The Loft Conversion Process - What To Expect

Step 1: Get in touch 

The process starts with a conversation. Use the contact form on our website or call us directly. You don’t necessarily need to know which type of loft conversion you want yet, but whether you know very specifically or you’re just figuring it out, we’re here to help. Our advisors are happy to talk through your plans, ask a few questions about your home and your goals, and point you in the right direction.

Step 2: Free survey and quote 

Once we’ve had an initial chat, we’ll book a time to come to your home. We’ll take measurements, assess the space, look at the structure and answer any questions you have. From there, we’ll put together a detailed, fixed-price quote with no hidden costs, and no surprises later. Take as long as you need to review it, and come back to us with any changes or questions before you commit. That quote is locked in for 30 days, giving you time to shop around. We’re happy to price match, provided the quote is as thorough as ours!

Step 3: Design and planning 

When you’re ready to go ahead, we’ll take a deposit and book your start date. At this stage you’ll meet our design team to get drawings completed and to start turning your ideas into reality. This is also when we tackle the planning and legal groundwork, which is the dry but vital part that makes everything downstream run smoothly.

The key things we’ll work through with you:

• Suitability: We assess the existing loft structure, roof height, and access to confirm what’s achievable
• Planning permission: Most loft conversions fall under permitted development and don’t require formal approval, but this depends on your conversion type, your property, and your location. We’ll advise on this and handle the process if needed
• Party wall agreements: If you’re in a terraced or semi-detached property and the work will affect a shared wall, a party wall agreement with your neighbour is required. We’ll guide you through this. don’t be worried about the neighbours – it’s not uncommon for them to opt to have a similar project done at the same time
• Building regulations: All loft conversions must meet building regulations regardless of planning permission. This covers structural safety, fire safety (fire doors, smoke alarms, escape routes), energy efficiency, and soundproofing. A building control officer will carry out a final inspection
• Budget: We’ll talk through any optional extras or upgrades at this stage so the full picture is clear before work begins. No hidden costs, ever

Step 4: Construction 

What to expect during the build depends largely on the type of conversion. A Velux or roof light conversion is minimally disruptive, as we’re mostly working above you, and the project typically takes 4–6 weeks. A dormer, mansard, or hip-to-gable conversion involves structural changes, including new steel beams and roof alterations, and typically takes 10–12 weeks.

We’ll give you a realistic picture of what to expect before work starts. Some homeowners prefer to stay elsewhere during the build; others adjust around it. Either way, our team works to minimise disruption and leaves the property clean and tidy at the end of every day.

If your conversion includes a bathroom, we always suggest you allow extra time for plumbing and drainage installation. Getting the balance right between insulation and ventilation at this stage is also critical to making the space fully habitable long-term. It’s also helpful if you’ve got artisanal tiles coming from a smaller producer.

Step 5: Finishing and handover 

The final stretch is the one everyone looks forward to. Once the structural work is complete and signed off by building control, plastering and painting can be finished, and the space is ready to furnish and make your own.

Before we hand over, we’ll walk through the completed space with you to make sure everything meets the standard you were promised. Our insurance-backed 10 year guarantee covers the structural work, giving you long-term peace of mind.

Loft Conversion Process FAQs 

How long does a loft conversion take?
A simple Velux conversion typically takes 4–6 weeks. Dormer, mansard, and hip-to-gable conversions usually take 10–12 weeks due to the structural work involved.

Do I need planning permission?
Most loft conversions fall under permitted development and don’t require planning permission. Exceptions include listed buildings, properties in conservation areas, and conversions that significantly alter the roofline beyond permitted limits. We’ll check your specific situation and advise before any work begins.

Will I need a party wall agreement?
If you’re in a terraced or semi-detached property and the work affects a shared wall, yes. This is a legal agreement between you and your neighbour and needs to be in place before construction starts. We can walk you through the process.

Do I need to move out during the build?
Not usually. Most of our clients stay in their homes throughout. For more complex conversions with significant structural work (like our basement conversions, for example), some people choose to stay elsewhere for part of the build, but it’s absolutely your call. We’ll let you know what to expect before work begins.

What building regulations apply?
All loft conversions must comply with building regulations regardless of planning permission status. This covers structural integrity, fire safety, insulation, ventilation, and soundproofing. A building control officer will inspect and sign off the work on completion, and then the scaffolding can come down.