Loft Conversions
Loft Conversions Across
Greater Manchester
Renovat Construction builds loft conversions across Greater Manchester. Dormer, Velux, hip to gable, L-shaped and mansard conversions. Most lofts do not need planning permission. We handle everything from free survey through to Building Regulations sign-off and completion.
Is My Loft Suitable for Conversion?
Most lofts in Greater Manchester can be converted. Here is what we assess during a free survey:
Head Height
You need at least 2.2 metres from the top of the ceiling joists to the underside of the ridge beam measured at the highest point. If you are short on height, a dormer or raising the ridge can solve this, though it adds cost and usually requires planning permission.
Roof Structure
Traditional cut roofs with rafters are usually straightforward to convert. Modern trussed roofs with W-shaped timbers are more complex as the trusses provide structural support. We convert both types but trussed roofs involve more steelwork and cost more.
Floor Space
Usable floor area depends on your roof pitch. Steeper pitches give more headroom around the edges. A dormer window adds floor space by pushing out the roof line and creating vertical walls where there was previously sloped roof.
Staircase Access
Building Regulations require a proper staircase. In most houses the staircase fits above the existing stairs or takes space from a bedroom. We plan staircase position carefully during the design stage to minimise the impact on existing rooms.
Types of Loft Conversion
Velux or Rooflight Conversion
The simplest and most cost-effective option. We add Velux windows to the existing roof slope without changing the roof structure. Works well with good existing head height. Usually does not need planning permission. Typically 4 to 6 weeks on site.
Rear Dormer Conversion
The most popular choice across Greater Manchester. A dormer extends from the rear roof slope creating vertical walls and significantly more usable floor space. Full-width flat roof dormers are common on terraces and semis. Usually falls under Permitted Development. Around 6 to 8 weeks on site.
L-Shaped Dormer
For properties with a rear extension or outrigger, common on Victorian terraces across Manchester, an L-shaped dormer follows the shape of the roof. Maximises space over both the main house and the extension. More complex but makes excellent use of the available roof area.
Hip to Gable Conversion
If your roof has hipped ends rather than gable ends, converting the hip to a gable adds significant usable space. Common on 1930s semis across Stockport, Sale and Trafford where the hip reduces loft area. Usually combined with a rear dormer for maximum space.
Mansard Conversion
A mansard has a nearly vertical wall with a flat roof on top. Creates maximum headroom and floor area. Usually requires planning permission as it changes the roof shape significantly. More expensive but gives the most usable space of any conversion type.
Loft with En-Suite
Adding an en-suite bathroom or shower room to a loft conversion is one of the most popular additions. We run plumbing up from the floor below and connect to your existing waste stack. Adds significant value and is ideal when the loft is used as a master bedroom.
Planning Permission for Loft Conversions
Most loft conversions do not need planning permission. Under Permitted Development rights, you can add up to 40 cubic metres to a terraced house or 50 cubic metres to a detached or semi-detached house without applying for planning permission.
Permitted Development Conditions
- Materials should match the existing house
- No extension beyond the existing roof slope facing the highway
- Side-facing windows must be obscure glazed and fixed or openable only above 1.7 metres
- The dormer must be set back at least 200mm from the eaves
- The highest part of the extension must not exceed the highest part of the existing roof
When Planning Permission Is Required
- Property is in a Conservation Area, National Park or Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
- Property is a listed building
- Permitted Development rights have been removed by the council
- You want a front-facing dormer
- The conversion exceeds Permitted Development volume limits
Even when planning permission is not required, we recommend obtaining a Lawful Development Certificate. This confirms your conversion is legal and is valuable when you sell your property. We handle all planning applications and LDC applications on your behalf.
Building Regulations for Loft Conversions
All loft conversions need Building Regulations approval regardless of whether planning permission is required. Key requirements include:
Structural Stability
The existing floor joists are rarely strong enough to support a bedroom. We add new joists alongside or replace them, and steel beams support the new floor and structural changes to the roof. All structural work is designed by a qualified structural engineer.
Fire Safety
Adding a room on an upper floor triggers fire safety requirements. You need fire doors to all habitable rooms and the loft room, a protected escape route down the stairs, interlinked smoke alarms on every floor, and an escape window in the loft room. We manage all of these requirements as part of the conversion.
Stairs, Insulation and Sound
The staircase must comply with Building Regulations including minimum width, maximum steepness, headroom and handrails. The roof must be insulated to current standards, typically between and under the rafters with a ventilation gap maintained. Floor construction must reduce sound transmission to rooms below using acoustic insulation between joists.
What to Use Your Loft Conversion For
Extra Bedroom
The most common use. A loft bedroom with en-suite adds significant value and is ideal for growing families, teenagers wanting their own space, or a guest room.
Home Office
A loft office gives you separation from family life, natural light through roof windows, and a quiet space. Particularly popular since working from home became standard.
Master Suite
Move your bedroom to the loft and create a master suite with walk-in wardrobe and en-suite. Frees up a first floor room for an additional bedroom or larger family bathroom.
Playroom or Home Gym
Keep toys and games out of the living room, or set up a home gym without equipment taking over the house. As children grow, the space becomes a homework room or teenage hangout.
Loft Conversion Costs in Greater Manchester
Loft conversion costs depend on the type of conversion, size of the space, whether an en-suite is included, and the specification of finishes. A Velux conversion is the most cost-effective starting point. A full dormer conversion with en-suite at the higher end of specification costs significantly more. We provide a fully itemised fixed price quote after your free survey so you have accurate figures before committing.
The Loft Conversion Process
Free Survey and Feasibility
We visit your property to measure the loft, check head height, assess the roof structure and discuss what you want to achieve. You know straight away if your loft is suitable and which type of conversion works best for your property.
Design and Drawings
We produce detailed plans including floor layouts, elevations and construction details so you can see exactly what your loft conversion will look like before any work starts.
Planning and Building Regulations
We submit planning applications if needed, apply for Building Regulations approval and arrange structural engineering calculations. Party Wall notices are served to neighbours where required.
Scaffolding and Setup
Scaffolding goes up around your property. We set up safe access to the loft and protect your home with dust sheets and floor coverings throughout.
Structural Work
New floor joists are installed. The roof structure is modified and steelwork fitted. The dormer is built if you are having one. Building Control inspects at this stage before work proceeds.
Roofing, Windows and Insulation
The dormer is roofed and made watertight. Windows are fitted. Insulation is installed throughout the roof and floor. The space is now weatherproof and thermally efficient.
Staircase Installation
The new staircase connects your loft to the rest of the house. Fire doors are fitted to the required rooms on the floors below as part of the Building Regulations fire safety requirements.
First Fix
Electrical wiring, plumbing for en-suite if included, and heating pipes are installed. Stud walls are built to create the room layout and any en-suite partition walls.
Plastering and Second Fix
Walls and ceilings are plastered. Sockets, switches and lights are fitted. Bathroom fixtures are installed if en-suite is included. Skirting boards and doors go in.
Decoration and Completion
Painting, flooring and final finishes complete the conversion. Building Control conducts a final inspection and issues a completion certificate. Scaffolding comes down and your new room is ready to use.
Areas We Cover for Loft Conversions
We convert lofts across all Greater Manchester boroughs. Victorian terraces in Chorlton, Didsbury and Levenshulme usually have good head height and suit rear dormers or L-shaped conversions. 1930s semis in Stockport, Sale and Prestwich often have hipped roofs so hip to gable plus rear dormer maximises space. We will tell you exactly what is possible for your specific property during the free survey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Book a Free Loft Survey
Find out if your loft can be converted and get a no-obligation quote. We visit your property and tell you exactly what is possible.