

L-Shaped Dormer Loft Conversion Greenwich, SE10
Rear dormer loft conversion Leytonstone, E11
L-Shaped Dormer Loft Conversion New Southgate, N11
L-Shaped Dormer Loft Conversion Greenwich, SE10
LOFT CONVERSIONS
LOFT CONVERSIONS
Add another floor to the home you already love.
When your home starts to feel crowded, your loft could become another bedroom with an en‑suite, a quiet place to work, or simply a little more room to breathe.
When your home starts to feel crowded, your loft could become another bedroom with an en‑suite, a quiet place to work, or simply a little more room to breathe.
30 Years In Construction
250+ Homes transformed
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Federation of Master Builders
Independently vetted & inspected
Insurance-backed warranty available
Find your conversion
Find the right loft conversion for your home
Two quick questions. Takes 15 seconds.
1 of 2
What shape is your roof?
2 of 2
What shape is the back of your home?
We’ve highlighted the relevant loft types below
Ways to convert your loft
Ways to convert your loft
The five main types of loft conversion.
The right choice for you will depend on your roof, the shape of your home and what you want up there.
Your loft could be converted by May.
Not sure which of these you need? Tell us what isn’t working and we’ll plan the right changes with you.
Expert advice · No obligation
Homeowner interview
HOMEOWNER INTERVIEW
What’s it like to have Construct X Group work on your home?
Our client Genevieve talks through her side-return extension and flat renovation in Clapton, why she chose Construct X Group and what it was like having us work on her home.
“You guys were just heads and shoulders apart from all the others. You were really good at listening, and you made it clear that you’d be doing what I wanted to do, not what you thought I should do.”
MORE FROM GENEVIEVE’S HOME
OUR transformations
See how we’ve converted lofts in homes like yours.
Explore real loft projects, the decisions behind them, what they cost and how long they took.
OUR transformations
OUR transformations
See how we’ve converted lofts in homes like yours.
Explore real loft projects, the decisions behind them, what they cost and how long they took.
Why convert your loft?
WHY CONVERT
Why should you convert your loft?
Most homeowners we’ve spoken to convert their lofts for at least two of these three reasons.
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FAMILY
Make room as your family grows
A new bedroom and ensuite in the loft can give parents their own space, freeing up bedrooms below for children who are sharing.
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GARDEN
Get more space without losing your garden
Turn the unused space above your bedrooms into another room, without extending into the garden and taking away any of your outdoor space.
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PROPERTY VALUE
Appeal to more buyers
An extra bedroom and bathroom can make your home more attractive to buyers when you eventually sell.
Loft conversion costs
Loft conversion costs
How much does it cost to convert a loft?
A loft conversion budget is made of three layers, and knowing what goes into each layer will make it easier for you to compare quotes and plan your spending.
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01 - The core
The essential building work
The core covers the labour, materials and site management needed to build your loft, including the structure, roof, staircase, insulation, electrics, plumbing and plastering. For standard dormer conversions, this also includes the labour to install a shower room. The exact work depends on the type of loft conversion, and will always include our warranty. Typically £72,000+ including VAT
The core covers the labour, materials and site management needed to build your loft, including the structure, roof, staircase, insulation, electrics, plumbing and plastering. For standard dormer conversions, this also includes the labour to install a shower room. The exact work depends on the type of loft conversion, and will always include our warranty.
Typically£72,000+including VAT
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02 - Fittings and finishes
What you choose for your loft
You normally choose and supply your bathroom fittings and tiles, including the shower, toilet, basin and taps. The labour to install a standard shower room is already included in the core price. Finished bedroom flooring and decorating are separate, but we can arrange both, along with upgrades to your staircase, windows and other fittings.
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03 - Optional extras
Other improvements you may want
With the scaffolding and roofing team already on site, it can make sense to renew an ageing front roof or add a skylight above the stairs. We can also upgrade the sound insulation, install air conditioning or renovate other rooms while we're there. We price these separately before starting the additional work.
Other costs to budget for: Architectural drawings, structural engineering, planning, Building Control and Party Wall fees will be separate from the construction price. Your written quotation will make clear which are included.
How payments work
How payments work
You don’t pay for everything upfront.
How you pay: After an initial deposit, you pay in stages as we progress through the build.
How you’re protected: Before key stage payments, an independent inspector you appoint checks our work.
Loft conversion timings
Loft conversion timings
How long does it take to convert a loft?
Allow approximately
5–6 months
from committing to your project to a finished loft conversion.
- Pre-build
- Around 3 months
- Build on site
- Usually 2–3 months
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STEP 1
Architect’s survey
Usually arranged within 1–3 days
The architect we work with contacts you to arrange a survey of your home.
