken conforms to building regulations, this includes, design, construction methods, and approved materials. Internal loft alterations (even non-structural ones) may affect fire safety, so prudent to contact the local authority.
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If we are required to submit a full planning application, how long will it take for a decision?Normally the council will advise of their decision within eight weeks.
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How high does my loft area need to be for a conversion?A loft conversion requires there to be approximately at least 2.2 meters in height from the top of the floor joists to the bottom of the ridge board. If not, your property might be eligible for several different types of loft conversion. Depending on the property’s structure, we could lower your existing ceiling joists to enable sufficient height required to construct a loft conversion.
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What if my neighbours object?The local authority will notify your neighbours and any other interested parties for their consideration, they usually have 21 days to respond. This will be inspected by the public online and will be considered by the council officers on the basis of planning reasons. They cannot reject your application simply because some or even many people oppose it. The local authority must always give reasons if it refuses your application or subjects it to certain conditions.
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What is a party wall agreement, and will I need one?A party wall is an existing wall or structure shared with an adjoining property, for example, the wall between two terrace houses. As most loft conversions may affect the structure of a party wall you will need to notify all adjoining neighbours. Typical works: Changing the height of a party wall. Breaking into a wall to insert a structural beam. Underpinning a party wall where needed. The above is covered by the Party Wall etc. Act 1996
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What is a party wall agreement, and will I need one?A party wall is an existing wall or structure shared with an adjoining property, for example, the wall between two terrace houses. As most loft conversions may affect the structure of a party wall you will need to notify all adjoining neighbours. Typical works: Changing the height of a party wall. Breaking into a wall to insert a structural beam. Underpinning a party wall where needed. The above is covered by the Party Wall etc. Act 1996
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How do I serve a party wall agreement?Being neighbourly, it is best practice to inform your neighbours if you are planning to convert your loft space, pre-warning them of a pending planning application from the local authority can avoid unnecessary hick-ups. Would be a wise decision in our opinion to share your plans beforehand. Next steps - give notice in writing to all owners of when you plan to do it, and how it will impact them. Served at least two months before the work on the party wall is due to start. Your neighbour may agree to work starting earlier but is not obliged to, they have 14 days to respond. Any agreement from other owners must be gained in writing. If agreement on the work is not reached, an "agreed surveyor" can be appointed to draw up an "award". This award will typically set out the work to be done, how and when it will be carried out, and will include a report on the existing condition of the adjoining property. These costs are typically covered by the owner of the property converting their loft.
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Is there disruption when constructing a loft conversion?Throughout any building works there will always be some sort of disruption. With the process of converting a loft, most of these works (85/90%) are carried out in the loft area, therefore minimizing the risk of disorder. The only time you will potentially experience any disruption will be when the team breakthrough your existing ceiling for the new staircase to service the new loft area, this will be no longer than 2 days.
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Health and Safety & Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM 2015)At Loft Care, we are continuously committed to ensuring the health & safety along with the welfare of our employees, contractors, clients, and the public. We are fully aware of our legal duties under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. Separately, we ensure the implementation of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM 2015) in the domestic construction sector, guaranteeing these duties are passed on to the contractor.