Dulwich Loft Conversion
We’re Encompass. If you reside in Dulwich you are in an area where there are a number of our superb loft conversions.
Dulwich Loft Conversion – Dulwich is a very desirable part of South London; if you have outgrown your current living space, and feel the pressure to move, why not consider one of our award-winning loft conversions instead of relocating, and maximise your living space.
We offer a no-obligation quoting service.
At Encompass, high production values are the foundation stone of our services.
We are located in South West London, but operate our comprehensive service nation-wide.
Fully documented progress reports from commencement to sign-off are integral to one of our loft conversion in Dulwich We are experts at estimating costs accurately, and supplying full details of product specifications, schedules and timescales, together with comprehensive advice and recommendations on processes. We guarantee to present every aspect of your Dulwich loft conversion in as clear and precise a manner as possible.
We aim to be friendly, personable, and accessible, at all times, with regular reports, site visits, meetings, and a dedicated hotline for all of your queries or concerns during the progress of your Dulwich loft conversion.
You are welcome to inspect our many testimonials from satisfied clients; Alternatively you may wish to see recent examples of our work. Loft conversions in Dulwich are are seamlessly incorporated into the property, and decorated and fitted out to the highest standards – We have extensive experience in conservation areas, and are fully aware of and compliant with, all regulations, and statutory requirements.
You are welcome to view recent projects to see our work.
Working closely with you on your Dulwich loft conversion
An Encompass Loft Conversion in Dulwich will not only increase your property value. We are happy to show you some of the imaginative approaches to providing extra living space that we have developed. Many are the envy of our competitors.
Optimising the layout of your Dulwich loft conversion is of paramount importance. We’ve frequently challenged existing ideas, proposed and executed innovative solutions and subsequently increased property values accordingly . We have a reputation for novel solutions, even sometimes lowering high ceilings to increase volume, are we well-known for employing advanced techniques to incorporate extra space. We offer bespoke carpentry and joinery as part of our standard remit.
Our Designers adhere to budgetary constraints and specific requirements at all times; the progress of your Dulwich loft conversion will be continuously monitored to ensure value for money and complete customer satisfaction.
Your loft conversion in Dulwich is way more than a build. We are quality installers of bathrooms and kitchens interior decorators and suppliers of soft furnishings via a full interior design service, We are professional consultants on a wide range of public and private construction projects.
On completion, your loft conversion in Dulwich will become an integral part of your personal living space, transforming your property, and increasing your overall investment.
During your loft conversion in Dulwich; should you remain in residence, we’ll completely respect your schedule and your requirements, and ensure that we go out of our way to protect it, by the use of strict planning and practical solutions to minimise disruption.
Dust, noise and inconvenience will be minimised during your loft conversion in Dulwich. Our project management team will closely monitor your personal routines and spaces and we would expect to regularly consult regarding the impact of the works on your everyday peace of mind.
Dulwich Loft Conversion – Building trust through quality and innovation
Rest assured that the quality of our Dulwich loft conversion work adheres to the most exacting standards. We are cognisant of all forms of design and construction, have a diverse portfolio of private and public sector projects, and work closely with structural engineers, as fully qualified loft designers.
At encompass, our team of personable, friendly and empathic tradespeople, are all fully vetted, all highly skilled, and reliable; We insist on professional conduct, conscientiousness and respect at all times during the progress of your loft conversion in Dulwich.
We’re familiar with up-to-date technologies, methods and styles in modern construction, design and interior fabrication. We are experienced in fitting a wide variety of features including unusual staircases, balustrades, wet room solutions and environmental innovations such as solar; at encompass we can offer a whole range of ideas and options to enhance your loft conversion in Dulwich.
Want to arrange a meeting? Speak to Encompass on 020 8871 3323
Loft conversions – The lowdown
If you’re thinking about a loft conversion, here’s what you’ll need;
- A survey to check the measurements and specifications of your loft make a conversion feasible; fear not though, there’s often a solution to challenging shapes and heights
- Plans and drawings for your planning permission application
- To know what you want from your loft. More bedrooms for a growing family? A luxury floor away from the family? A playroom for children or games room for grown-ups? This will all impact on the plans and price
- To work out your storage requirements
- To establish your budget – including all the bells, whistles and finishing touches
10 reasons to choose Encompass Design & Build for your loft conversion
- Earlsfield-based office
- Wide range of flexible services; architectural services only, design and construction works; bathrooms and kitchens, full interior design service
- Detailed estimates
- Weekly site visits with minutes
- Highly experienced and qualified in all aspects of the design and construction process
- Always isolate the work before project starts, to minimise disruption
- Can do it all for you; from the planning application, through to finishing touches – taking away the stress and hassle
- Fully insured (employer’s liability, public liability)
- Gas safety certified
- Roofing guarantees
Want to arrange a meeting? Speak to Encompass on 020 8871 3323
About Encompass
Encompass Directors Leon Morrell and Jason Hunter have run this successful Earlsfield-based construction and design business for over 30 years. Over that time, feedback has been consistently positive resulting in high rates of referrals and repeat business.
