Mansard, hip-to-gable & dormer loft conversions, designed to fit your roofline.
City Lofts London plans and builds loft conversions across the capital — from mansards on period terraces to hip-to-gable and dormer extensions on semis, detached houses and bungalows. Every project is designed with RIBA architects, before a brick is touched.
There are different types of loft conversion that you can have built on your house, the main three types are Dormer, Hip to Gable and a Mansard conversion. The different types of loft conversion that is suitable for your property will depend on many different aspects of your loft. For example the size or square footage, what you’re looking to get out of your conversion as well as the planning permission that is likely to be granted (if necessary)
Contact Us
Telephone 020 8898 8299
Office address:
12 High Street, Hampton Wick, Kingston upon Thames, KT1 4DB
Street view
Interior view
City Lofts LondonWide Limited. Registered in England and Wales.
Company number 11454709. VAT number 299773521
Request Quotation
Request Your Free Architectural Consultation & Estimated Costing Complete this assessment to receive a tailored, itemised quote from our RIBA architectural team.
Request Quotation
Request Your Free Architectural Consultation & Estimated Costing Complete this assessment to receive a tailored, itemised quote from our RIBA architectural team.
Contact Us
Telephone 020 8898 8299
Office address:
12 High Street, Hampton Wick, Kingston upon Thames, KT1 4DB
Street view
Interior view
Dormer Loft Conversion
This is the most common type of loft conversion as it is unlikely that you will need to obtain planning permission for it. This type of conversion can also be gable or have a hipped roof. A Dormer loft conversion includes a vertical wall from the bottom of your sloping roof. A flat roof is then built to meet the vertical wall, this allows us to give maximum headroom in the new loft extension.
Hip To Gable Conversion
When using this type of conversion planning permission may be required however this type of conversion gives lots of head space and is suitable for a variety of different uses such as a children’s playroom, an office or a living/social room. This type of conversion is only suitable for people with a detached, semi detached or a bungalow. Hip to gable loft conversions look to maximise a smaller existing space of properties with hipped roofs. The sloping side of a roof is changed to a flat gable end to increase the overall space within the conversion.
Mansard Loft Conversion
This is a very common method of loft conversion in more built up urban areas where terraced houses are more common. This type of conversion will most likely need to have planning permission from your local planning office and windows within this type of conversion will be housed within dormers. For a mansard loft conversions the dual-party or gable walls (depending on whether you live in a terraced or detached property) require to be raised to make a somewhat vertical – at least 72° – profile for the mansard. A horizontal cross section and timber framing is then added.
Roofline Loft Conversion
A Roofline loft conversion is the most popular type of conversion. This type of conversion doesn’t require any modification to the roof, as the existing roof stays as it is. This is the most popular type of conversion due to the fact of the lower price as well as it not requiring any planning permission. If you are looking for a bit of extra space for a nursery or office this would be a fantastic choice. This type of conversion is sometimes called a Velux conversion.
L Section Conversion
L Shaped dormers are becoming increasingly popular especially within the more compacted areas around London. With an L Shaped conversion you have lots of additional space for an extra room or even an en suite. Not all properties are suitable to have an L shaped dormer conversion so please get in contact with us to discuss whether this type of conversion is for you.
Custom Conversion
If you live in a house that doesn’t have a loft similar to any of the other conversion types don’t worry. We often are asked by customers to work on a variety of shaped loft spaces and we always go back to them with a fully custom loft conversion plan. We can help you get everything completed from first discussions and technical drawings all we way through to the interior design.
We have worked on many house structures ranging from a T shaped house as seen above to a cross shaped cathedral as well as many more. If you’re unsure what can be achieved using your loft space please get in touch now.
Not sure what your roof needs?
Every roofline is different. We survey your property, tell you honestly which conversion suits it, and handle the planning process from there.
Permitted development
Most dormer conversions fall within permitted development rights, meaning no planning application is needed — though building regulations still apply throughout.
Full Planning
Mansards and most hip-to-gable conversions change the roof’s shape enough to require planning permission from your local authority. We manage the application for you.
RIBA-designed
Every project is drawn up with RIBA architects before work starts, so what gets built is exactly what was approved — and exactly what you asked for.
Do I need planning permission for a loft conversion?
It depends on the type. Many dormer conversions fall under permitted development, while mansards and most hip-to-gable conversions usually need full planning permission. We confirm this for your specific property at survey stage, and manage the application if one’s needed.
Which conversion type is right for my house?
It comes down to your existing roof shape, party wall situation and how much space you want. Terraced houses often suit mansards, hipped roofs suit hip-to-gable, and almost any roof can take a dormer. Bungalows can often take any of the three. Our survey will tell you exactly what your roofline allows.
How long does a loft conversion take?
Timescales vary with the type of conversion and whether planning permission is needed, since that adds time before building work can start. We give you a realistic programme once your design is finalised, and keep you updated throughout the build.
Will I need to move out during the build?
Most homeowners stay in the property throughout. Loft conversions are generally accessed from outside or via scaffolding, so disruption to the rest of the house is kept to a minimum — we’ll talk you through what to expect for your specific project.
How much does a loft conversion cost?
Cost depends on the conversion type, size, and finish specification, so we don’t quote a generic figure here. Request a free quote and we’ll give you a proper cost based on your property and what you want from the space.
