Loft conversions East London - Tailored Lofts
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Loft conversions
East London

Expert Loft Conversions in East London: Transforming Unused Spaces

Welcome

Tailored Lofts is a family-run business with speciality in converting underused attic spaces into stylish and functional parts of your home. With years of experience in loft conversions East London we are here to deliver bespoke solutions tailored to your unique needs. Whether you envision a spacious single dormer loft conversion, an expansive L-shape dormer conversion, the transformative hip-to-gable conversion, a simple Velux conversion, or the classic elegance of a mansard conversion, our team at Tailored Lofts is equipped to bring your vision to life with precision and flair.

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Loft conversion East London Terraced House
Why convert

Benefits of a Loft Conversion

A loft conversion is more than just an upgrade to your living space; it’s a strategic investment in your property with multiple benefits:

Increased Property Value & Comfort: Elevate the market value of your home with a loft conversion. This sought-after feature can significantly enhance the attractiveness of your property to potential buyers, offering a substantial return on investment. Even if you’re not planning to sell you home soon, your family will greatly benefit from an added extra room, tailored to your needs.

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Loft conversion early stages

Keep your existing garden space: A loft conversion offers a smart solution to increase your home’s interior space without compromising on your garden or outdoor area. This is advantageous for East London period homes with limited outdoor space.

Energy Efficiency and Insulation Improvements: Modern loft extensions can improve your home’s energy efficiency. By incorporating the latest insulation materials and techniques, your new space will not only be cosy but also reduce your heating costs, contributing to a greener, more sustainable home.

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Dormer Loft conversion East London
Why choose Tailored Lofts?

Our key values

  • Committed to quality. All our team members are skilled in all aspects of the build, and we closely monitor that all work is being carried out as intended on a daily basis.
  • Competitive pricing. We keep our overhead costs low and processes simple, enabling us to offer true value for money.
  • Warranty. We are confident in our work – we provide 10 years warranty that applies to structures and damp penetration.

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Dormer Loft conversion East London with two veluxes at front.

  • Clear communication. From a detailed quote to project completion, we maintain clear written communication, thus avoiding any costly misunderstandings or misinterpretations.
  • Friendly and considerate. Throughout the construction process, our team maintain cleanliness and order, reducing inconvenience to both your family and neighbors.
  • Certified and accredited. Our tradespeople are fully accredited, ensuring expert handling of every stage of your project from start to finish.

What to expect

A typical timeline for a loft conversion
East London

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Week 1

Scaffolding erected. When our scaffolders arrive at your property, they’ll require access to the back of the house – we’ll notify you beforehand of when this is due to happen.

Preparations. Any existing attic insulation will be removed, and an access hole will be created in the front of the roof for our team and materials. We will make preparations for steel beams installation.

Materials delivery. Most materials needed for the structural stage, including steel beams, will be delivered and stored on the scaffolding.

Start of structural works.  Our team will then proceed with the installation of the steel beams and floor joists, moving steadily towards the transformation of your space.

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Week 2

Structural works. We will construct a dormer box – the flat roof structure and external walls, with window openings.

Start of roofing works. The dormer flat roof protective underlay (in case of torched felt application) will be applied and roofing membrane fixed externally. This will isolate the newly created space from the elements.

Structural stage inspection. At this point the structural works will be inspected either by a local authority building inspector or by your appointed building inspector.

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Week 3

Roofing works. The dormer walls will be clad in tiles or slates, top layer protective coat will be applied on the flat roof.

Internal partitions. Rooms will be partitioned: stairwell, bedroom, any en-suite shower room, etc.

Pitched roof windows. The access hole we made now will be closed and Velux windows installed.

Staircase. We will open up the ceiling (of the hallway below) and install the staircase box. At this point you will be welcome to come and see your newly created rooms, have a feel of a new space.

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Week 4

1st fix electrics. Electrical cables will be wired to designated sockets, switches, and lights, running from your current fuse board location.

1st fix plumbing. We will set up plumbing points for central heating radiators and any sanitary equipment needed for an en-suite shower room. These pipes will connect to your existing central heating and water supply at the most convenient point.

Roofworks finishing. Lead flashings, fascias, soffit boards, as well as gutters and downpipes, will be installed as needed to complete the roofing.

Dormer windows. Installation of dormer windows will finalize the external works.

