Loft Conversions Across London & the South East
Covers Of London carries out loft conversions on every type of residential property across the capital. Terraced, semi-detached, detached, period conversions, maisonettes — our in-house team handles the full design and build process from initial survey through to final snagging. Based in Hackney, working London-wide. Fixed pricing, no sub-contractors, and a 10-year guarantee on every project we complete.
30+
YEARS IN THE TRADE
3,500+
PROJECTS COMPLETED
Fixed
PRICE QUOTATIONS
10yr
WORK GUARANTEE
London property prices have pushed moving house out of reach for a lot of families. A loft conversion is frequently the more practical option — you get the additional bedroom, bathroom or home office you need, on the property you already own, without the stamp duty, legal fees and upheaval of relocating. Done properly, the value it adds to the property usually outweighs the build cost within a few years.
We manage every stage of the process in-house. Architectural drawings, structural calculations, planning applications where required, party wall agreements with neighbours, the full build programme, and all second-fix trades — electrics, plumbing, plastering, decoration. You deal with one project manager from start to finish. No sub-contractors, no agency labour, and no passing the job on to whoever happens to be available that week.
TYPES OF LOFT CONVERSION
Types of Loft Conversion We Build
The right type of conversion depends on your property, the existing roof structure, what you want to use the space for, and the planning rules in your borough. We build all four main types across London.
Dormer Loft Conversions
The most widely carried out type of loft conversion in London, and the one that works across the broadest range of property types. A dormer extends outward from the existing roof slope, creating a flat-roofed box structure that delivers full standing height where the ceiling would otherwise taper down to nothing.
Rear dormers are well matched to the Victorian and Edwardian terraces found throughout Hackney, Islington, Stoke Newington, Clapton, and much of inner London. We also build L-shaped dormers where the property has a rear outrigger — a feature common on mid-terrace houses — which can produce enough space for two bedrooms and a bathroom from a single conversion. Most rear dormers fall within permitted development and do not require a formal planning application, though we always confirm this at the survey stage before quoting.
Mansard Loft Conversions
A mansard conversion reshapes the roof entirely, replacing the existing slope with a steep lower wall (typically around 72 degrees) and a near-flat top. The effect is a virtually vertical rear elevation that delivers the maximum possible internal floor area — often the equivalent of adding another full storey to the property.
Mansards are particularly suited to London butterfly roofs, where the structure slopes inward rather than peaking at a ridge. In boroughs such as Camden, Hackney, Haringey and Islington, a mansard is often the preferred or required route to gaining planning approval, particularly on properties within conservation areas. This type of conversion always needs planning permission, and we manage the full application process as standard.
Hip to Gable Loft Conversions
If you own a semi-detached or detached house with a hipped roof — where the side slopes down instead of ending at a vertical wall — a hip to gable conversion can recover a substantial amount of wasted loft space. We remove the sloping hip end and rebuild it as a vertical gable wall, and usually combine this with a rear dormer for maximum floor area. The result is enough room for two large bedrooms, a bathroom, and built-in storage. Properties in areas such as Barnet, Enfield, Walthamstow, Woodford, Chingford and across the outer boroughs are well suited to this type of conversion. We frequently pair a hip to gable with a dormer on properties in Cheshunt, Potters Bar and parts of Hertfordshire as well.
Velux & Rooflight Conversions
The most cost-effective option where the existing roof already has a workable ridge height. Velux windows are fitted directly into the roof slope without altering the roof structure, which keeps the build time short and costs considerably lower than a dormer or mansard. This type of conversion suits home offices, children’s bedrooms, or extra living space on properties where the loft has a decent head height to begin with. It is also the only practical route for some properties in conservation areas where external alterations to the roofline are not permitted. We install Velux and other quality rooflight brands and can recommend the best configuration for natural light and ventilation in your specific roof space.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
Our Loft Conversion Design & Build Service
Every loft conversion we take on is managed as a single design and build contract. One team, one price, one point of responsibility. Here is what that covers.
Free on-site survey — we assess the roof structure, take measurements, discuss your requirements and advise on the best type of conversion for your property.
Architectural drawings & structural calculations — produced to the standard required for building control and planning submissions.
Planning permission & party wall agreements — we prepare and submit applications, handle neighbour consultations and manage the process throughout.
Full construction — steelwork, roof alterations, dormer or mansard build, floor structure, insulation to current Part L standards, staircase, windows, internal walls and doors.
All second-fix trades — electrics, plumbing, plastering, tiling, decoration and snagging. En-suite bathrooms fitted and fully tiled. Building control sign-off arranged on completion.
PLANNING & BUILDING REGULATIONS
Permitted Development, Planning Permission & Building Control
The planning and compliance side of a loft conversion causes more problems than the construction itself, particularly in London. Permitted development rights are not as straightforward as they appear — several boroughs have Article 4 directions in place that remove those rights entirely, and conservation area restrictions add further complications. A number of properties in Hackney, Islington and Camden, for example, sit within designated conservation zones where even a standard rear dormer may need a full planning application.