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STEP 2
Drawings
Usually 1–2 weeks
The architect prepares the drawings for the lawful development certificate or planning application. You’ll have a chance to review them and request changes before they’re submitted.
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STEP 3
Lawful development certificate or planning
Usually around 8 weeks
Many loft conversions fall under permitted development, so we normally recommend asking the council to confirm this with a Lawful Development Certificate. Larger projects, mansards or front roof alterations will likely still need full planning permission. This can take longer than 8 weeks if the council request changes or need more time.
Also at this stage: Party Wall (if needed)
If your loft conversion needs a , we recommend starting the process as soon as we send in your application, as this can drag on quite a bit and risk delaying your start date.
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STEP 4
Structural drawings
Usually 1–2 weeks
Once planning is approved, the structural engineer designs the new floor, the steel beams that carry it and the opening for the staircase, then prepares the drawings.
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STEP 5
Building Control notice
At least 5 working days before building starts
Building Control checks that your loft conversion meets Building Regulations. You can use the council or a private registered provider, which we usually recommend because inspections are easier to arrange. We can help with the application. The private provider notifies the council, and once the required notice periods have passed, we can usually start building while they continue reviewing the drawings.
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STEP 6
Build on site
Usually 8–12 weeks
A rear dormer typically takes 8–10 weeks, while an L-shaped dormer takes 10–12 weeks. Mansards and conversions involving more extensive structural work can take longer.
What could affect the timeline?
Planning changes and surveyors can delay the start, sometimes by months.
During construction, lowering first-floor ceilings can add around two weeks. Specialist windows, more complicated bathrooms and additional work can also extend the build.
In wetter months, we recommend a temporary roof (a “tin hat”), particularly for L-shaped dormers, as rain can slow the work while the roof is open.
We’ll flag potential delays as early as possible.
During construction
During construction
What actually happens during the build?
Here’s how a typical rear dormer progresses, from putting up the scaffolding to completion.
Usually 8–10 weeks on site.
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01
Scaffolding & site setup
Week 1 · Getting the site ready and opening the roofOn site
The scaffolding goes up, the working areas are protected and we set up the safety equipment, skip and site facilities.
We then begin opening the existing roof, putting temporary protection in place to keep the house covered while work progresses.
At home
Before we start, we agree which rooms you can continue using and how we’ll protect your home.
For the early stages, most of the team accesses the loft from the scaffolding outside rather than through your house.
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02
Steels & the new floor
Around week 2 · The steel beams and new loft floorOn site
The structural steel beams are lifted into position, followed by the new floor joists and temporary boarding.
This creates the structure that will support the new rooms above your existing ceiling.
At home
This is one of the noisier stages, but the existing ceilings can usually stay in place. If your project needs the ceilings lowered, we’ll have discussed the additional disruption with you beforehand.
Building Control inspection: The structural steelwork and floor, before they’re covered up.
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03
The dormer & a watertight roof
Weeks 3–6 · Building the dormer and weatherproofing the roofOn site
The dormer’s timber walls and roof are built, followed by the external cladding, roof covering, leadwork and windows.
The aim is to have the new roof watertight by around week 5 or 6.
At home
The window and staircase suppliers visit to take their final measurements while the new structure is taking shape.
If there’s no temporary roof (“tin hat”), we cover exposed areas with tarpaulins when work stops, but bad weather can still cause delays, it’s why we recommend getting a temporary roof during the wet months.
Building Control inspection: The roof and timber structure, where required, before relevant parts are covered.
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04
The staircase & first fix
Around week 6 · Connecting the new loft to your homeOn site
Once the roof is watertight, we make the opening for the new staircase and install it, usually over the existing stairs. This normally takes 1–2 days.
The plumbers and electricians also run the pipes and cables for the new rooms and bathroom.
At home
This is usually the messiest part of a standard loft conversion. Until now, most work has been accessed from outside.
Once the staircase is installed, the team starts using a protected route through your home to reach the loft.
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05
Insulation & plastering
Weeks 6–7 · Insulating and finishing the wallsOn site
The roof, walls and floor are insulated. Once Building Control has checked the insulation, the walls and ceilings are plasterboarded and plastered.
Plasterboarding usually takes around two working days, with plastering following afterwards.
At home
By this point, your bathroom fittings and tiles need to be chosen and ready for the next stage.
Building Control inspection: The insulation, before it’s covered by plasterboard.
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06
Second fix & handover
Weeks 7–10 · Bathroom, finishing work and completionOn site
The bathroom is waterproofed, tiled and fitted. Lights, sockets, radiators and plumbing are connected, and the internal doors, skirtings and other carpentry are finished.
We then walk through the loft with you, put right the agreed snagging items and carry out a builders’ clean.
