Add thelocalreport.in As A Trusted Source
Most of us would agree that our homes are never too big – and when it comes to home improvements, vertical extensions are right up there.
Whether you’re yearning for an extra bedroom, bathroom, office or gym, this could be a home improvement game changer.
And few know this better than serial property renovator, co-founder, Joe Dyson Mae House Designand for guest presenters Home Construction & Renovation Show,
He has a series of renovation projects, including south london the flat which he enriched by a loft extension; With the addition of a roof terrace and reconstruction of the first floor – doubling its size from 600 to 1,200 square feet.
outcome? A light-filled, open-plan kitchen, living and dining area with skyline views and a sun-drenched terrace.
Here, Dyson shares her expertise based on first-hand experience on how to make vertical extension work for you, and what you need to know before you get started…
Check what’s possible – don’t assume you can build
Before calling the builders, find out what your local planning authority allows…
Dyson points out that although recent reforms have introduced permitted development rights for some overhead extensions, not all homes qualify.
“For example, flats don’t benefit from the same permitted development rights as houses – you’ll still need full planning permission – especially if you’re changing the shape of the roof or adding height in a conservation area.”
And if you live in a flat, she says you’ll need permission from the licensed freeholder and your neighbor for alterations to allow scaffolding in your garden.
“If you’re unsure, book a pre-application meeting with your council or consult an architect familiar with local planning trends,” the property expert advises.
“This is money well spent – getting clarity early can save months of rework later.”
Prioritize structure and flow
A successful loft conversion starts with good design…
“You can’t cut corners on design, planning and structural engineering,” Dyson warns. “Before you fall in love with a layout, make sure your existing walls and foundation can take the additional load.
“Structural engineers will assess the bearing capacity and steels required.”
Flow is another important point, Dyson highlighted. “The new stairs will take up space from your existing floor, so plan it carefully.
“Installing it centrally helped us maintain a good flow through the flat – and made the bedrooms on the lower level feel private.
“Ideally you want the new loft stairs to continue from the floor below, so that it feels like the new habitable space in the loft is a seamless extension from the floor below.”
design surrounding light and view
Adding height provides an opportunity to play with light and perspective.
“We moved the kitchen, dining and living areas to the upper floor, so that the main space connects directly to the terrace.
“You get the best light, the best views and a sense of escape that you would never be able to achieve on the ground floor.”
To flood the space with daylight, he added three triple-glazed rooflights and large bi-folding doors on the south-facing roof.
“Natural light was a priority in the living spaces – we wanted every corner to feel open and bright.”
If you’re building, think about how light will travel through the house and where shadows will fall, Dyson outlines.
“Roof glazing, high-level windows or light wells can make a dramatic difference in mood and utility.”
Don’t forget the practicalities
It’s easy to get carried away with aesthetics, but services also require planning…
“Adding a bathroom or kitchen to an upper floor means expanding plumbing, waste pipes and ventilation,” explains Dyson. “To avoid unsightly boxed-ins, we worked closely with our builder to route everything neatly through the existing walls.”
“Plan your floor plan and furniture layout – and then plan your lighting and electrical scheme around it.”
She says energy efficiency is another important thing. Dyson’s team installed high-performance insulation panels, fire doors, and an automatic opening vent [AOV] Window above staircase to meet fire safety regulations.
“Houses lose heat faster than ground level, so insulation and ventilation are important,” she warns.
Plan storage and efficiency quickly
Loft spaces come with quirks – sloped ceilings, balconies and awkward corners.
Dyson turned these challenges into clever design opportunities. “We couldn’t fit wall cabinets in the new kitchen because of the slope.”
“Instead, we designed mostly base units and created a moveable drawer unit that slides to access under-eaves storage.
“It’s a small detail, but it makes everyday life so much easier – and means I still have storage in a loft.”
Even if your extension is large, she says to plan the furniture layout before finalizing the lighting and electrical layout. “This helps to ensure that sockets, lighting and storage functions are where you need them.
“For example, there are lights at either end of the couch and you’ll probably want your light switches on different circuits; to create different levels of light at different times of the day.”
realistic budget
“Vertical extensions for a standard loft conversion typically cost between £50,000 and £90,000, with full mansard or multi-storey projects costing significantly more,” says Dyson.
She recommends allowing a 10 to 15% contingency for unexpected discoveries — like old wiring, weak joists or additional fire safety measures.
“Our project took four months, but even with good planning, surprises are inevitable.” That said, returns can be extraordinary. “A loft conversion can add up to 20% to the value of your property – but more than that, it can completely change the way you live.”
create, live better
Creating living space on the top floor isn’t just about extra square footage, it’s about rethinking how the home functions. “Moving the social spaces upstairs gave us an outdoor space we never had before, with light, views and a roof terrace.
“It feels like a completely different house,” says Dyson.
If you’re considering building, she says to start with professional advice, plan around structure and lighting, and design for how you want to live — not just how you want it to look.
For more inspiration, visit The Homebuilding & Renovating Show