Marked by a characterful feel, relaxed atmosphere, and the feeling of space, West Dulwich sits in the middle of the rural charm of Dulwich Village at one end and the urban setting of West Norwood at the other. The independent shops, green spaces, art, music, theatre, festivals, renowned schools, and a short commute puts it in the top southeast London neighbourhoods. It is idyllic for your growing family, but do you find your home isn’t? Loft Conversions West Dulwich by Good Design & Build is about to change all that with new spaces that enhance your property’s value and elegance.
For period homes, loft conversions are the most advantageous method of creating additional space. Sizable lofts are specific to Victorian and 1930s properties and provide the perfect spaces to build functional living areas. Loft conversions transform these redundant spaces with structural modifications, flooring, ceiling, insulation, heating, plumbing, windows or skylights, staircases, and electrical wiring. It is a more cost-effective method to gain more space in urban areas where upsizing is costly.
With a professionally designed and expertly constructed loft conversion, you can significantly enhance the resale value of your property. Depending on the type of loft conversion that best suits your needs, you can add an extra bedroom, master bedroom, en suite, bathroom, home office, or gym, maximising its functionality and appeal.
Velux or Rooflight Loft Conversion – a straightforward and cost-effective option, it transforms your loft space into a habitable room with roof windows, typically Velux windows. These windows get integrated into the existing roof slope without any structural alterations to the roofline. The room benefits from natural light and ventilation afforded by the windows. This type of conversion is suitable when your loft has sufficient head height and if you have budget constraints compared to other loft conversion options.
Dormer Loft Conversion – a dormer conversion extends the existing roof vertically, creating additional floor space and headroom within the loft. Dormers can have flat, hipped, or pitched roofs and often feature windows, providing more usable space.
Mansard Loft Conversion – typically built at the rear of the property, the entire roof plane gets extended almost vertically to create a near-flat roof with a gentle pitch. Its wall typically slopes at an angle of around 72 degrees. This distinctive design gives the conversion its unique appearance and maximises the available floor space.
Hip-to-Gable Loft Conversion – ideal for end-of-terrace and detached homes, the existing ridge of a hipped roof gets extended with a vertical wall. The extended roofline frees up head height restricted by the sloping side of the roof.
L-shaped Loft Conversion – formed by two adjoining dormers sitting at a right angle, the shape creates an L. Commonly used for Victorian properties, where there is an outrigger, where the rear dormer gets placed and the other on the main roof.
A professionally carried-out loft conversion with a smart design has a high return on investment. The overall cost varies depending on the type of conversion you choose, the extent of the floor area getting converted, additional features, and design elements. Here are some of the basic costs for a loft conversion based on type and floor area;
Room in the roof conversion (basic) – £35,000
Dormer loft extension – £50,000
Mansard extension – £60,000 – £65,000
Hip-to-gable extension – £65,000
L-shaped extension – £65,000 – £75,000
A loft conversion can either elevate the tone of your property or lower it when executed poorly. They are also an effective method to add extra living space to your home within the original footprint. Therefore, any good loft conversion project should begin with a professional design. The design should be space-maximising, practical, elegant, and integrate well into your home’s architecture. Loft conversion companies with in-house architects are instrumental in achieving this. Designs should also be technically specific based on planning permission requirements.
A DIY project that doesn’t comply with building regulations or planning permission will have you paying legal fines and demolishing constructions. The expertise of professional builders and structural engineers is invaluable in building safe, sound, compliant, functional, and appealing spaces. Home remodellers can offer various solutions to make your loft conversion a triumph.
We are specialist Victorian and 1930s home remodellers who understand the immense value a loft conversion can add to your London property. Our goal is to make it truly exceptional. With professional architects on board, we perfect the bespoke design that reflects your needs, style, and available space. We transfer our designs into 3D renderings for realistic visualisation of your new space.
With no lengthy commitments inked, our projects get delivered in a two-fold contract at the design and build stages. Our team fulfils all pre-build requirements, including submitting planning permission and building control applications, preparing method statements, and assisting with Third Party Wall Agreements. With robust construction, quality materials, and advanced build techniques, our proficient build team creates spaces efficiently. We also provide project management from start to finish.
When it comes to loft conversions, there are several key designs and options available. The cost varies depending on the extent of structural changes required to achieve those designs and the amount of space under conversion. Factors such as design features, roof shape, and choice of material can also impact the overall cost of the conversion. At Good Design & Build, we provide a detailed itemised quote free of charge, ensuring complete transparency from the get-go.
At the heart of our projects is a strong bespoke design tailored to your property and requirements. We are a full-service loft conversion company that offers expertise, knowledge, and services from conception to completion. Our finished products, fixtures, and fittings come with warranties. We submit planning permission and building control applications and prepare method statements. Our team assists with Part Wall Agreements and Thames Water build-over Agreement. We work with local planning authorities as well as third-party suppliers to ensure there are no snags on the way to successful completion.
Most loft conversions come under permitted development rights and do not need planning permission. However, if your plans exceed the PD limitations, you need planning permission. Our planning team is up-to-date on the latest guidelines and will ensure that your plans and designs adhere to regulations. We will also submit planning applications on your behalf.
