Hip-to-gable and rear dormer conversions for Mitcham semis, and L-shaped dormers for its terraces.
We convert lofts across Mitcham and CR4. On the inter-war semis found on so many Mitcham streets, the hipped roof is usually squared off into a gable and a rear dormer added, which gives a large double bedroom and a shower room. On the Edwardian terraces around Figges Marsh and Streatham Road, an L-shaped or rear dormer does the same job.
A hipped roof slopes at the side as well as the front and back, which leaves little standing room in the loft. Building the side wall up into a gable, then adding a dormer across the back, roughly doubles the usable space. Outside a conservation area this can often be done under permitted development, with up to 50 cubic metres of added roof space on a semi.
Before design we check the roof structure, the position of the water tank and boiler flue, and where the new staircase can land on the first floor. On many semis it rises above the existing stairs into the middle of the loft, keeping all the bedrooms below.
Typical build: 8 to 10 weeks on site
Semis: Hip-to-gable with rear dormer
Terraces: L-shaped or rear dormer
Covered: CR4, plus SW16 around Pollards Hill and Longthornton
Picked to suit the roof shape and how much space you need.
A hip-to-gable conversion changes the side of the roof, so on a semi it also changes how the pair looks from the street. Permitted development allows it, but the materials should match the existing roof and the dormer must sit back from the eaves. We match the tiles and keep the dormer in proportion so the house still sits well beside its neighbour.
In the Cricket Green conservation area, roof extensions need planning permission. The older houses there have roofs of clay tile, pantile or slate, some of them London roofs with a central valley gutter, and few of those suit a large dormer. We check what Merton is likely to accept before you commit to drawings.
Structure, headroom, tank and flue positions checked, then a written quote.
Drawings and calculations, plus a lawful development certificate or a planning application to Merton.
Gable wall, steels, floor, dormer, stairs and insulation.
Protected stairway, fire doors and alarms checked by building control.
Usually, on a house outside a conservation area, if the extra roof space stays within 50 cubic metres on a semi and the materials match. We confirm it with a lawful development certificate from Merton.
On most semis the new flight runs above the existing stairs, so you keep all the bedrooms below. We work it out at the survey.
Yes. An L-shaped or rear dormer works well on the Edwardian terraces around Figges Marsh and Streatham Road, and is often permitted development within 40 cubic metres.
It usually has to move or go. Your heating engineer can advise whether to relocate it or change the system, and we plan the loft around the answer.
The new gable and steels usually connect to the party wall, so a party wall notice is needed. Scaffolding may also need access from their side, which we agree in advance.
Loft Conversions is one of ten building services we offer across Mitcham and CR4. If your project needs more than one, we run them as a single job.
Tell us about your property and preferred timeline and we will get you a quote.
