Transforming Your Two-Bed Victorian Home with a Bespoke Loft Conversion

Most loft conversions in terraced houses fall under permitted developments and therefore, do not require planning permission. However, for a loft conversion to qualify as a permitted development, it must meet certain criteria and specific limitations. These 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 

If the loft conversion does not fall under permitted developments then planning permission will be required. The process for securing planning permission involves submitting a comprehensive application including detailed plans of the proposed design, and may take up to 8 weeks for approval.

Due to their shared walls, terraced houses do, however, require party wall agreements. These must be in place before the build can commence to avoid any legal disputes in the future.

Loft conversions are incredibly versatile in their style and design. However, when deciding on a plan for your loft conversion for your mid-terraced or end-terraced property, you must consider the space available, the structure of the existing roof, and the placement of the staircase to gain access to the loft space.

The type and style of the rooms or rooms created may then be used to design:

• 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 loft space can be further optimised by:

• The installation of strategically-placed windows to maximise the natural light that enters 
• Converting awkward corners into useful storage spaces with the addition of shelves
• Arranging furniture to match the head room requirement for each area

Loft conversions are generally considered to be a cost-effective alternative to regular extensions. On average, they can range from a conservative £20,000 to a more extravagant £80,000. However, the cost is dependent on a number of factors such as:

• The complexity of the conversion
• The size of the conversion
• Building materials
• Location
• The need for planning permission
• Specialists’ fees
• Fittings and fixtures

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. 

It is important to realise that the cost of a loft conversion may be made up by the value it adds to a property. Loft conversions usually increase the value of a property by 10-20%, so if the cost of the conversion is less than that amount, it is a worthwhile investment.

A loft conversion is often viewed as the best way to increase the square footage of your terraced home. Utilising the awkward loft spaces and transforming it into beautiful bedrooms, spacious bathrooms, or cosy study nooks, not only adds some much-needed space for your family, but also substantially increases the value of your property.

However, in order to get the most out of your loft conversion, it is imperative that you consult the experts. Why? Because they bring with them all the experience and expertise that can help you convert your loft in the best way possible.

From planning and designing the loft conversion in minute detail and applying for the requisite approvals, to selecting the best materials and supervising the entire project. The experts do it all. 

Simply put, the professionals help you optimise the loft conversion in innovative ways and perhaps more importantly, they help you avoid the myriad of mistakes and errors that may prove to be costly later on.

Loft conversions on two-bed Victorian terrace homes can add incredible space and value to your home provided it is done right. To ensure that the final build boasts of elegant design and a seamless finish, it is important to entrust this project to experienced and reputable builders.

This is where Good Design and Build comes in. 

Being the primary extension and conversion specialists, with a penchant for period homes, the team at Good Design and Build have decades of experience and unmatched expertise in constructing exceptional loft conversions. 

Our team comprises of architects, surveyors, builders, technicians, and project managers. This allows us to offer complete project management services from start to finish.

Our services include:

• Surveying the location
• Free consultations and cost quotations
• Comprehensive designing and planning of the proposed conversion
• Applying for and securing the requisite planning permission and building regulations approval
• Contractual work
• Daily on-site management of the build

This means that every aspect of the loft conversion is carefully overseen by us; allowing you to get the loft conversion of your dreams without the stress of the build.