How we deliver projects
Our process is simple and divided into two distinct phases with separate contracts: Design and Build. As a client you only commit to one phase at a time depending on what stage of the process you are in. Each phase consists of three stages as described below.
1. Design
This is the kick-off point for your project. We carry out a complete architectural measured survey of the property. This allows us to create accurate CAD design drawings. This is followed by a design meeting to start discussing your ideas in more detail.
2. Planning
At this stage we finalise the designs with you and start preparing planning applications as needed. We place a high priority on ensuring that plans, designs and schedules are all based on a thorough and detailed understanding of planning guidelines. We co-ordinate with local authorities until the decision is made, and the planning approval is secured.
3. Technical
Once the planning consent is secured, we translate the design drawings into more detailed technical drawings for the purposes of building control and construction. This also includes specifications and structural calculations. At this stage, we will also submit to you our ‘no obligation’ quote for the build phase.
4. Pre-build
90% of our clients decide to stick with us after the design phase is completed. Once the build contract is signed, we kick off the process by making sure all the pre-build processes are complete. These include assistance with party wall agreements, Thames Water build over agreement, submitting building control application, and preparing method statements etc as needed. This stage ends with a pre-start meeting with your foreman before the actual build begins.
5. Build
One of our foremen will be dedicated to your project and will be on-site to manage everyday works. Our project managers will be overseeing the works to make sure they are completed to high standards, within your budget and on time. Throughout the process we will keep you updated with the progress and coordinate the works with third parties such as kitchen or flooring suppliers. We will also advise and guide you to choose any suppliers if needed.
6. Handover
As the build draws to finish, we will help to iron out any ‘snags’ to make sure everything is completed to your satisfaction. We will put together all necessary certificates such as gas, electricity and building control completion along with warranties for glazing, boiler etc. At the final completion meeting, we will hand you these documents, together with the keys to your house. Needless to say, you can contact us any time after this, if you want us to look at something.
This is the kick-off point for your project. We carry out a complete architectural measured survey of the property. This allows us to create accurate CAD design drawings. This is followed by a design meeting to start discussing your ideas in more detail.
At this stage we finalise the designs with you and start preparing planning applications as needed. We place a high priority on ensuring that plans, designs and schedules are all based on a thorough and detailed understanding of planning guidelines. We co-ordinate with local authorities until the decision is made, and the planning approval is secured.
Once the planning consent is secured, we translate the design drawings into more detailed technical drawings for the purposes of building control and construction. This also includes specifications and structural calculations. At this stage, we will also submit to you our ‘no obligation’ quote for the build phase.
90% of our clients decide to stick with us after the design phase is completed. Once the build contract is signed, we kick off the process by making sure all the pre-build processes are complete. These include assistance with party wall agreements, Thames Water build over agreement, submitting building control application, and preparing method statements etc as needed. This stage ends with a pre-start meeting with your foreman before the actual build begins.
One of our foremen will be dedicated to your project and will be on-site to manage everyday works. Our project managers will be overseeing the works to make sure they are completed to high standards, within your budget and on time. Throughout the process we will keep you updated with the progress and coordinate the works with third parties such as kitchen or flooring suppliers. We will also advise and guide you to choose any suppliers if needed.
As the build draws to finish, we will help to iron out any ‘snags’ to make sure everything is completed to your satisfaction. We will put together all necessary certificates such as gas, electricity and building control completion along with warranties for glazing, boiler etc. At the final completion meeting, we will hand you these documents, together with the keys to your house. Needless to say, you can contact us any time after this, if you want us to look at something.
What Our Clients Say
Featured Projects
Harlesden
Sellons Ave NW10 4HJ
The project included creating a master bedroom in the loft with an adjoining terrace.
Learn more
Fulham
Orbain Road SW6 7JZ
This project was completed in 2023 and the approximate budget was £101,000.
Learn more
Lambeth
Hetherington Road SW4
We completed this stunning project for our client Angus in Lambeth.
Learn more
Teddington
Station Road SW4 7PA
We completed this exciting project for our clients on Station Road, a quaint residential area in the heart of Teddington.
Learn more
Leyton
Windsor Road E10
We completed this kitchen extension on Windsor Road, a charming residential street nestled in the heart of Leyton.
Learn more
Harlesden
Sellons Ave NW10 4HJ
The project included creating a master bedroom in the loft with an adjoining terrace.
Learn more
Fulham
Orbain Road SW6 7JZ
This project was completed in 2023 and the approximate budget was £101,000.
Learn more
Lambeth
Hetherington Road SW4
We completed this stunning project for our client Angus in Lambeth.
Learn more
Teddington
Station Road SW4 7PA
We completed this exciting project for our clients on Station Road, a quaint residential area in the heart of Teddington.
Learn more
Leyton
Windsor Road E10
We completed this kitchen extension on Windsor Road, a charming residential street nestled in the heart of Leyton.
Learn more
Build a Quote!
Let's get started with building your own bespoke quote for your dream extension. Tell us as much in detail as possible to get most accurate price.
Get StartedBuild a Quote!
Let's get started with building your own bespoke quote for your dream extension. Tell us as much in detail as possible to get most accurate price.
Get Started