Loft Conversions in Manchester and Greater Manchester
Running out of room? A loft conversion adds valuable living space without eating into your garden or extending your footprint. Most lofts in Greater Manchester can be converted, and many don't even need planning permission. We handle everything from design through to completion, including Building Regulations and all structural work.
Loft Conversion Services Across Greater Manchester
Your loft is probably the largest unused space in your house. In most Greater Manchester homes, it's big enough to add a bedroom, bathroom, home office, or playroom. A loft conversion typically adds 10-15% to your property value while giving you the extra space your family needs.
We've converted hundreds of lofts across Manchester, Stockport, Trafford, Bolton, and the surrounding areas. Victorian terraces, Edwardian semis, 1930s houses, and modern builds all have potential. Our team knows what works for each property type and what the local planning authorities expect.
Is My Loft Suitable for Conversion?
Most lofts can be converted, but some are easier than others. Here's what we look at during a survey:
Head Height
You need at least 2.2 metres from the top of the ceiling joists to the underside of the ridge beam. This is measured at the highest point. If you're short on height, a dormer or raising the ridge might solve the problem, but it adds cost and usually requires planning permission.
Roof Structure
Traditional cut roof with rafters? Usually straightforward to convert. Modern trussed roof with W-shaped timbers? More complex because the trusses provide structural support. We can still convert trussed roofs, but it involves more steelwork and is more expensive.
Floor Space
The 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.
Access
You'll need a proper staircase, not a ladder. Building Regulations specify minimum dimensions. In most houses, the staircase fits above the existing stairs or takes space from a bedroom. We plan this carefully during the design stage.
Free Loft Survey
Not sure if your loft can be converted? We offer free surveys to check suitability, discuss options, and give you a realistic idea of costs. No obligation, no hard sell. Book a survey and we'll tell you what's possible.
Types of Loft Conversion
There are several ways to convert a loft. The right choice depends on your existing roof, your budget, and what you want to achieve.
Velux or Rooflight Conversion
The simplest and cheapest option. We add Velux windows to the existing roof slope without changing the roof structure. Works well if you have good head height already. Usually doesn't need planning permission. Quickest to complete, typically 4-6 weeks on site.
Rear Dormer Conversion
The most popular choice in Greater Manchester. A dormer extends out 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, though you'll need to check. Takes around 6-8 weeks.
L-Shaped Dormer
For properties with a rear extension or outrigger (common on Victorian terraces), an L-shaped dormer follows the shape of the roof. This 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 (slopes on all four sides) rather than gable ends (vertical walls), converting the hip to a gable adds significant space. Common on 1930s semis where the hip reduces usable 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 space and looks distinctive. Usually requires planning permission because it changes the roof shape significantly. More expensive but gives the most headroom and floor area.
Planning Permission for Loft Conversions
Good news: most loft conversions don't 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.
Your conversion must meet certain 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 shut (or openable only above 1.7m)
- 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
You will need planning permission if:
- Your house is in a Conservation Area, National Park, or Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
- Your house is a listed building
- Permitted Development rights have been removed (check with your council)
- You want a front-facing dormer
- The conversion exceeds volume limits
Even if you don't need planning permission, we recommend getting a Lawful Development Certificate. This confirms your conversion is legal and is useful when you sell.
Building Regulations for Loft Conversions
All loft conversions need Building Regulations approval, regardless of whether planning permission is required. Building Regs ensure your conversion is safe and properly constructed.
Key requirements include:
Structural Stability
The existing floor joists probably aren't strong enough for a bedroom. We usually add new joists alongside or replace them entirely. Steel beams support the new floor and any structural changes to the roof. All structural work is designed by a qualified engineer.
Fire Safety
Adding a room on the second floor (or third floor in a three-storey house) triggers fire safety requirements. You'll need:
- Fire doors to all habitable rooms and the loft room
- Protected escape route down the stairs and out of the house
- Interlinked smoke alarms on every floor
- A window suitable for escape in the loft room (certain minimum size)
Stairs
The staircase must comply with Building Regs. Minimum width, maximum steepness, headroom requirements, and handrails all specified. Space-saving stairs are allowed in some circumstances but standard stairs are preferred.
Insulation
The roof must be insulated to current standards. We usually insulate between and under the rafters, maintaining a ventilation gap. Dormers are fully insulated. This keeps the room warm in winter and cool in summer.
Sound Insulation
Floor construction must reduce sound transmission to rooms below. We use acoustic insulation between joists and sometimes add a resilient layer under the floor.
We handle all Building Regulations applications and arrange inspections at each stage. You get a completion certificate when the work is signed off.
What Can You Use a 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. The sloped ceilings create a cosy feel that works really well for bedrooms.
Home Office
Working from home is here to stay. A loft office gives you separation from family life, natural light through roof windows, and a quiet space to concentrate. Much better than working at the kitchen table.
Master Suite
Move your bedroom to the loft and create a proper master suite with walk-in wardrobe and en-suite bathroom. Frees up space on the first floor for a larger family bathroom or additional bedroom.
