LOFT CONVERSIONS The client in this particular instance wanted to maximise their loft space within whilst ensuring a high standard of external appearance. This often involves a little conjuring to develop an ideal compromise. As a matter of necessity the existing hipped roof had to be altered to a gable to acquire sufficient head room throught the full width of the loft conversion. Due to the existing depth of the property and a fairly generous roof pitch we were able to create a spacious design using stylish hipped dormer windows in preference to the standard flat roof dormer. In addition creating the gable wall above the existing staircase provided ideal natural lighting and a spacious feel to house our new staicase.

Finished in microporous treated hardwood the staircase truly reflects and unifies the stairway throughout the property. One of the primary benefits of constructing a gable wall is that of allowing new structural steelwork to sit within the thickness of the wall rather than protruding beyoud the confines of the roof with the associated weatherproofing required. As with the vast majority of semi-detached properties loft conversions generally require Party Wall agreements draughting up between the client and the adjoining owner. This will involve both parties inspecting the condition of one anothers property and creating a schedule of condition before the works commence. This will then be used as documentary evidence and a reference guide should either party raise any issues at a later date.

Internally the rear dormer windows create additional character for the new loft room (right) and indeed appear intrinsic within the character of the property as a whole. With a view to increasing flexiblity of use, we installed the classic "Jack n Jill" bathroom entrance with two access doors, one off the landing the other from within the bedroom.