Loft Conversion FAQs

How much will a loft conversion cost?

There are several common types of loft conversion, each of which comes with their own costs:

• Velux loft conversion: The most basic style of loft conversion. When carrying out a Velux loft conversion, the shape of the roof isn’t altered. That means we’ll work with the space that already exists. Velux loft conversions start from £40,000 inc. VAT subject to specification.
• Dormer loft conversion: A popular option for adding additional space when headroom is limited. We open up your loft by expanding your slanted roof into a box-shaped structure.  Dormer loft conversions start from £60,000 inc. VAT subject to specification.
• Mansard loft conversion: Similar to a dormer, but with a distinctive and aesthetically pleasing 72o sloping face rather than the standard right angle. Mansard loft conversions start from £65,000 inc. VAT subject to specification.
• Hip-to-gable loft conversion: If you own a property with a hipped roof (a roof pitched on 3 sides), a hip-to-gable loft conversion is the best type to maximise your space. Hip-to-gable loft conversions start from £60,000 inc. VAT subject to specification.
• L-shaped loft conversion: On properties with an L-shaped layout, we add connected flat-roof dormers to the main and rear area to drastically increase space. L-shaped loft conversions start at £85,000 inc. VAT subject to specification.

The average cost of a loft conversion in Bristol and Bath will also depend on your property.

Get in touch to give us more information and we can give you a free, no-obligation quote.

Do I need planning permission for a loft conversion?

We’re often able to take advantage of the permitted development allowances for your loft conversion.

That means we can convert your loft without needing to apply for planning permission – if specific limitations and conditions are met.

This is something that our planning consultant will check as part of our measured survey.

If you need planning permission, we’ll handle it on your behalf.

Can I convert my loft or attic under permitted development if I’ve already extended my house?

Permitted development rights have volume limits.

Any extensions you add to your property must stay within:

• 40 cubic metres for terraced houses
• 50 cubic metres for detached or semi-detached houses

If you’ve already done a rear or side extension, the total additional volume including your loft conversion must be below these limits. Otherwise, you’ll need planning permission.

However, simpler options like Velux loft conversions don’t involve adding extra space.

That means you can carry out a Velux loft conversion under permitted development even if you’ve previously extended your home.

Can I convert my loft if my home is in a conservation area or is a listed building?

You can, but additional restrictions may apply.

For conservation areas, you’ll probably need full planning permission even if you’re within permitted development limits. And the design of your loft will need to fit the area’s character.

For listed buildings, you’ll need to apply for Listed Building Consent from your local planning authority. Any modifications must also preserve historic elements. This often requires involving special consultants.

If you’re not sure how your plans for a loft conversion will be affected, get in touch with JBS Lofts for a free consultation.

Do I have to consider building regulations for my loft conversion?

Yes. All loft conversions must adhere to building regulations.

But don’t worry. Our team of experts handles this on your behalf as part of our loft conversion service, including any necessary site inspections.

When your loft conversion is complete, we’ll issue you your final certificate.

Is there a minimum head height requirement for a loft conversion?

Almost any roof space can be considered for a loft conversion, providing you meet the minimum head height requirement.

There’s a minimum head height requirement of 2.2 metres from the top of the ceiling joists to the underside of the ridge board (the horizontal board or beam at the top of the roof, where both sides of the roof meet).

There are ways of creating more headroom in smaller lofts, from lowering ceilings on the floor below to spacious dormers and hip-to-gable conversions.

With more than 15 years of loft conversion experience, we’re experts at making the most of your space. So even a small floor plan can be a brilliant opportunity for loft conversion.

It’s always worth getting in touch to discuss the specifics of your space, as our initial consultation is free of charge.

How disruptive is a loft conversion? 

Like any building project, undertaking a loft conversion comes with an unavoidable level of disruption, dust and noise.

You are our top priority. So our team will work tirelessly to minimise all three and keep you informed of what to expect, especially before any particularly disruptive parts of the project commence.

We’ll of course schedule around your needs wherever possible

Will I need to move out during the loft conversion process?

Health and safety is of paramount importance.