We deal with this as a matter of course. Our service includes producing architectural drawings and structural calculations, submitting planning applications where they are needed, liaising with building control inspectors throughout the build, and managing party wall agreements with adjoining owners. The administrative weight of the project sits with us. You are kept informed, but you do not have to chase surveyors, chase the council, or coordinate between separate architects and builders.
Every loft conversion we complete is signed off by the local authority building control officer and built in compliance with the 2026 Building Regulations, including current Part L thermal performance standards and fire safety requirements.
Why London Homeowners Choose Covers Of London for Loft Conversions
There is no shortage of companies offering loft conversions in London. Finding one that actually turns up when they say they will, finishes the job on schedule, and charges what they quoted — that is the harder part.
We have been working on roofs and buildings across the capital for more than thirty years. Our team is made up of experienced tradespeople who are employed by us directly — not recruited through an agency, not hired as sub-contractors, and not replaced mid-build with whoever happens to be free. The people who start your loft conversion are the same ones who finish it.
Every project carries a written fixed-price quotation. The figure we agree before work starts is the figure on the final invoice. If something unexpected comes up during the build — and on older London properties, it occasionally does — we talk to you about it before incurring any additional cost.
All work is guaranteed for 10 years. We hold full public liability insurance on every project. And if, after surveying your loft, we think a conversion is not the right move for your property, we will tell you straight rather than take on a job that is not going to deliver what you need.
Service Areas
Loft Conversions Across Every London Borough
Based in Hackney, we carry out loft conversions across the whole of London and into the surrounding counties. If your property sits within the M25, we can reach you. We also take on projects in parts of Essex — Chingford, Woodford, Loughton, Romford, Ilford, Brentwood — and across Hertfordshire including Enfield, Cheshunt, Potters Bar, Broxbourne and St Albans. Our knowledge of local housing stock, borough-specific planning requirements and building regulations saves time and avoids problems that less locally experienced companies run into.
Hackney
Islington
Tower Hamlets
Camden
Haringey
Newham
Waltham Forest
Barnet
Enfield
Southwark
Lambeth
Greenwich
Wandsworth
Bromley
Croydon
All London Boroughs →
Customer Reviews
What our customers say
FAQS
Loft Conversions — Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a loft conversion cost in London?
It depends on the conversion type and the size of the project. A Velux or rooflight conversion typically starts from around £45,000. A standard rear dormer ranges from £55,000 to £80,000. Mansard conversions usually start from £70,000, and hip to gable conversions fall between £60,000 and £85,000. We carry out a free on-site survey and provide a detailed fixed-price quotation, so you will know the full cost before committing.
Do I need planning permission for a loft conversion?
Many dormer and Velux conversions fall within permitted development rights and do not need a formal planning application. Mansard conversions almost always require planning permission. Properties in conservation areas or those subject to Article 4 directions may have further restrictions. We check the planning position for your property during the survey and handle all applications as part of our service.
How long does a loft conversion take?
A standard dormer takes 8 to 12 weeks on site. Mansard and hip to gable conversions may take 10 to 14 weeks. The full project timeline — from initial survey through design, approvals and construction — is usually 4 to 6 months.
Will I need to move out during the build?
In most cases, no. The bulk of the work takes place above the existing ceiling line and is accessed externally via scaffolding. There will be some disruption when the staircase is cut in and during second-fix trades, but most families remain in the property throughout. We take measures to contain dust and keep noise to a minimum.
What type of loft conversion is best for my property?
That depends on your roof structure, head height, property type and the planning rules in your borough. Dormer conversions suit the majority of Victorian and Edwardian terraces. Mansard conversions work well on London butterfly roofs and properties where planning rules restrict standard dormers. Hip to gable conversions are the right choice for semi-detached and detached homes with hipped roofs. Velux conversions suit lofts that already have adequate ridge height. We assess all of this at the free survey stage and recommend the best option for your specific situation.
What areas do you cover?
We are based in Hackney and cover every London borough. We also work across parts of Essex — including Chingford, Woodford, Romford, Ilford, Loughton and Brentwood — and Hertfordshire, including Enfield, Cheshunt, Potters Bar, Broxbourne and St Albans.
Get a Free Loft Conversion Quote
Whether you need a single dormer bedroom or a full mansard adding an extra storey, our survey and quotation service is free and carries no obligation. Leave your details and we will be in touch within the hour during working hours.
Book Your Free Loft Conversion Survey Today
If you have been considering a loft conversion, get in touch. Call us on 0208 064 3801 or fill in the form above and we will arrange a free on-site survey. We will talk you through the options for your property and provide a detailed fixed-price quotation. Most surveys are carried out within a week of your call.