Planning and building a loft extension in Brighton starts with assessing whether your existing roof space is suitable for conversion. Key factors include minimum head height (often around 2.2–2.3 metres), roof pitch, and the position of existing structural elements such as purlins and trusses, which affect how easily the space can be opened up for usable rooms. A measured survey by an architect or AllBuilding will help you understand options such as dormer, hip‑to‑gable, or mansard extensions, each offering different levels of space and complexity.
AllBuilding can help and advise on the entire process, from feasibility checks, permissions, choosing an architect, structural design and final certification, helping you maximise space while protecting resale value and neighbour relations. Get in touch to find out more!
Our most recent loft extension was completed in Hove on just this premise. We also built a good proportion of the extension off-site, for example, the custom made staircase, and then installed it, speeding up the building process and saving budget.
In Brighton, many loft extensions fall under permitted development, so they do not need a full planning application if they stay within strict limits. These limits include not increasing the roof volume by more than 40 cubic metres for a terraced house or 50 cubic metres for semi‑detached and detached houses, not building higher than the existing roof, and avoiding extensions that project forward over the principal roof slope facing the road. Materials must be similar in appearance to the existing house, and dormers are usually required to be set back at least 20 cm from the eaves to qualify as permitted development.
Regardless of planning status, all loft extensions in Brighton must comply with UK building regulations, covering structure, fire safety, insulation, stairs, ventilation, and soundproofing. Typically this means upgrading floor joists, adding steel beams, providing fire‑resistant doors, and ensuring safe escape routes via compliant staircases. Happy to discuss!
At AllBuilding, we understand that every home is unique, and our loft conversion services are tailored to meet your specific needs and preferences. Here’s why you should choose us for your loft conversion project in Brighton.
Our team of experienced builders and designers has the knowledge and skills to deliver exceptional loft conversions that exceed your expectations. We combine innovative design solutions with meticulous attention to detail to create beautiful and functional living spaces.
We use only the highest quality materials and products for our loft conversion projects, ensuring durability, longevity, and stunning aesthetics. From structural elements to finishing touches, we prioritize quality in every aspect of our work.
Whether you’re looking to create an extra bedroom, a home office, a playroom, or a studio space, we’ll work closely with you to understand your vision and design a loft conversion that perfectly suits your lifestyle and requirements.
We believe that the difference is in the details. From the initial consultation to the final touches, we pay close attention to every aspect of your loft conversion project to ensure flawless results that you’ll love for years to come.
Our loft conversion services include:
A dormer loft conversion is a type of loft extension that involves adding an extension to the existing roof, creating additional headroom and usable floor space within the loft area. This extension typically protrudes vertically from the slope of the roof and contains windows, which provide natural light and ventilation to the converted space.
Dormer loft conversions are popular because they can significantly increase the usable floor area and headroom within the loft, making the space more practical and comfortable for living or working. They also often improve the aesthetic appearance of the property.
There are different types of dormer designs, including flat roof dormers, gable-fronted dormers, hipped roof dormers, and shed dormers, each with its own characteristics and advantages depending on the architectural style of the property and the homeowner’s preferences.
A Velux loft conversion is a type of loft conversion that involves the installation of Velux roof windows within the existing roof structure to create a habitable space. Velux is a well-known brand that specializes in roof windows, skylights, and related accessories.
In a Velux loft conversion, the loft space is typically renovated to create a functional room or living area, such as a bedroom, office, or studio. Velux windows are strategically placed within the roof slope to bring in natural light and ventilation, making the space feel brighter and more airy.
This type of loft conversion is often chosen for its relatively straightforward installation process and cost-effectiveness compared to more complex dormer or mansard conversions. Additionally, Velux windows come in various sizes and styles, allowing homeowners to customise their loft space according to their preferences and requirements.
An L-shaped loft conversion is a type of loft extension that involves utilising space across two adjoining sides of a property’s roof. This type of conversion is typically suitable for properties with an L-shaped or T-shaped roof structure, where there is potential for creating additional living space across multiple directions.
In an L-shaped loft conversion, the existing attic space is often extended into the side or rear extension of the property, creating an L-shaped floor plan. This can significantly increase the usable floor area and potentially provide more flexibility in room layout compared to traditional loft conversions.