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Week 5

Insulation. External walls and roof will be insulated with highest thermal efficiency materials. Floors and partitions will be insulated with acoustic insulation.

Insulation inspection. At this point the insulation will be inspected either by a local authority building inspector or by your appointed building inspector.

Floor decking. We will fix floor deck sheathing that will form the structural base of the floor.

Start of drylining. We will fix plasterboards on external walls and partitions, ceilings.

 

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Week 6

Drylining and plastering.  After completing the drylining, our professional plasterers will skim coat plaster walls and ceilings, preparing them for painting. We may have a brief pause until the plaster fully dries.

Finishing 1st fix tasks. We will complete any outstanding 1st fix tasks, addressing both the exterior and interior, to wrap up this essential phase of construction.

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Week 7

2nd fix carpentry. Door frames, architraves, and doors will be installed, along with skirting boards and staircase banisters.

Tiling. Should a shower room be included, we will tile both the floors and walls.

2nd fix plumbing. All central heating radiators and sanitary fixtures will be fitted at this stage.

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Week 8

Painting & decorating. Our painters decorators will meticulously undercoat and paint all woodwork, walls, and ceilings, ensuring a flawless finish of your new loft rooms.

2nd fix electrics: We will install all switches, sockets, and light fittings – your loft transformation is nearly finished.

Scaffolding. By now our scaffolders will have taken down the scaffolding.

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Week 9

Snagging. We will conduct a detailed inspection of all finishes, rectifying any issues that don’t meet our high standards.

Commissioning. Every electrical and plumbing installation will undergo a rigorous check.

Final inspection. At this point your loft will be inspected  for the final time by a building inspector.

Certification. You will receive all necessary certificates, confirming that your loft conversion complies with building regulations and best practices.

Handover. It’s time to enjoy your newly extended and improved home.

Our Specialty

Loft conversions in East London

At Tailored Lofts, we specialise in loft conversion projects across Waltham Forest, Redbridge, and the surrounding areas:

ChingfordWalthamstowLeytonstoneLeytonWansteadBuckhurst HillLoughtonWoodford Green

Typical sequence

Planning your loft conversion

Establish feasibility
The first step is to find out whether your project can be done or is worth doing

Our surveyor will come to your place, discuss the requirements and take measurements of existing structures. Your initial quote will be generated.

Initial plans
Get your project plans drawn up.

You can either use our architect, or have your own architect if that’s your preference.

Local authority permit
Local authority must be notified about your planned project.

Your project may fall under permitted development (normally loft conversions are) or if it doesn’t meet the permitted development requirements, it may need planning permission.

Party wall award
Your neighbours must be notified about the planned works.

A party wall award must be in place before the actual works can start. Read below for more information.

Construction
The actual building works can begin

Starting with the erection of scaffolding and the installation of structures, and continuing all the way to completion, there will be periodic visits and inspections by building control at certain stages of the project. For more details, please refer to “Typical loft conversion project timeline” above.

Certification
Installations will be commissioned, required certificates issued.

The final stage and equally, if not most, important: you will have certificates confirming that your loft conversion project is constructed according to building regulations and best practices.

Gallery

Take a look at some of our completed loft conversions in East London

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Frequently asked questions

Party wall related questions

  • What is a Party Wall?
    A Party Wall is a shared wall in your home that connects your property to that of your neighbor. Both you and your neighbor jointly own these walls, referred to as ‘Party Walls’. If you live in a terraced house, semi-detached house, or an apartment, it’s common to have at least one shared party wall with a neighboring property.
  • What is the Purpose of a Party Wall Agreement?
    A Party Wall Agreement serves as a formal, legal document that governs the party wall shared with your adjacent neighbor. Its primary objective is to safeguard against any negative impacts on your neighbor’s home structure due to construction work, such as a loft conversion, on your side of the shared wall.
  • Is a Party Wall Agreement required for a loft conversion?
    If your property has a shared wall with neighboring houses, then obtaining a Party Wall Agreement is mandatory before beginning your loft conversion. This requirement is stated by the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 to ensure the interests of all parties are protected during such construction work.
  • What are the possible implications of my loft conversion on the shared Party Walls?
    The scope of your loft conversion may involve certain actions, such as:

    • Inserting new steel beams or wooden joists into the party wall for structural support.
    • Modifying the party wall by increasing its thickness or elevating its height.
    • Removing a chimney breast that is part of the party wall.
    • Dismantling and potentially reconstructing a section of the party wall if it’s found to be structurally unsound.
    Given that these actions fall under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, you are required to inform your adjacent neighbor about any intended construction work.

