Extending existing loft conversion Post Reply

[Stripyshirt]

I’m wondering if anyone has done this. When we bought our house it already had the loft conversion with one of the rooms going halfway out the length of the back bedroom underneath it. Planning thresholds have since changed and loft conversions are now permitted to go the whole length of the back bedroom underneath so that you get a really decent double bedroom instead of a small box room. Has anyone done this and can they recommend a builder? I had a builder come round to look at it but he came back and said it was beyond his capabilities. It’s possible that extending an existing loft conversion is quite a complex task that requires a specialist loft conversion company but my concern is that the project will be too small for many to want to take on. Any thoughts appreciated!

[LWade]

I have Some knowledge on your question about lofts not being fully converted as I have completed several loft extension on my buy to let properties. Try my builder Clive on 07966 476862 as I know he’s been doing loft conversions in the area for many years and he’s problem seen many problems like this before. In my experience permitted development rights have been become more relaxed recently so it shouldn’t be a problem - you just need to find someone with good experience. Best of luck.

[amandacook]

Hi, I can also recommend LC Renovation. We used them for our loft conversion and we're very happy with the work. We use a separate architect aswell.

https://www.lcrenovation.co.uk

[KarolinaHernandez]

Hi Stripyshirt,

I work as a Project Manager for a design and build company in SW London and I have recently worked on a project like that in SW6, although we were only allowed to go 2/3 of the bedroom below. It actually worked out to be a really lovely space and a much needed additional bedroom for a brand new baby boy.

It was one of the smallest jobs we took on (we did design, planning and build), but nevertheless the clients were very happy with the results and it actually worked out financially for them, as the additional bedroom in the area is worth more than the overall cost of works.

I’m happy to advise on any questions you might have and if you’d like to speak to our Design or Pricing team within my company, feel free to drop me a message and I will put you in touch with the right people.

Kind regards,
Karolina

——
Follow me on Instagram @thehomeprojects

[szerma]

Hi, we have recently done such an extension (no previous box room but our loft front was done) and what I want to say is that you need to start with an architect and a structural engineer before going to a builder. Our Planning application took a while because despite it being permitted, the council was quite picky about what they allowed. I can highly recommend our architect who used to work at Wandsworth Planning and we wouldn’t have managed this without him - let me know if you can see the attachment. You need a structural engineer because typically you need to add steel on the ground floor to support the structure. I can also recommend a structural engineer but he is quite busy!

I would not recommend the Builder we used although happy to show you what the final product looks like if you PM me.

[IrenaP]

Sorry Joe Purcell is not an architect. If you use an architect ensure he or she is listed on the architects register on the Architecture Registration Board website.

From my experience this is what I would do:contact big loft builders in your area. Tell them this is what you want to do. Ask them if they think there would be any issues based on the previous approval. They may tell you your project is small but they may be able to provide good, informed advice because they liaise with planners/ planning policy and likely have in-house architects working through these issues on a daily basis.

[szerma]

Sorry if I hit a sensitive topic here! From what I understand, anyone can do a set of drawings and put them forward for Planning permission, not just a qualified architect - is that right?

Joe had an architect working for him to do the drawings and took care of the whole process from the initial (free) advice all the way to chasing Planning, responding to their queries and challenges and even visited the site when the building was in progress (on my request). We learned from Joe that the best approach for our project was a 2-step approach - one was to get approval for half the roof under permitted development and the second was to then get subsequent Planning approval to extend to the end of the roof. Joe wrote a great application demonstrating and referencing all other properties in Wandsworth who obtained such approval, yet nobody in our “patch” had before. Even someone from 2 streets away objected to our application, when we don’t even overlook anyone, only the cemetery!

This is the whole story of why I don’t think we would have managed this without Joe. As for the title, apologies, I have not checked.

[Decimus Design]

Before involving a builder, I would get an architect or architectural technician/technologist to look at the property. They will be able to tell you what can be achieved . Or look at the planning history of the property on the council planning website and approach the architect/designer that dealt with the original extension/application. They would be, probably, better placed to help you.

Good luck on your project.

E
Decimus
http://www.decimusdesign.co.uk/

[AVC]

Hello,
I am the owner and director of a small architecture and interior design practice. My business; Studio AVC is currently based in my home studio in Tooting and in our office space in Blackfriars.
I do residential work similar to yours and would be happy to help you if you like.
I would be more than happy to meet you or talk over the phone when you are available. Best,

Ayça Vural-Cutts
Director
StudioAVC
T +44 (0) 20 8767 3663
E info@studioavc.com
www.studioavc.com

[SPJ]

Hi,

I’m interested in using this company, any chance I can chat to you?

[szerma]

Hi,

I’m interested in using this company, any chance I can chat to you?

I am not sure who you mean, if it's Joe Purcell then I attached his business card to my post above as picture. If you can't read it, please PM me.