Loft Conversions in London
A loft conversion is usually the most straightforward way to add a bedroom - and often a bathroom - to a London home: the structure is already there, the footprint doesn't change, and in many cases the work falls within permitted development.
Kaplan Construction has been converting lofts across London since 1998, as standalone projects and as part of larger renovations. The same in-house team handles the structural work, the roofing, the staircase and the finish, with one project manager from survey to sign-off.
Types of Loft Conversion We Build in London
The right conversion depends on your roof shape, the head height and what your street's planning context allows:
Dormer Loft Conversions
The most common conversion in London. A dormer extends the roof vertically to create full head height and straight walls - turning an awkward triangle into a usable bedroom.
Flat-roof rear dormers
The workhorse of London terraces - the biggest gain in floor area and head height, and often within permitted development at the rear.
L-shaped dormers
On Victorian properties with a rear projection, an L-shaped dormer runs over both roofs - frequently enough space for two rooms, or a bedroom with a full bathroom.
Mansard Loft Conversions
A mansard rebuilds the roof slope to almost vertical, creating the most space and the most house-like feel of any conversion. Common across inner London where planning policy prefers them on street-facing roofs - they almost always need planning permission, which we handle.
Hip-to-Gable Loft Conversions
On semi-detached and end-of-terrace homes with a hipped (sloped) side roof, the hip is rebuilt as a vertical gable wall - releasing the space the slope was stealing. Often combined with a rear dormer for the full conversion.
Rooflight (Velux) Conversions
Where the existing head height is generous, the roof structure stays untouched - insulation, flooring, a staircase and rooflights are enough. The most economical conversion, and usually the fastest.
Planning & Building Regulations for London Lofts
Permitted development
Many rear dormer and rooflight conversions in London fall within permitted development rights. Conservation areas and Article 4 directions restrict this - and mansards nearly always need a full application. We confirm your property's position first and manage whichever route applies.
Building regulations
Every loft conversion must meet building regulations: structural support for the new floor, fire-protected escape routes, a compliant staircase, and insulation. Our work is inspected at each stage and you receive the completion certificate at handover.
Party wall agreements
Loft conversions on terraced and semi-detached homes almost always involve work to shared walls - steel beams usually bear on them. We prepare the party wall notices so the agreement is in place before the steels go in.
Is Your Loft Suitable for Conversion?
Most London lofts can be converted, but three things decide how: the head height at the ridge, the roof structure (traditional rafters are simpler than trussed roofs), and where a staircase can land without eating a bedroom. A free site visit answers all three - we measure, talk through the options and follow up with a written quotation.
Loft Conversions in London - Common Questions
It depends on the conversion type, the structure and the finish - a rooflight conversion and a mansard are very different projects. We visit, measure and give you a written quotation with the scope itemised line by line rather than quoting from a price list.
Often not - many rear dormer and rooflight conversions fall within permitted development. Mansards and street-facing changes usually do need permission, as do homes in conservation areas or under Article 4 directions. We check your property's position and handle the application if needed.
Most can, but head height, roof structure and staircase position decide what's practical. If a conversion isn't the right answer for your property, we'll tell you at the site visit rather than design something that won't get signed off.
An extra bedroom - especially with a bathroom - is one of the most reliable improvements a London property can have. We won't put a percentage on it, but it's the project our clients most often describe as paying for itself.
Loft Conversions Across London
Related Services in London
Planning loft conversions in London? Get in touch for a free site visit and a clear, no-obligation written quote.