  • What steps should I take to secure a Party Wall Agreement for my loft conversion?
    Before initiating any construction on your loft, it’s crucial to get a Party Wall Agreement. Start by issuing a Party Wall Act Notice to your neighbor, detailing the proposed construction activities. The notice should include specifics like:

    • Your full name and residential address
    • The specific location where the loft renovation will occur
    • A comprehensive description of the planned work, inclusive of any drawings or architectural plans
    • The anticipated commencement date for the loft conversion

    Should Fitted Lofts be responsible for your loft renovation, we will provide you with the necessary Party Wall Notice forms to be filled out by both you and your neighbor. To minimize any surprise or concern, it’s advisable to have a preliminary, informal discussion with your neighbor about the proposed work. Sharing your plans can foster a cooperative relationship and keep them informed.

    You have the option to personally deliver the Party Wall Notice or engage a Party Wall Surveyor to manage this process for you. We can suggest surveyors we’ve partnered with before.

    The Party Wall Surveyor, will create a ‘Schedule of Condition’ for the Party Wall. This process includes a thorough examination and photographic documentation of the current state of both your and your neighbor’s party wall before beginning the loft conversion. This Schedule of Condition serves as a reliable, unbiased record of the Party Wall’s pre-construction condition and can be used as evidence should your neighbor claim that the construction has caused damage to their property.

  • When should I serve the Party Wall Notice?

    You must deliver the notice to your neighbor no later than two months prior to the commencement of your loft conversion.

    Your neighbor is granted a 14-day period to provide a response, in which they can formally agree or disagree with the proposed work in writing.

  • What steps should I take if my neighbor objects to the Party Wall Notice for my loft conversion?

    Usually neighbors will consent to the construction work and provide their written approval. If, however they object to the notice, the initial course of action is to select a mutual ‘agreed surveyor’ whom both parties accept to prepare a ‘Party Wall Award.’ This is an official document that outlines the conditions and timeline for the construction.As an alternative, each party has the option to appoint their own surveyor. These surveyors will collaborate to prepare the award.

    This process is designed to protect the rights and interests of both you and your neighbor during the drafting of the award. In the uncommon event that the surveyors cannot reach a consensus, a third surveyor may be called upon to establish an award that is agreeable to both parties.

  • What should I do if my neighbor does not respond within the 14 days?

    Should you not get a reply from your neighbor within the 14 days, or if they are otherwise unreachable, it’s treated as a dissent, and you’ll have to appoint a Party Wall Surveyor to mediate any disputes.

    The surveyor is responsible for creating a balanced award that serves the interests of both you and your neighbor, outlining the manner in which the work will proceed.

  • What happens if my neighbor and I have a good relationship, but they still object to the Party Wall Notice?

    It’s not uncommon for neighbors who have an amicable relationship to request a formal Party Wall Agreement. Even if they verbally express approval for the construction, they may still formally dissent, prompting the need for an agreement. This is a precaution to ensure their property is protected and that there are clear, documented terms for how and when the work will be executed.

  • Who is responsible for covering the costs of the Party Wall Surveyor?

    Typically, as the property owner undertaking the loft conversion, you are expected to bear the surveyor’s fees. In an ideal scenario, both you and your neighbor will concur on appointing a single surveyor. However, if your neighbor prefers to hire their own surveyor, you will be obliged to pay for both surveyors’ services.

  • Do you offer assistance with Party Wall Agreements for Loft Conversions?

    Our goal is to streamline your loft conversion process, offering guidance on Party Wall Agreements and additional planning prerequisites. With extensive experience assisting London homeowners in establishing Party Wall Agreements while preserving positive neighborly ties — so much so that neighbors often request our services for their own conversions subsequently — we’re well-equipped to support you.

    Beyond offering advice on establishing a Party Wall Agreement, we’re also ready to connect you with Party Wall Surveyors. Reach out to us today for complimentary, no-obligation advice regarding your loft conversion’s Party Wall matters.