Jason and Leon are often commended on their personal, approachable demeanour and clear communication. They are absolutely driven by completing projects to the highest standards and leaving clients with their dream home.
Jason Hunter
Jason’s experience spans from working as a modelmaker and film set designer, to working on the renovation of high profile innovative properties such as the Millennium Dome and Bristol waterfront. He applies his creativity and interior design skills to construction projects; meaning clients benefit from innovative solutions and ideas that will enhance and add value to their home.
Leon Morrell
A qualified carpenter, joiner and graphic designer; through Leon’s extensive experience in refurbishing and construction works, he has also amassed considerable architectural skills and knowledge of structural engineering. Leon’s communication style is popular with clients, due to his ability to translate technical jargon into clear, understandable and helpful guidance.
Types of loft conversion in Dulwich
The type of loft conversion you settle on can depend on many things; the most important being how much you want to spend. Then there’s the very real question of whether or not the space is suitable (ie what type of roof you have and whether there’s enough room for what you want) and thirdly, if you’re likely to get any necessary planning permission.
Velux – the least expensive option involves affixing one or two windows to the roof in order to introduce light. Cost: from £32,000-£48,000.
Dormer – the most common type of loft extension in the UK today, the Dormer is a small flat roofed extension with a window. It’s common to have two of these on the one roof for the sake of symmetry. But side dormers and even L-shaped Dormers (where an extension is added to the rear of the Dormer) are possible too. In the case of the latter it could result in up to four new rooms. Cost: from £48,000-£62,000 for a standard Dormer and £60,000-£85,000 for an L-shaped Dormer.
Hip to Gable – this is whether either one of both of the end sloping parts of the roof are replaced with a gable wall. Cost: £56,000-£70,000.
Mansard – the most extensive option, a Mansard extension means replacing one whole side of the roof to form a straight wall and flat roof. It could mean extending both sides, resulting in a whole new storey. The renovation is major and would involve planning permission (more later). Cost: from £55,000-£75,000.
Further down the page you can find more in-depth explanations of the different loft types.
Types of tradesmen
- Builder – to construct those walls in the first place and find out what is structurally possible. You’ll also need insulation and sound proofing. Ask what type of insurance s/he has.
- Glazier – to deem what type of windows are best.
- Electrician – there’s no question you’ll need lighting, as well as sockets for electrical equipment (especially if you plan on turning the space into an office). Is this tradesman qualified and listed on the government’s Registered Competent Person Scheme? Can he give you a BS7671 test certificate once he’s finished to allow you to pass Building Regulations?
- Heating engineer – thanks to the awful British weather, heating is a must. This engineer should be able to tell you the best place to put a heater. Also, if you’re going for a big extension, would it be an idea to fit solar panels? Again, you’ll want him or her to be registered with APHE or similar.
- Plumber – you may want an en-suite if you’re planning to make the conversion an additional bedroom.
- Joiner – you will probably need new ceiling joists since there’s going to be a lot more traffic. You might also want to ask your joiner about bespoke storage solutions (loft conversations can be an awkward shape and you’ll want to maximise space).
- Plasterer – to smoothen out the new walls.
- Scaffolder – if you’re going for the larger extensions such as Hip to Gable and Mansard then you’re going to need temporary roof support.
- Painter – unless you plan on doing a bit of DIY decor, that is.
At Encompass we have all these tradesmen on hand so you don’t need to worry.
Length of time to build your Dulwich loft conversion
How long your conversion will take to complete depends, of course, on what type you plan on getting in the first place. The Mansard, for instance, is the largest and can take up to two months from start to finish. With a Dormer you’re looking at a timescale of from four to six weeks while a double Velux should take around a month.
Planning permission
Again, whether or not you need your local authority go-ahead for your Dulwich loft conversion depends on the type of conversion and the status of your home (if it’s listed then you’ll definitely need to inform the planning department of any intended alterations).
