Loft Conversion for your 1930s Home

Loft conversions come in many shapes and forms. The primary consideration when designing a loft conversion is the structure of the existing roof.

Most 1930s homes have spacious roofs that allow for easy loft conversions. The best loft conversion styles for 1930s homes include:

Velux loft conversions

Ideal for homes which have a roof height of at least 2.3m, these loft conversions essentially involve the installation of roof windows (or Velux windows) into the pitch of the roof. A staircase, additional insulation, and floor reinforcements then help convert this roof space into a quick, simple, and beautiful loft room.

The bright and airy space created make Velux loft conversions perfect for a guest bedroom, playroom, or even a spacious bathroom.

Dormer loft conversions

This type of loft conversion involves vertically extending the roof thereby creating additional headroom and floor space. This results in the creation of a much larger living space that may be used to design multiple rooms or bedrooms with en-suites.

Dormer roofs are highly versatile and may be constructed at the front, side, or rear of the property. They may even be combined to give rise to an L-shaped dormer extension.

Hip-to-gable loft conversions

Hip-to-gable conversions involve transforming the slope of a hip roof into a gable-style roof with a vertical wall. Though more complex to construct, this type of conversion adds considerable floor space and head room, allowing the creation of multiple additional rooms within.

Unless significant changes are made to the structure and exterior of your home, most loft conversions fall under permitted developments. Some of the other criteria and specifications for permitted developments include:

• The property must not be listed or located in a conservation area
• The loft conversion must not exceed the height of the existing roof
• The loft conversion must not include balconies, verandas, or raised platforms
• Side-facing windows must be obscure glazed
• Volume of enlargement must not exceed the original roof space by more than 40 cubic metres for terraced houses (and 50 cubic metres for other house types)

If planning permission is required, a comprehensive application must be submitted which includes detailed plans of the proposed design.

In addition to planning permission, building regulations approval and party wall agreements also need to be considered to ensure that the loft conversion meets building guidelines and standards.

Loft conversions are synonymous with versatility; and their designs can be as varied and unique as your requirements. While the space available does impact the type and style of rooms created (from single rooms to an entire new storey), some of the most popular rooms created from loft conversions include:

• Bedrooms
• Bathrooms/ En-suites
• Home offices
• Library/ Study corners
• Playrooms
• Home gyms
• Walk-in wardrobes

With feature walls, bespoke interiors, and fabulous views, it is also easy to make the newly-created space into one that perfectly complements your individual style.

The cost of a loft conversion in London can range from £20,000 to £120,000. This range is a clear representation of the myriad of factors that affect the cost of the conversion.

Naturally the complexity of the loft conversion, and the amount of structural work involved, play a significant role in the overall cost of the build. Other factors that influence the budget include:

• Location
• Building materials
• Fittings and fixtures
• Insulation

The style of the room you hope to design also affects the cost of the project. For example, creating a bathroom with all the plumbing requirements and fittings would be more expensive than designing a modest home office.

And while loft conversions significantly increase the value of your home, it would be prudent to check the ceiling price of properties in your neighbourhood to ensure that you do not overspend on the loft conversion build.

Owning a 1930s home is akin to owning a piece of history; and undertaking a loft conversion on this property comes with great responsibility. To ensure that your loft conversion seamlessly integrates with the existing structure, adds much-needed living space, and maintains its architectural integrity, you need the best help and expert advice.

This is where Good Design and Build come in.

We are the leading loft conversion experts in London, specialising in renovating 1920 and 1930s homes. Our decades of experience and unmatched expertise help us design and create beautiful, bespoke loft conversions that exceed your expectations and are of impeccable standards.

Our team of experts comprise of surveyors, architects, builders, technicians, and project managers. So, every aspect of the design and build is carefully overseen by us, from start to finish, allowing you to enjoy the process and the experience.

Our passion, professionalism, and precision leave nothing to chance, and help us create exceptional loft conversions that are a true match for your 1930s home.