We have an article on party wall awards that may answer your questions how party wall matters affect your East London loft conversion project. Also, for more information on party wall awards please read here: https://www.gov.uk/party-walls-building-works/work-tell-your-neighbour-about

Frequently asked questions

Planning and building control related questions

  • What is a permitted development?

    Permitted development allows you to carry out certain types of work on a house (not including flats or maisonettes) without needing to obtain planning permission. This concept refers to the property in its original state — either as it was initially constructed or as it existed on 1st July 1948 for homes built before then. If your ‘original house’ hasn’t been previously extended, including loft conversions, you might have the opportunity to enhance your property under these rights.

    Given that permitted development has specific restrictions regarding height and volume and can vary greatly, Tailored Lofts routinely seeks a Certificate of Lawful Development to ensure any permitted development complies with the law.

    In some cases, such as within a conservation area, your local planning authority may have removed permitted development rights.

  • Is planning permission required for my loft conversion?

    In East London and Essex, loft conversions often don’t need planning permission. However, you will need permission if your roof space modifications exceed certain limits and conditions.

    Since 1 October 2008, regulations state that loft conversions are generally considered permitted developments and do not need planning permission, given they adhere to these restrictions:

    • Terraced houses have a volume limit of 40 cubic meters of additional roof space.
    • Detached and semi-detached houses have a 50 cubic meter volume allowance.
    • Extensions must not project beyond the existing roof slope on the front side that faces the road.
    • The extension cannot exceed the highest part of the current roof.
    • The materials used must closely resemble those of the current structure.
    • The design must not include verandas, balconies, or raised platforms.
    • Any side-facing windows must have obscure glass, and any openings must be at least 1.7 meters above the floor level.
    • Roof extensions are not allowed as permitted developments in specified areas.
    • Except for hip to gable extensions, roof extensions should be set back at least 20 centimeters from the original eaves, where feasible.

  • Is planning permission required in a conservation area?
    In a conservation area or for a listed building, you will definitely need to obtain planning permission. It’s advisable to consult your local planning authority for accurate advice and instructions.
  • How can I get the planning permission?
    Fitted Lofts can manage communication with your local planning authority, assisting with the necessary paperwork and providing expert advice.
  • What is the timeframe for receiving planning permission?
    Typically, you can expect a decision from the local authority on your planning permission application within a period of 6 to 8 weeks, but in some cases it may take 6 months and even longer.
  • What is the building control and when should they be contacted?

    Every local council has a building control department tasked with ensuring that building projects adhere to the building regulations, which cover the use of proper materials and adherence to approved design and construction standards. Legally, ‘building work’ is:

    • The construction or extension of a building;
    • Any modification made to a building;
    • A significant change in the building’s use;

    For internal modifications, such as reconfiguring the layout — even if these changes are not structural — it’s wise to consult the local authority’s building control office. This is particularly important for aspects like fire safety, where changes might necessitate additional measures like extra fire doors.

    Routine minor repairs, such as like-for-like replacements, usually do not require formal approval. However, if there’s any uncertainty, it’s best to reach out to your local authority’s building control office for guidance.

Should you have more questions about planning rules concerning your East London loft conversion, please read our article . For more information on permitted development you can also read here: https://www.planningportal.co.uk/permission/responsibilities/planning-permission/permitted-development-rights

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Reviews
What our customers say
Tailored Lofts and Donatas were fantastic and did a superb job of our kitchen project. This required demolition, steel beam insertions, kitchen fitting, plastering. plumbing and installation of a new shower room ... READ MORE
James Hunt
Walthamstow E17
Really pleased with Donatas and his guys. They worked hard, delivered what we wanted on time and kept to the same budget as quoted. We did a dormer loft and a sorting out of the whole house in Leytonstone... READ MORE
Will Innes
Leytonstone E11
Tailored Lofts carried out a loft conversion for our Victorian terraced house in East London. Donatas and his team were professional, efficient and flexible from day 1. It was a tricky project and ... READ MORE
Maeve Dowling
Leyton E10

We are confident in quality of our projects

Warranty

We provide 10 years warranty that applies to structures and damp penetration. Minor cracks that appear due to drying and shrinking materials are not covered by this warranty. Equipment and fittings warranties are covered by manufacturers.

Trade acreditations

Our tradespeople are fully accredited, ensuring we expertly handle every stage of your project, from start to finish.

Planning a loft conversion in East London?

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