Loft Conversion FAQs
Can my loft be converted?
As long as your loft meets the minimum height requirement of 2.2m, it can be converted. This measurement is taken from the top of the existing ceiling joists to the underside of the ridge/trusses — not to the felt or tiles.
If your loft is lower than the minimum height requirement, there may be the option of lowering the existing ceilings to create additional height, depending on the property type. There's also the option of a roof-lift conversion for detached properties.
What type of loft conversion will suit my property?
There are loft conversions to suit all roof types, whether your property is a detached house, mid-terrace, or semi-detached bungalow.
Our Types of Loft Conversion page shows you the different options available.
Will I have any input on the design and layout of my loft conversion?
Absolutely — your ideas and requirements will always be reflected in the design.
Once the scale plan is complete, we'll email you a copy for approval before submitting it for structural calculations. If you'd like any amendments, just let us know.
Do loft conversions require planning permission?
The majority of loft conversions do not require planning permission, and we're usually able to determine this during your initial evaluation.
Planning permission is always required when:
- Your property is within a Conservation Area
- Your property is within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
- Your property is a Listed Building
- Your property has no permitted development rights
- The proposed development will exceed the permitted development volume
- The proposed conversion includes alterations to the roof profile on the principal elevation
If planning permission is required, we'll submit the application and all supporting documents on your behalf.
Do loft conversions require Building Control approval?
Yes — all loft conversions must comply with current Building Regulations. We'll submit the building control application on your behalf once you've approved the scale plan.
If a loft conversion is undertaken without Building Control approval, the Local Authority can serve an enforcement notice, whether or not the work complies.
How will I know my loft conversion is being built to Building Regulations?
Our Building Inspector carries out stage inspections throughout the build to ensure all work meets the required standard.
Once all work is complete and the final inspection has taken place, you'll receive a Completion Certificate confirming your loft conversion complies and has been approved.
What does a loft conversion cost?
It's difficult to give an exact cost without an evaluation, but as a guide, starting prices are usually £23,000 for a dormer conversion and £17,000 for a Velux™ conversion.
Prices vary depending on the size, complexity, and overall specification of the work.
Is the price you quote the final cost?
Yes — usually within 10 working days of your initial survey, you'll receive a written quote by email if requested.
The cost is fixed and won't change. If you'd like to amend the specification — adding an extra Velux roof-light, or a couple more spotlights, for example — we'll provide a cost for the additions before carrying out any extra work, so you always know exactly where you stand.
How long will my loft conversion take?
This depends on the type of conversion, but we'll always provide a timescale guide in your written proposal.
As a guide, average-sized Velux conversions usually take 4–6 weeks from start to completion, and average-sized dormer conversions usually take 7–8 weeks.
Will I be kept updated as work is ongoing?
Yes — we email customers every couple of days with progress updates, including when electricians, plumbers, plasterers and other trades are due.
We'll also keep you informed of Building Control stage inspections, so you know when they're scheduled and once they've been completed. Daily updates can also be given by our loft fitters themselves, and as work progresses you'll be able to see for yourself what stage we're at.
Will bad weather delay my loft conversion?
If your loft conversion includes outdoor work, such as a dormer conversion, we always check the weather forecast in advance.
If bad weather stops us working outside, we'll continue with indoor work wherever possible and pick up again outside as soon as we can. As weather is often unpredictable, it can occasionally cause delays to our construction schedule, which may push back completion — and, in turn, the start date of another job. We'll always keep you informed if this happens.
What type of guarantee will I get?
Once your loft conversion is complete and approved by Building Control, we'll provide a 10-year insurance-backed warranty for the work undertaken.
The guarantee will detail exactly what's included and excluded.
How much disturbance will the loft conversion cause?
We concentrate on working within the loft space for as long as possible to keep disturbance to a minimum.
It's only when we open up for the new stairwell or relocate existing walls that we begin working within your existing living area — usually within the final 20% of the project, when we install the staircase.
If your loft conversion includes lowering the existing ceilings, the process is a little different: we install the new ceilings as soon as work begins and have them plastered within around two weeks, to keep disruption to a minimum. Most clients choose to move out temporarily while ceilings are being lowered, as the rooms below need to be emptied first.
Can I see some of your completed loft conversions?
Absolutely. Once you've received your written quote and know what type of loft conversion we're proposing, you're very welcome to view a completed conversion in your area.
We'll always try to find one that closely matches your proposed conversion, so you can see what's achievable — and it's a great opportunity to ask one of our previous customers about their experience with MTR Lofts.
Are you members of any approved organisations?
Yes — we're active members of the Federation of Master Builders (FMB), Trading Standards approved, Velux approved, vetted on MyBuilder.com, TrustATrader (government-run), City & Guilds, and CIS (Construction Industry Scheme) registered.
You should always feel confident and comfortable with the tradespeople working in your home. MyBuilder is responsible for vetting and monitoring its members, so you can be sure that tradespeople found through their site come recommended.