Loft Conversions
Whether you’re looking to accommodate a growing family in an existing property, expand your home whilst retaining its exterior character, or simply make use of the unused space above your head, loft conversions are a cost-effective way to add square footage to any property.
With extensive experience in completing this popular service to an exceptional standard, our team of attic conversions specialists are able to deliver loft conversions of all scope, scale, and design, from simple additions to entirely unique or complex schemes.
Why choose an M Jarrald loft conversion?
End to End Support: Our Promise
M Jarrald Construction is more than just an attic conversion company. Our skilled team of attic conversion specialists combine technical expertise and a client-first approach to deliver excellence at every touchpoint. From our initial consultation to post-completion, we promise to communicate with complete honesty, finish your project to the highest possible standard, and provide results to your satisfaction.
Martin and Ben were exactly what you dream of from a builder. They arrived when they said they would and finished when they said they would. The standard of their work and their employees was exemplary. Their quote was very accurate and any adjustments were completely fair and of no surprise.
I would recommend them wholeheartedly, and I look forward to their work on another project next Spring.
Martin and his amazing team have spent the last few months refurbishing my house. They installed a new kitchen, replastered most of the walls, and converted a large bathroom into a bedroom and bathroom. Every single tradesperson sent to the house has been professional, courteous, and always left the house in a clean, tidy state. Nothing was too much trouble and I cannot recommend these guys enough.
We highly recommend Ben and his team for the quality of their work, their professionalism, and their attention to our requirements. They completed a single story extension at our house in Colchester as per the schedule and to cost quoted. The finish is great and everyone who has seen our extension now wants one! Thanks to all of you for a wonderful job!
Wouldn’t hesitate to recommend M Jarrald Construction. They have recently completed an open plan extension for us and everyone just says ‘wow’! We are very pleased with all aspects of the build from start to finish, all tradesmen involved with our project have been fabulous and extremely trustworthy. Thank you to Martin and all the guys.
Martin and Ben are great to work with. They have given us a fabulous new space in our house which makes a difference to our lives every day. They have been reliable throughout the build and have responded swiftly to any problems.
Loft conversion FAQs
How much is a loft conversion?
The cost of a loft conversion project can vary significantly in accordance with a number of factors, including the complexity of your project, your intended finish, and the contractor chosen - but no factor is more influential than design. Loft conversions are available in a number of named design formats, which can vary in price from £15,000 at their most simple to upwards of £50,000 for bespoke, complex projects. Roof light or ‘Velux conversions tend to be the most inexpensive conversion options, with more significant designs such as Dormer, Hip-to-Gable, and Mansard costing more in line with the size, complexity, and finish desired.
What is a dormer loft conversion?
Dormer loft conversions are a highly popular conversion style in the UK, used in many properties to add the maximum amount of floor and headspace possible to properties with pitched roof lofts. Their design essentially consists of the addition of a box-like structure to the roof, creating new walls that sit extend vertically from the existing slope and are often finished with a window.
Dormer conversions are generally considered attractive externally, and can be completed in line with a number of both modern and historical architecture depending on the design and contractor selected. Depending on the specifications of its design, a dormer loft conversion can often be completed under permitted development regulations, meaning planning permission is not always required.
How long does a loft conversion take?
The completion timescale for loft conversions can vary greatly in accordance with a number of factors, primarily - the size and design selected. Whilst more simple designs such as Velux conversions can be completed in approximately four weeks, larger or more complex projects such as dormer and hip-to-gable conversions can take, on average, up to six weeks to complete.
In highly complex designs, for example, those utilising the Mansard style, in which the roof must be partially or entirely replaced, the average time for completion increases to approximately 7-8 weeks. Further time may be required in order to create and install room access points such as staircases where required.
Are loft conversions cold?
Many homeowners considering a loft conversion worry about the potential temperature levels in their new room or rooms. This worry is not unfounded, lofts are indeed often situated at the most significant point of heat loss within a home, making them very warm in the summer, and very cold in the winter.
Luckily, most high-quality architects and contractors can work around these temperature issues with ease, planning and constructing spaces in order to maintain an optimal temperature level across all seasons using design elements such as underfloor heating, improved insulation, double or triple glazed windows, and even cosy decor.
Does a loft conversion count as a bedroom?
Whether or not a loft conversion is officially counted as a room or bedroom is dependent on the project’s fulfilment of a number of legal requirements and regulations. In order to be considered a bedroom, a loft conversion must first meet the basic requirements to be considered a room, before meeting additional regulations surrounding headroom (there must be sufficient room to get in and out of a bed without head injuries), insulation (there must be at least 50mm of insulation along the roof, and ‘sufficient amounts for the property’ present in the floors and walls), fire and general safety, and access (a suitable loft staircase must be installed).
This list is by no means exhaustive, with regulations varying according to location.
Do you need planning permission for a loft conversion?
Not always. In most cases, loft conversions tend to be considered Permitted Development (PD), but your design will need to adhere to several specified parameters. If you plan on extending beyond the limits and conditions of PD, or your property is listed or located in a conservation area, then you will need to apply for planning permission. You will also need planning permission if you are altering the roof height and/or shape (which may be the case if it is required to raise it for headroom). Rooflights and dormers can be installed under PD, but they must not sit forward of the roof plane on the principal elevation, nor must they be higher than the highest part of the existing roof. If planning permission is not required, you should still submit an application for a Certificate of Lawfulness – this is proof that all work was undertaken within guidelines and is vital paperwork should you ever sell your home.
Do you need to meet building regulation approval on loft conversions?
Regardless of whether your loft project needs planning permission, you will still need to meet building regulation approval on all work done. While specific regulations will depend on the exact type of loft conversion you undertake, the broad elements covering all new lofts include:
· Fire safety: Fire-resistant doors and mains-powered smoke alarms are required.
· Sound insulation: Noise between rooms must always be sufficiently insulated.
· Floors and beams: New floor joists will be required to support the weight of your new loft room.
· Stairs: New stairs are not only required to gain access to the new rooms but are a requirement (beyond retractable ladders) to provide an escape route in the event of a fire.
· Walls: New walls may be required to support the roof where previous supports were removed.
A building control surveyor will inspect your conversion at various stages and will be responsible for issuing a completion certificate upon final inspection.
Not Just Loft Conversions
Searching for another construction service? Discover our carefully crafted range of bespoke construction offerings below. Whether you’re seeking an extension, a renovation, or even something a little different, our team of accredited experts are able to deliver above and beyond.
Loft Conversions
Transform your property’s unused attic into stunningly functional living space, constructed and installed in line with your precise requirements.
House Extensions
Expand and enhance your home with a beautifully constructed bespoke extension of any scale or style – from traditional brickwork to sleek timber.
Renovations
Breathe new life into your space with our renovation services, delivered by construction experts with an eye for both beauty and functionality.
New Builds
Make your dream home a reality. Our bespoke, client-led new build service is designed to help bring even the most complex visions from paper to site.
Kitchens
Enjoy an ingeniously functional, visually stunning kitchen, installed by our experts in partnership with our close, high-quality suppliers.