At home
A standard shower room normally takes around a week to finish. More complicated bathrooms and additional work can extend this stage.
We’ll ask you to look around the finished loft before our final walkthrough so we can address anything that needs attention.
Building Control inspection: Final checks, including the staircase and fire-safety measures, before completion sign-off.
Building Control checks the work at key stages, which can include the steelwork, new floor, roof structure, insulation and final completion. We arrange these inspections as the build progresses and combine visits where possible.
Ready to talk through your project?
You’ll speak with Eddie
Planning & approvals
Planning & approvals
Will I need planning permission for my loft conversion?
Many loft conversions don’t need planning permission, but every one needs the right approvals in place before work begins.
We’ll identify what applies to your home and guide you through the process.
- Read our planning permission guide
Planning permission
When do I need planning permission?
A full planning application is needed if your design falls outside permitted development. This can include mansards, dormers facing the road and roof enlargements in conservation areas.
Flats also don’t have the same permitted development rights as houses.
- Read our permitted development guide
Permitted development
Could my loft be permitted development?
Many rear dormers and hip-to-gable conversions can be built without planning permission.
In England, permitted roof enlargements are generally limited to 40m³ for terraced houses and 50m³ for other houses. There are also rules about roof height, appearance and previous alterations.
- Read our lawful development certificate guide
Lawful development certificate
Should I get a lawful development certificate?
Even when planning permission isn’t required, we normally recommend getting written confirmation from the council that your proposed work is lawful.
This can also be useful when you come to sell your home.
What other approvals and checks might I need?
Even if you don’t need planning permission, your loft conversion still needs to meet Building Regulations. You may also need to involve your neighbours if the work affects a shared wall.
- Read our party wall guide
Party wall
Do I need a party wall agreement?
If steel beams need to go into a wall you share with a neighbour, or that wall needs raising, you’ll normally need to serve a Party Wall notice.
Your neighbour can consent in writing, or surveyors may need to agree an award.
- Read our building regulations guide
Building regulations
What building regulations apply?
A loft converted into a bedroom or other living space needs Building Regulations approval.
This covers the new floor, staircase, fire safety, insulation, sound and electrics. Building Control inspects the work at key stages, including before certain parts are covered up.
- Read our structural engineering guide
Structural engineer
When do I need a structural engineer?
The existing ceiling joists usually aren’t designed to support a new room.
A structural engineer designs the new floor, the steel beams that carry it and the opening for the staircase, so the added weight is safely supported.
“Eddie and the team undertook a loft conversion together with ensuite bathroom.”
The standard of work was excellent and they always went above and beyond, especially with the small detail. Extremely respectful, courteous, always offering great advice and super clear with communications on costs, no hidden extras or surprises. Always gave lots of options and flexibility to change spec as went along. Very responsive and even made great relationships with neighbours which was much appreciated.
Would 100% recommend.
Our family
Who will be working on your home?
Construction has been our family trade for the past 30 years. Your project is led by our family alongside professionals we’ve worked with for years.
We’re one family managing the whole build
Building work involves a lot of different people. Our own trades work alongside the architects, engineers and specialists your project needs, all managed by our family. You have one point of contact throughout your project, without having to coordinate everyone involved yourself.
Meet the family
OUR FAMILY
Who will be working on your home?
Construction has been our family trade for the past 30 years. Your project is led by our family alongside professionals we’ve worked with for years.
We’re one family managing the whole build
Building work involves a lot of different people. Our own trades work alongside the architects, engineers and specialists your project needs, all managed by our family. You have one point of contact throughout your project, without having to coordinate everyone involved yourself.
Meet the family
HOMEOWNER EXPERIENCES
HOMEOWNER EXPERIENCES
What do homeowners say about converting their loft with us?
100% of our loft conversion reviews have received 5‑star ratings.
Recent homeowner reviews
Homeowner guides
HOMEOWNER GUIDES
Prefer to read up on things before speaking to us?
Explore our human written guides on planning, approvals, costs and the decisions that come up during loft conversion projects.
“All our articles were written by me with Eddie’s input, not AI.”
FAQs
FAQs
Questions that come up on most loft conversion projects.
Ready to get a clear plan for your loft conversion?
Get a realistic picture of what’s possible for your home, likely costs, timings, planning requirements and what the project would involve.
You’ll speak with Eddie
Managing Director
150+ projects delivered
Expert advice · No obligation

Ready to get a clear plan for your project?
Get a realistic picture of what’s possible for your home, likely costs, timing, planning requirements and what the project would involve.

You’ll speak with Eddie
Managing Director
150+ projects delivered
Expert advice · No obligation