The design and layout of an L-shaped loft conversion can vary depending on factors such as the property’s roof structure, size, and the homeowner’s preferences. This type of conversion often involves careful planning and structural considerations to ensure that the new space is both functional and compliant with building regulations. L-shaped loft conversions can offer versatile living spaces, such as additional bedrooms, bathrooms, home offices, or recreational areas, depending on the homeowner’s needs.
A Mansard loft conversion is a type of loft extension that involves altering the structure of the roof to create a nearly vertical wall on one or both sides of the roof slope, resulting in a steeper roof pitch. This type of conversion maximizes the available headroom and floor space within the loft area, making it suitable for creating spacious living areas.
Mansard loft conversions typically involve extensive structural changes to the property, including raising the party walls and adding a new roof structure. The front-facing elevation of the property is often altered to feature windows or dormers, which provide natural light and ventilation to the converted space.
One of the distinguishing features of Mansard conversions is the flat roof section that replaces the traditional sloping roof on one or both sides of the property. This flat roof section is usually constructed with materials such as tiles, felt, or membrane to provide weatherproofing and insulation.
Mansard loft conversions are popular in urban areas where properties have strict planning regulations or limited roof space. They offer significant additional living space and can be customised to create various room layouts, including bedrooms, bathrooms, home offices, or recreational areas. However, due to their complexity and structural alterations required, Mansard conversions tend to be more expensive and time-consuming compared to other types of loft extensions.
Modular loft conversions refer to a method of loft extension that involves prefabricating certain components off-site and then assembling them on-site. In this approach, key elements of the loft conversion, such as structural frames, walls, and fixtures, are manufactured in a factory setting and transported to the property for installation.
Modular loft conversions offer several benefits, including faster construction times, reduced on-site disruption, and potentially lower overall costs compared to traditional construction methods. Additionally, the controlled factory environment can result in higher quality and consistency in the finished product. However, modular loft conversions may have limitations in terms of design flexibility and customization compared to traditional construction methods.
A hip-to-gable loft conversion is a type of loft extension that involves altering the hipped roof of a property to create a vertical gable end. This conversion is typically applied to properties with hipped roofs, which have sloping sides meeting at the ridge.
In a hip-to-gable loft conversion, the sloping sides of the hipped roof are extended vertically to form a gable end. This process effectively increases the internal volume of the loft space, providing additional headroom and floor space. Once the gable end is created, windows, dormers, or other openings may be added to provide natural light and ventilation to the converted space.
Hip-to-gable loft conversions are popular because they can significantly maximize the usable space within the loft area, making it suitable for creating spacious living areas, such as bedrooms, bathrooms, home offices, or recreational spaces. This type of conversion is particularly beneficial for properties with limited loft space or where traditional loft conversion methods may not be feasible due to roof constraints.
Like other types of loft conversions, hip-to-gable conversions require careful planning and consideration of building regulations and structural requirements. Professional advice from architects and structural engineers is often necessary to ensure the conversion is carried out safely and effectively.
The loft conversion process typically includes an initial consultation to discuss your requirements, architectural design and planning, obtaining necessary permits, construction work including structural modifications, insulation, electrical and plumbing installations, and finishing touches such as flooring and painting.
The duration of a loft conversion project can vary depending on factors such as the size and complexity of the space, any structural alterations required, and the scope of the project. On average, a loft conversion can take anywhere from 6 to 12 weeks to complete.
In many cases, loft conversions can be carried out under permitted development rights, meaning planning permission may not be required. However, certain conditions and limitations apply, especially in conservation areas or for properties with specific restrictions. Our team can advise you on whether planning permission is needed for your project.
We offer a variety of loft conversion options to suit different property layouts and homeowner preferences, including dormer loft conversions, Velux loft conversions, mansard loft conversions, hip-to-gable loft conversions, and more. Our experts will help you choose the best option for your home.
Yes, it’s often possible to convert lofts with lower ceiling heights using creative design solutions such as roof alterations or lowering the floor level slightly. Our team will assess your loft space and advise you on the best approach to maximise headroom and usability.
The cost of a loft conversion can vary depending on factors such as the size of the space, the type of conversion, the level of customisation, and the materials used. We offer personalised quotes for each project after a thorough assessment of your requirements and preferences
Ready to transform your loft space into a beautiful and functional living area? Contact AllBuilding today to schedule a consultation with our team of experts. We’ll work with you every step of the way to bring your vision to life and create a stunning loft conversion that adds value and versatility to your home in Brighton.
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