If the Dulwich loft conversion is higher than the original roof or going to affect the view for others (as in the case of the Mansard) then neighbours are informed by your local planning authority and given 21 days in which to lodge an objection.
At Encompass we can handle the planning application process for you.
Party Walls
In the case of your Dulwich loft conversion sharing an adjoining wall with a neighbour, there must then be a written agreement between both parties before any work can commence.
The Party Wall etc. Act 1996, states that any property owner who shares a party wall must notify their neighbour in due course about the work they plan to have on their property. Because of the shared ownership of the party wall, you must therefore receive consent from your neighbour through writing with a Party Structure Notice and an Acknowledgement Form. It is common for neighbours of a party wall to agree and give consent to any work you wish to carry out, however if this is not the case the following are instructions for possible scenarios:
If a neighbour is unreachable and therefore unable to sign any agreement concerning the party wall, it is then you as the proprietor’s responsibility to appoint a Party Wall Surveyor on your neighbour’s behalf.
In the unfortunate circumstances that both you the proprietor and your neighbour are unable to agree the terms of your loft conversion, you are then able to appoint an “Agreed Surveyor”. This will be an agreed decision from both parties and the Surveyor will then contract an ‘award’ certificate that satisfies both parties.
Another possible instance in the case of an unwilling neighbour is they appoint their own Surveyor to write an award certificate. If this occurs, we strongly advise that you too appoint your own Surveyor. Once this has occurred, both appointed Surveyors will then meet and draw a contract that best satisfies both yourself and your neighbour.
However, if the two separately appointed Surveyors fail to reach an agreeable contract, a nominated third party Surveyor will be contacted. The nominated third party will then go on to draw the most impartial and satisfactory award with both parties in mind.
It should be made clear that any costs for required surveyors usually fall to that of the proprietor.
Dulwich Loft Conversion Types in Detail
- Velux Loft Conversions
- Dormer and L-shaped Dormer Loft Conversion
- Hip to Gable Loft Conversions
- Mansard Loft Conversion
Velux loft conversions are also known as rooflight loft conversions. Velux is the leading manufacturer of roof windows so hence the name.
With this type of project, the roofline is unaltered, as the velux windows are installed fitting flush to the roofline, leaving the original roof structure untouched. Therefore, planning permission is not generally required, making it an attractive option for many. Also, due to the fact that no large alterations need to be made to the roof, the cost of the conversion generally remains lower.
A dormer loft conversion is an extension to the existing roof that projects vertically from a sloping roof, creating additional floor space and headroom within the property. Internally, a dormer has vertical walls and a horizontal ceiling. It is the most common type of loft conversion, as the flat roof dormers often add the maximum amount of additional space. In addition, it is possible to create a gable front and a hipped roof dormer to make it look more attractive, however these types of dormers do not offer as much internal space. Additionally, due to the added complexity, a gable front and hipped roof dormer will cost more to build. The l-shaped dormer loft conversion is also very popular and is often considered the best way to extend a mid-terrace period property to maximize space as it can give around 40m3 of space or slightly more under planning.
Advantage: Normally a dormer loft conversion can be constructed without gaining planning permission, although planning permission may be required depending on the specifications.
The main styles of dormer conversions include:
- Flat-Roof Dormer – A Dormer Conversion with a flat roof
- Gable-Fronted Dormer – Sometimes called ‘Doghouse’ Dormer
- Hipped-Roof Dormer – A Dormer Conversion with a hipped roof
- Shed Dormer – A Single Planed Roof that is pitched at a lesser angle than the main roof
A hip to gable conversion will also allow for a more seamless staircase fitting due to the newly created space within your home. All changes made to the property externally will be fitted and matched with all pre-existing aspects of the house, allowing for an overall aesthetically pleasing look inside and out. However, if your property should require planning permission, there are other alternatives you can consider.
When a property is converted with a mansard style conversion, the additional space created is tenfold, to that of a dormer loft conversion for example. The mansard has a flat roof with the back sloping inwards at 72 degrees. The reason for this is due to planning criteria as the councils view 72 degrees as a roof, rather than a wall, allowing for the build to incorporate as much space across the conversion as possible.
The windows built into the loft conversion are constructed as small dormers, and are by far the most aesthetically pleasing aspect of the loft conversion. The parapet walls on either side of the conversion are also raised in brick work to match all existing aspects of the property.
Want to arrange a meeting? Speak to Encompass on 020 8871 3323
What our clients say
As seen in...
Contact Us for Dulwich Loft Conversion
To find out more about our loft conversion service please fill out the form below or you can call us on: 020 8871 3323
