These are some of the things to be taken into consideration before drawing up plans:
• Is the roof a traditional design with rafters, or does the property have a trussed, prefabricated roof? The latter causes a few more problems as the trusses obscure the central roof area, so they need to be cut away to open up a living space.
• Is there sufficient head height? Again, if the roof falls below the minimum required height this can be remedied, but it will affect the amount of work that needs to be done. It can sometimes be easier to replace the entire roof rather than trying to design a room around the space there is available.
• Are the floor joists strong enough to support a floor? Loft conversions in London properties often require the installation of new joists, as lofts are not designed to be used as permanent living quarters. Joists are usually a standard 4” X 2”, whereas they need to be 6” or 8” by 2” to support a floor.
• Can a permanent stairway be installed? A loft conversion in London must have a permanent staircase with sufficient clearance, and without dog-legs or awkward angles which will make furniture impossible to install.
• Can suitable windows be installed? Velux or dormers are the norm, although we at Landmark Lofts also install Mansard loft conversions.
Here at Landmark Lofts, we are specialists in building loft conversions in London properties of all shapes, ages and sizes. To find out how we can help you, feel free to book a consultation.

