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What is and what is Not Permissible?

As long as your home is not a listed building and is not situated within a conservation area the conditions that should be adhered to are:

Permitted Development - If you stay within 15% of extra volume, you do not need planning permission. Larger houses are allowed 15% or 115 cubic meters maximum. On Terraced Houses you are limited to 50 cubic meters or 10% of volume. You are allowed to take down sections of your property - e.g. an old conservatory - to allow more space for the proposed extension. 40 cubic meters can be used in a loft and 10 cubic meters in the rest of the house. In semi-detached houses, you are limited to 70 cubic meters, which breaks down into 50 cubic meters in the loft and 20 cubic meters for the rest of the house. Changing a pitched roof to a flat roof maximise's space while adding a small overall percentage.

Permission - You need permission to extend into more than 50% of the garden or beyond the front wall of the house.

Height - Nothing must be higher than the highest existing point.

Can My Roof Space Be Converted?

Some roof spaces are more easily converted than others. The first step is to measure the existing headroom at the center under the ridge. It should be a minimum of 2.2m high and provide enough room to stand up beneath it. Ideally the ridge plate running along the top of the roof should be out of reach. The steeper the pitch, the greater the potential for living space. As existing joists were designed to hold up the ceiling and not to support the floor, new joists will probably need to be fitted between the original ones and then chipboard sheets screwed to the new joists. This will raise the level of the floor but will reduce the headroom.

The second step is to work out whether the roof has been built with trussed rafters or purloins (horizontal beams running along the length of the roof). Houses predating 1965 are mostly built with purloins. These are easier to convert as the roof has a reasonably steep pitch and relatively clear spaces between the supporting frameworks. Houses built after 1965 mostly have a more shallow pitch roof and trussed rafters, which result in a shallow pitch of roof, which is harder to convert.

 

Question you may have for Barrisdale:

Q. Are Barrisdale experienced and specialists in loft conversions?
A. Yes. We have over 30 years experience in designing and building loft conversions and we use only skilled, professional tradesmen who take pride in their work and who have been with Barrisdale for many, many years.

Q. Can the quality of the work be guaranteed?
A. We are members of the Federation of Master Builders and the European Builders Confederation and eorpean building Coroperation

Q. Can I see a completed conversion?
A. Yes, we would be delighted to show you a recent conversion that are as close to your location as possible or that are of the same type of conversion you are looking to have converted at the home of one of our many satisfied customers.

Q. How many different types of loft conversions are there?
A. Many individuals, converting their exsisting exspamdible area which is potential available with a minimal amount of external building work is called a Velux conversion. A conversion with an extension to the roof may be called a Dormer or Mansard. In addition there are Hip To Gable extensions, Wrap-Around Dormers and L-Shaped Dormers. Some of the options available can be viewed under the heading LOFT CONVERSIONS.

Q. How do I know which one would be most suitable?
A. Our Surveyor/Designer with experience in designing lofts since 1975 will call to visit personally to give an initial free of charge survey, advise on all options available and provide you with a free estimate.

Q. Can all lofts be converted?
A. No, it is not practical to convert some lofts. Barrisdale offer a FREE no obligiation consultation to potential customers and if this is the case, we will advise you.

Q. Do I need council permission for my loft conversion?
A. Planning permission is only required if you have already exceeded your permitted development allowance. Our Surveyor will advise you accordingly. However, all conversions require the project to meet Building Regulations. (please click here for a more detailed explanation)

Q. Do I need building plans for my loft conversion?
A. Yes. If your conversion is for habitable accommodation then it needs to be planned professionally to ensure it conforms to building regulations. At Barrisdale we have our own architects who will produce your plans to the highest standards and specifications to ensure your loft conversion meets with current legislation.

Q. How much will my loft conversion cost?
A. Each conversion is individual to your property and your requirements. The cost will vary accordingly. Barrisdale has the experience of accurately costing your conversion. Once you have accepted our quote, we guarantee there will be no extra charges unless you request further works or existing services are inadequate or unsafe. We offer packages for the DIY enthusiast or the completed works which can include kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms, gym, home study – the choice is yours. Our Surveyor will discuss your requirements with you.

Q. Will you arrange for installation of plumbing and electrics?
A. Yes, this is normally included in our total price except for the DIY package.

Q. How quickly can work commence?
A. Normally within one month of permissions being obtained by the council. A project is not started until the team can be on your property from start to finish.

Q. Do Barrisdale undertake large and small conversions?
A. "YES" Barrisdale build many multiple conversions as well as simple roof light (Velux) conversions.

Q. What area's does Barrisdale cover?
A. Barrisdale specialise in completing lofts in all areas of London, Essex and the Home Counties.
for a free, no obligation quote. A Surveyor will call to discuss your requirements.

Q. What do I need to do next?
A. Please contact Barrisdale: 0208 220 3179 or email us by clicking here