Our processes and procedures are designed to keep you and your family safe, as well as everyone working on your project. So we ask you to respect the rules surrounding building sites.

We’ll ask you not to go onto your building site unaccompanied, though you’ll always be welcome to visit.

Our team will provide you with a hard hat and ensure your safety around any hazards as you view progress. Just get in touch with your project coordinator to book a time.

We’ll lay down protective coverings when we need to enter your home and seal up doors to help minimise the spread of dust through your home.

Where possible, the team will try to clear up visible messes at the end of each working day.

You won’t usually have to move out during the build, although some people prefer to do so.

Will other rooms be affected by the loft conversion?

Wherever possible we will access the conversion via the scaffold to minimise time in your living space.

It is, however, essential that we run services through the rest of the house. This will include plumbing feeds, power, lighting, and hard-wired smoke detectors.

Where possible this will be done via the 1st floor landing.

We appreciate that this is a disruptive process and can assure you that your home will be respected and protected during this process.

Can my loft be converted at any time of year?

Yes. We can undertake your loft conversion project through all seasons.

Some loft conversions, such as dormers, can be built in a single day. So your property will be exposed to the elements for only a few hours.

How long does a loft conversion take?

A loft conversion will normally take 7-8 weeks, subject to the specifics of your project, including the type and size of your conversion, and the interior works you choose.

The timescale of your project will be outlined to you from the start, so you can plan adequately and not face the unexpected.

Will I need fire doors & smoke detectors as part of my loft conversion?

In accordance with document B for fire safety, we need to provide a safe means of fire escape from the loft.

This invariably means a protected corridor from the loft to the front door without passing through any other rooms.

Often, we’re able to retain your existing doors, providing smoke detectors are installed in every room and all hallways, stairwells and landings.

What if I have an existing loft conversion?

If your existing conversion doesn’t have a Building Regulations certificate, we’d need to dismantle it entirely, including walls and floors, before we begin afresh.

If you do have a Building Regulations certificate for the work, get in touch – a phone call with our director to discuss options will help you decide on your best course of action for a new loft conversion, or an extension of the existing loft conversion.

How Will Stairs Fit Into my Loft Conversion?

Our veteran designers have a keen eye for finding the perfect spot for your stairs.

Working with a local craftsperson, we’ll custom-design and build your stairs to fit your home perfectly, maximising the available space.

Most often, they’ll be positioned over your existing staircase to maintain the flow and seamlessly integrate your new loft with the rest of your home.

You can choose off-the-shelf newels, handrails and spindles, or opt for bespoke woodwork to perfectly match your home’s style.

All our stair designs comply with building regulations, ensuring both safety and aesthetic appeal.

For homes with limited space, we also offer innovative space-saving staircase solutions.

Can a loft conversion improve energy efficiency?

A well-insulated loft can boost your home’s heating efficiency and lower your heating costs.

That’s because we add modern insulation between and over rafters to keep heat in. And any windows we add meet current thermal performance standards.

However, poorly executed loft conversions can lead to cold bridging. This is when a weak point in your insulation allows heat to escape.

Heat loss is a big problem if you choose a cheap loft conversion provider – or worse, if you try to do a DIY loft conversion.

Partnering with a trusted provider like JBS Lofts ensures exceptional energy efficiency (and assurance that you won’t need to spend extra redoing bad work!).

Will a loft conversion affect my council tax band?

Simply getting a loft conversion won’t affect your council tax.

But if you sell your home or it’s revalued by the Valuation Office Agency, the extra space could trigger rebanding.

This is more likely if you add a full extra bedroom or bathroom.

If you’re concerned about council tax rebanding due to loft conversions in Bath or Bristol, one of the best ways to avoid it is by using a trusted contractor like JBS Lofts.

Our expert designs will be able to create a breath-taking new space without exceeding the boundaries to tax bracket rebanding.

Can I use my loft conversion as a rental or Airbnb?

Yes, you can. But bear in mind that you’ll need to comply with safety regulations such as including fire doors and alarms.

In some local authorities you might also need change-of-use consent or planning permission for short-term lets. And your insurance and mortgage terms must also permit rentals.

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