Playroom or Games Room
Keep the toys and games out of the living room. A loft playroom keeps kids entertained while you reclaim your living space. As children grow, it becomes a hangout space or homework room.
Home Gym
No more gym memberships or excuses about bad weather. A loft gym gives you space for equipment without it taking over your house. Consider floor reinforcement for heavy equipment.
The Loft Conversion Process
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'll know straight away if your loft is suitable and which type of conversion works best.
Design and Drawings
Our designers produce detailed plans including floor layouts, elevations, and construction details. You'll see exactly what your loft conversion will look like before any work starts.
Planning and Building Regs
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.
Structural Work
New floor joists are installed. Roof structure is modified and steelwork fitted. Dormer is built if you're having one. The loft starts to take shape.
Roofing and Windows
Dormer is roofed and made watertight. Windows are fitted. Insulation is installed throughout. The space is now weatherproof.
Staircase
The new staircase is installed, connecting your loft to the rest of the house. This is when it starts to feel like a real room.
First Fix
Electrical wiring, plumbing for en-suite if included, and heating pipes are installed. Stud walls are built to create the room layout.
Plastering and Second Fix
Walls and ceilings are plastered. Sockets, switches, and lights are fitted. Bathroom fixtures are installed. Skirting boards and doors go in.
Decoration and Completion
Painting, flooring, and final finishes complete the conversion. Building Control does a final inspection. Scaffolding comes down and you can start using your new room.
Loft Conversions Across Greater Manchester
We convert lofts throughout Greater Manchester. Different areas have different property types, and we know what works for each:
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. Modern houses vary, but most have potential. We'll tell you exactly what's possible for your property.
Why Use Renovate for Your Loft Conversion?
- Complete service: Design, planning, Building Regs, and construction all handled by one company
- Experienced team: We've converted hundreds of lofts across Greater Manchester
- Fixed prices: Detailed quotes with everything included. No surprises
- Structural expertise: Complex roof work done properly with engineer-designed steelwork
- Building Regs handled: We manage applications, inspections, and get your completion certificate
- Minimal disruption: Most work happens in the loft. You can live normally in the rest of your house
- 12-month warranty: All workmanship guaranteed, plus manufacturer warranties on windows and materials
Loft Conversion Questions
How long does a loft conversion take?
+A Velux conversion takes about 4-6 weeks. A dormer conversion takes 6-8 weeks. More complex conversions like hip to gable with dormer take 8-10 weeks. This is time on site, not including design and approvals beforehand. We give you a detailed programme when you accept our quote.
Do I need planning permission for a loft conversion?
+Most loft conversions fall under Permitted Development, so no planning permission needed. You do need permission if you're in a Conservation Area, your house is listed, you want a front dormer, or Permitted Development rights have been removed. We check this during our survey and handle any applications needed.
How much head height do I need?
+You need at least 2.2 metres from the top of the floor joists to the ridge. That's at the highest point. If you're a bit short, a dormer window adds height by creating vertical walls. We measure during our free survey and tell you exactly what's achievable.
Can I convert a trussed roof?
+Yes, but it's more complex. Modern trussed roofs (the W-shaped timbers) support the whole roof structure, so you can't just cut them out. We use steel beams to take the load, then remove the trusses. It costs more than converting a traditional cut roof, but it's definitely possible.
Will I need to move out during the work?
+No, most people stay in their homes. Most of the work happens in the loft, so the rest of your house is largely unaffected. There's some noise and disruption, especially when we fit the staircase and do the fire door work. But you can carry on living normally throughout.
What about the Party Wall Act?
+If your loft conversion involves cutting into a party wall (the shared wall with neighbours), you need to serve a Party Wall Notice. This is common on terraced and semi-detached houses. We guide you through the process and can recommend surveyors if neighbours dissent.
Can I have an en-suite in the loft?
+Absolutely. An en-suite bathroom or shower room is one of the most popular additions to a loft conversion. We run plumbing up from the floor below and connect to your existing waste stack. It adds a lot of value and convenience, especially if the loft is a bedroom.
How much value does a loft conversion add?
+On average, a loft conversion adds 10-15% to your property value. In popular areas like South Manchester and Trafford, it can be more. Adding a bedroom and en-suite is particularly valuable. The exact figure depends on your location, property type, and quality of the conversion.
Do I need fire doors throughout the house?
+Adding a second floor room (third floor if you already have two) means fire doors to all habitable rooms opening onto the staircase and landing. This protects your escape route in case of fire. We fit FD30 fire doors as part of the conversion to meet Building Regulations.
What type of staircase will I need?
+A standard staircase is preferred and usually fits above the existing stairs or takes a small amount of space from a bedroom. Space-saver staircases with alternating treads are allowed if standard stairs genuinely won't fit. We design the staircase position during the planning stage to minimise the impact on your existing rooms.
Ready to Convert Your Loft?
Book a free survey and find out what's possible. No obligation, no hard sell.