Expert Loft Conversions from First Survey to Handover
BBS Design Build Transform is a loft conversion company that turns unused roof space into a bedroom, bathroom or home office, without the need to move house. As experienced loft conversion builders, the team manages design, planning, Building Regulations, construction and finishing under one contract, for homeowners across Harrow, Wembley, Edgware and wider London.
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A loft conversion turns an empty roof space into a habitable room. The floor is strengthened, a staircase is added, the space is insulated, and in most cases the roof is altered to create more height. It is also called a loft extension or an attic conversion.
A loft conversion adds floor area without enlarging the footprint of the house. BBS Design Build Transform designs and builds loft conversions that match the existing property.
Terraced houses often have enough roof volume for a rear dormer. BBS Design Build Transform checks the roof structure and the volume allowance before design begins.
These houses usually offer the most flexibility, including hip-to-gable and L-shaped options. BBS Design Build Transform assesses which type adds the most usable space.
A bungalow loft conversion can add a full upper floor. It involves more structural work, so BBS Design Build Transform surveys the roof and layout first.
Lofts with limited height can still work, usually with a dormer or a raised roof. A minimum internal height of about 2.2 metres is needed at the highest point.
BBS Design Build Transform builds five types of loft conversion. Each suits a different roof shape and has its own planning position.
A rear dormer extends the roof outwards to add headroom and floor space. It is usually permitted development within the volume limits.
A hip to gable conversion replaces a sloping side roof with a vertical gable wall. It is common on semi-detached and end-of-terrace houses and is usually permitted development, except on designated land.
A mansard changes the roof to a steep slope, almost vertical, with a flat top. It adds the most space and almost always needs planning permission.
A roof light conversion keeps the existing roof shape and adds roof windows. It involves the least structural work and rarely needs planning permission.
An L-shaped dormer combines a rear dormer with an extension over an outrigger. It is often permitted development when it stays within the volume limit.
A loft conversion needs a permanent staircase that meets Building Regulations for headroom, safety and escape. It usually rises above the existing stairs, so it takes up little space on the floor below. Where a full staircase will not fit, a space-saving design can be an option. BBS Design Build Transform plans the staircase position during the design stage, before any structural work starts.
BBS visits the property, checks the roof and agrees what is possible.
Architectural drawings, then structural design once the layout is settled.
BBS prepares and submits any application and arranges approval.
Floor strengthening, steel work and the new roof structure.
First fix and second fix services, with insulation to current standards.
The new staircase, plastering, flooring and decorating.
Every detail is checked with the homeowner and any snags are put right.
A bedroom with an en-suite: the most common use of a converted loft.
A home office: a quiet, separate space for working from home.
A family or play room: extra living space without moving.
BBS Design Build Transform’s loft conversion specialists cover Harrow, Wembley, Edgware and London.
BBS Design Build Transform builds loft conversions for semi-detached and detached homes in Edgware.
BBS Design Build Transform designs and builds loft conversions for houses of all types across Wembley.
BBS Design Build Transform plans and builds dormer and hip to gable loft conversions for homeowners across Harrow.
BBS Design Build Transform delivers loft conversions across London, from design and approvals to final handover.
Not always. Many loft conversions in England are permitted development, provided they stay within 40 cubic metres (terraced) or 50 cubic metres (semi-detached and detached), and do not include a front dormer, balcony or raised platform. Planning permission is needed in conservation areas and other designated land, for flats and maisonettes, and for most mansard conversions. BBS Design Build Transform confirms the position for each property before design begins.
A rear dormer is usually permitted development within the volume limits, and an L-shaped dormer often is. Dormers need planning permission in conservation areas, National Parks, National Landscapes and World Heritage Sites. BBS Design Build Transform prepares any application required.
Yes. Building Regulations approval is required for every loft conversion, even when planning permission is not. It covers structural strength, fire safety and escape, the staircase, insulation and head height. BBS Design Build Transform submits the application and arranges the inspections.
On site, rooflight and dormer conversions typically take about 6 to 8 weeks, and hip to gable or mansard conversions about 12 to 16 weeks. Design, planning and Building Regulations approval come before construction and can add 2 to 4 months. BBS Design Build Transform agrees a programme after the property survey.
Most can, but it depends on four things: internal height (about 2.2 metres at the highest point), the roof structure, space for a staircase and the planning limits. Trussed roofs may need extra structural support. BBS Design Build Transform surveys the loft to confirm what is possible.
The staircase usually rises above the existing stairs, so it takes little room from the floor below. It must meet Building Regulations for headroom, pitch and safety. BBS Design Build Transform plans the position during design.
Often, yes. A bungalow loft conversion usually involves more structural work, because a new upper floor is built. BBS Design Build Transform surveys the roof and layout and advises on the best type.
Building Regulations approval is a legal requirement. Work done without it can lead to enforcement action from the local authority and can cause problems when selling the property. BBS Design Build Transform arranges approval as part of the project.
Request a free quote, or book a free survey of the loft.
