SERVICE PORTFOLIO
Loft Conversions
Mansard, dormer, hip-to-gable, and roof-light conversions shaped around planning constraints, structural clarity, and calm upper-floor living. Picassa Renovations coordinates the structure, building services, joinery, and finishing details to create refined spaces that feel like a natural part of the home.
WHY PICASSA RENOVATIONS
Loft expertise shaped around your property.
Planning Navigation
Planning requirements vary according to the property type, proposed roof alterations, location, and any conservation or listed status. We help establish the likely approval route early and coordinate the project around the applicable requirements.
Structural Coordination
Loft conversions require careful structural design. We coordinate with appointed engineers to ensure the steelwork, floor joists, roof alterations, staircase, and associated building services are resolved before and during construction.
Finish-Led Detail
Joinery, lighting, thresholds, storage, sightlines, and material transitions are considered from the beginning. This detailed approach ensures the completed loft feels intentional, cohesive, and carefully integrated.
THE BASEMENT CONVERSION PROCESS
From concept to resolved living space.
01. INITIAL ASSESSMENT
We assess the existing basement or lower-ground structure, foundations, ground conditions, water table, neighbouring buildings, and site access. These investigations help establish feasibility and determine the appropriate structural and excavation strategy.
02. STRUCTURAL DESIGN
Working with the appointed structural engineer, we coordinate a solution suited to the property—whether roof-light, dormer, hip-to-gable, or mansard. The design considers headroom, structural support, staircase access, fire safety, and usable floor area.
03. PLANNING & APPROVALS
We help coordinate permitted-development assessments, planning permission, Building Regulations, and Party Wall procedures where applicable. Requirements are identified early so that the correct information and approvals can be secured before affected work begins.
04. SERVICES COORDINATION
Electrical, plumbing, heating, ventilation, lighting, and drainage systems are planned around the new layout. The services are coordinated before finishes are installed to support a clean and resolved interior.
05. CONSTRUCTION AND DETAIL
Site work is managed with technical precision and consideration for the occupied property below. Structural work, insulation, roofing, windows, stairs, joinery, flooring, lighting, and final finishes are completed to the agreed drawings and specification.
06. HANDOVER
Final inspections, testing, snagging, and certification confirm that the loft conversion is complete and ready to use. Relevant warranties, certificates, manuals, and project documentation are provided at handover.
KEY CONSIDERATIONS
What to know before starting.
Roof Type
The roof’s pitch, height, structure, shape, and available volume determine whether a conversion is practical. Different roof types may suit roof-light, dormer, hip-to-gable, or mansard solutions.
Planning Policy
Conservation areas, listed buildings, flats, maisonettes, and properties with restricted permitted-development rights may be subject to additional requirements. The design and approval route should be assessed before the project proceeds.
Budget & Timeline
A typical loft conversion may require approximately 12–16 weeks for construction. More complex mansard, structural, or high-specification projects may take longer. The final programme and cost depend on the roof type, access, structure, approvals, services, staircase, and finishing specification.
SERVICE VARIANTS
Types of loft conversions
Different conversion approaches suited to the property’s roof structure, planning context, available space, and the client’s requirements.
1
Roof-Light Conversion
A streamlined conversion using roof windows installed within the existing roof slope, with minimal alteration to the roof’s overall external form.
WHY CHOOSE THIS
Suited to lofts with sufficient existing height and volume. It can provide a more straightforward way to introduce natural light and usable accommodation while retaining the original roof profile.
4
Mansard Conversion
A substantial roof alteration that creates a steep rear roof slope and a flatter upper section, providing increased headroom and a generous internal floor area.
WHY CHOOSE THIS
Ideal for properties where maximising space is the priority and the planning context supports a more extensive roof transformation. It can create a highly functional and architecturally resolved upper floor.
2
Rear Dormer
A structural extension projecting from the rear roof slope to increase headroom and usable floor area within the loft.
WHY CHOOSE THIS
A practical solution for many terraced and semi-detached properties. It can substantially improve internal space while keeping the principal street-facing roof relatively unchanged.
5
Hip-to-Gable Conversion
The sloping hip section of the roof is extended vertically to form a new gable wall, creating additional space on one side of the loft.
WHY CHOOSE THIS
Often suited to detached, semi-detached, and end-of-terrace properties with hipped roofs. It can significantly increase usable space and may be combined with a rear dormer.
3
Front Dormer
A dormer constructed on the front-facing roof slope, creating additional internal space and a visible architectural feature.
WHY CHOOSE THIS
Potentially suitable where the property’s design and local planning policy support front-roof alterations. It requires careful attention to proportion, materials, and the surrounding streetscape.
6
Juliet Balcony
Full-height glazed doors with a protective external balustrade, providing increased daylight, ventilation, and outward views without creating a projecting balcony platform.
WHY CHOOSE THIS
Introduces a refined architectural feature and a stronger visual connection to the outdoors while requiring less external projection than a traditional balcony.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Loft Conversion FAQs.
BEGIN WITH A PRIVATE BRIEF
Planning a basement project?
Share the property type, desired scope, location, approximate timeframe, and whether drawings or planning documents already exist. We will respond with a considered next step.
PICASSA RENOVATIONS