Assessment Criteria

Understanding Planning Permission & Feasibility

Before any loft conversion can begin, the most important first step is understanding what is possible, permitted, and practical for your home. That is why we offer a free feasibility survey, where we take accurate measurements, assess your roof structure, and discuss design opportunities that suit both your lifestyle and your budget.

During this survey, we will also explain the three tailored service options available:

Option 1 – Full Design & Build (our in-house team completes the entire build)
Option 2 – Client-Led Build with Professional Consultancy (you appoint your own trades)
Option 3 – Hybrid Support & Contractor Coordination (your contractor completes the work with our guidance if required)

No matter which path you choose, our goal is to help you achieve a stunning, compliant loft conversion with complete confidence.

Planning Permission & Permitted Development

Many loft conversions, particularly those that do not alter the front roof slope, may proceed under Permitted Development Rights, meaning full planning permission is not required. This often applies to:

Rear flat-roof dormers
Hip-to-gable conversions
Rooflight/Velux-only conversions

However, planning permission will be required if:

Your loft conversion significantly alters the appearance of the roof
Your property is in a conservation area or similar restricted zone
The design exceeds volumetric limits set by planning regulations
Dormers are proposed on the front elevation facing a highway

Where planning is necessary, we ensure your external design is sympathetic to the property, increasing the likelihood of approval.

Planning support applies to all service options — if our involvement ends after design, planning can still be handled through us if required.

Dormers or a Gable Wall constructed away from the front elevation is permitted development. However, if you live in a conservation area, listed building, national park, flat or maisonette then planning permission will always be required. Our experienced surveyor will advise you if a planning application is necessary.

Please note that the front elevation is sometimes referred to as the Principle Elevation.

If you have Architect drawings but you’re unsure if you require planning permission then your architect should advise you. If you do not have architect plans we can supply the architectural drawings with your loft conversion.

For Your FREE Feasibility Survey Call

023 9270 6150

Building Regulations Required for All Options

Regardless of whether your project requires planning permission, Building Regulations approval is mandatory for all loft conversions. This ensures:

✔ Structural safety

✔ Fire protection & safe escape routes

✔ Proper insulation & ventilation

✔ Safe electrical installation

✔ Plumbing & Drainage

We ensure full regulatory compliance through detailed architectural drawings and engineering support, included in all 3 options.

We apply for this during the preliminary stages, submitting architectural drawings and detailed structural calculations for approval. During the works thorough inspections are carried out by a qualified building inspector. On completion a certificate is issued stating that all work has been carried out in accordance with current Building Regulations. It is of the utmost importance that your loft conversion complies with Building Regulations and that it is formally approved before the work commences.

Floor Space – Practical Design Considerations

When planning your loft conversion, it’s important to set realistic expectations for how much usable floor space can be created. The size and shape of your existing loft, along with the location of the new staircase, will determine what is achievable without compromising comfort or functionality. Our design approach ensures that bedrooms, en-suite bathrooms and the new landing are all proportionate and thoughtfully arranged to maximise comfort and flow.

A carefully designed loft conversion can increase total living space by around 30% in a house, and up to 50% in a bungalow, delivering one of the highest value-boosting home improvements available.

Staircase – Positioning for a Seamless Loft Conversion

The staircase location is one of the most important design decisions in any loft conversion. A well-positioned staircase ensures the new floor feels like a natural continuation of your home rather than an add-on.

In most houses, the ideal solution is to install the new staircase directly above the existing one. This keeps both stairwells aligned, maintains a logical flow through the home and allows handrails, spindles, and finishes to match, creating a visually unified result from ground floor to your new top floor.

For bungalow loft conversions, the staircase is typically best positioned near the front entrance or within the main hallway, helping maintain circulation and accessibility across the home.

In some properties, making space for the staircase may require a small section of an adjacent room to be repurposed. While this is only considered when absolutely necessary, it may be the key to achieving a practical and compliant design.

Head Height – A Key Factor in Loft Conversion Feasibility

Adequate headroom is essential to ensure your loft conversion becomes a comfortable and functional living space. As a quick guide, if you stand in the existing loft and cannot touch the underside of the rafters, the space is usually suitable for conversion. However, if you can easily reach the rafters (typically 2.4 metres or less from ceiling to apex), the loft may require design adjustments to meet Building Regulations and provide usable space.

To achieve the necessary height, solutions may include:

Lowering the ceilings on the floor below
Creating a dropped landing at the top of the new staircase
Tailoring the design for a non-habitable space such as a study or playroom

Our surveyor will accurately measure the loft height during your free feasibility survey and advise whether a compliant and practical conversion can be achieved.

For further supporting guidance on roof types and typical minimum height requirements, please visit our Types of Roof page.

Interior Layout – Designing a Space That Truly Works

A successful loft conversion prioritises quality of space over quantity of rooms. Rather than dividing the loft into multiple small areas with limited headroom, it is often better to create one or two well-proportioned, comfortable rooms that offer genuine usability and long-term value.

Smart interior design can help you make the most of the available footprint:

Consider incorporating an en-suite bathroom to enhance both practicality and property value
Use clever storage solutions and built-in furniture to utilise low-headroom zones efficiently
Apply thoughtful décor and lighting to create a spacious, welcoming feel

During the design process, we explore the best way to balance functionality, comfort, and aesthetics, ensuring your new loft doesn’t just add space, but enhances the way you live.

Exterior Design – Enhancing Space While Complementing Your Home

The exterior appearance of your loft conversion is just as important as the interior layout. A well-designed conversion should blend seamlessly with your existing property while maximising space, light, and functionality.

One of the most popular solutions is a rear flat-roof dormer, paired with front-facing roof windows, offering significant extra floor area without overwhelming the street view. However, every home is unique, and we tailor each design to suit the property and your requirements:

On wide properties, larger dormers can often be divided into two or three smaller sections (typically under 2 metres each) to reduce visual bulk
In homes with generous roof volume, Velux roof windows alone may be sufficient, creating bright rooms without altering the external roofline
Where appropriate — and budget permits — strategically positioned dormers can unlock up to 30% more usable floor space than roof windows alone

We also assess alternative design approaches, such as hip-to-gable conversions, which can significantly increase headroom and floor area on hipped-roof properties.

All exterior design options — along with any planning considerations — will be fully explored during your feasibility survey, ensuring your loft conversion not only performs well but enhances the look and value of your home.

Once the assessment criteria is completed we mainly focus on one primary area- Designing Your Loft Conversion.