Loft and garage conversions in Croydon
Turn the loft or the garage into a bedroom, en-suite, office or playroom, without losing any of your garden.
The space you’ve already got
A loft or garage conversion is one of the most cost-effective ways to add living space and value to your home, because the walls and roof are already there. We’ve converted lofts and garages across Croydon, Bromley and South London since 2003, and our customers often tell us the new room has become their favourite in the house.
Types of loft conversion
Rear dormer
The most common type. A box-shaped extension built out from the rear roof slope gives lots of extra headroom and floor space. Most houses can take one, and many fall under permitted development.
Hip-to-gable
Ideal for semis and detached houses with a sloping (hipped) side roof. We build the side wall up into a vertical gable, which makes the loft much bigger and gives room for the stairs. Often combined with a rear dormer.
Mansard
The rear roof is rebuilt almost vertically, at about 72 degrees, with windows set into small dormers. It gives the most space, and usually needs planning permission. Common on terraces and in conservation areas.
Rooflight (Velux) conversion
The simplest option. The roofline stays as it is and we add roof windows, insulation, flooring and stairs. It only works where there’s already decent head height, but it’s quicker and causes less disruption.
Front and side dormers
Smaller dormers designed to blend in with the house. Front dormers always need planning permission.
Garage conversions
A garage that’s full of bikes and boxes can become a home office, gym, playroom, utility or extra bedroom. Many garage conversions don’t need planning permission, though building regulations always apply. We insulate the floor, walls and ceiling, infill the door opening with matching brickwork and a window, and handle the electrics, heating and decoration.
Regulations and party walls
Every loft conversion needs building regulations approval, covering the new floor structure, fire escape route, insulation and staircase. In a semi or terrace the Party Wall Act will almost certainly apply too, because steels usually bear on the shared wall. We sort all of this out as part of the job. See our guides on planning permission and party walls.
What’s included
- A fully inclusive fixed-price quote and a written scope of works agreed by everyone
- Design, drawings, structural calculations and building specifications
- All building work to a fully decorated finish, if you want it
- An agreed programme, set out before we start
Loft conversions we’ve built
Dormers, hip-to-gables, en-suites and staircases from lofts across South London.
Recent projects like this
New build · SurreyFive-bedroom new build in Surrey
A generous design and a sensible budget, which let us take an old two-bed bungalow and turn the plot into a proper family home.
See the project →
Refurbishment · South LondonFull remodel of a four-bedroom house on The Avenue
Every floor, from the kitchen to the loft, reworked in 16 weeks.
See the project →
Refurbishment · West WickhamFull house refurbishment on West Wickham Road
An interior designer who knew exactly what she wanted, and needed a builder who would build it exactly that way.
See the project →
What our customers say
We’re rated 4.8 out of 5 on Google from 24 reviews, and most of our work comes from recommendations. A few words from our customers:
“Superb job from start to finish! Baz and his team constructed a new extention with kitchen for us and couldnt have been more helpful.. nothing was too much trouble.”
Lianne Edwards · Google review “Work was carried out to an extremly high standard we couldnt be more happy!”
Google review “We have no hesitation in recommending Baz and Smiley Building Services.”
Google review “We wanted to create a spacious room within our loft which would incorporate an en-suite bathroom, we felt this would not only improve our property but serve as a beautiful guest room for family and friends. We found Smiley Building Services and it was really helpful to discuss my requirements in depth. We found the quotation very reasonable and detailed, we went ahead and now our loft is finished. Smiley Building Services have given us exactly what we wanted and our loft space looks both spacious and inviting.”
Mrs Tutch, SE23 · Customer testimonial “We were delighted when we received our quote from Smiley Building Services , not only was it a brilliant competitive price but it also outlined our intentions for our conversion perfectly. At the end of the project our loft looked fantastic, it feels spacious and welcoming and they are highly recommended.”
Mr Barry, SE20 · Customer testimonial “Being a child nursing, I was concerned that the noise and disturbance I associated with having a garage conversion would make it difficult to carry on my job and have small children in the house. However, Smiley Building Services assured me that this would not be a problem and the noise and disturbance would be kept to an absolute minimum. They kept to their word and I continued with my job all the way through the work. The end result was really pleasing and erveryone has commented on what a lovely job Smiley Building Services have made of my garage. One of the children's parent's is now going ahead with a loft conversion with Smiley Building Services upon my recommendation.”
Mrs Patel, BR7 · Customer testimonial
Frequently asked questions
Does a loft conversion need planning permission?
Many don’t. Under permitted development you can usually add up to 40 cubic metres of roof space on a terraced house or 50 on a semi or detached house, as long as the dormer isn’t on the front roof slope and other conditions are met. Hip-to-gable and mansard conversions, and anything in a conservation area, may need planning. We check before designing.
Is my loft suitable for conversion?
The key things are head height, the roof structure and where the new staircase can go. As a rough guide you want around 2.2m from the top of the ceiling joists to the underside of the ridge, but there are often ways round a low roof. We’ll measure up at the free survey.
Does a garage conversion need planning?
Usually not, if the work is internal and doesn’t enlarge the building, but some estates have conditions removing that right. It will always need building regulations approval for the floor, walls, insulation, ventilation and fire safety.
How long does a loft conversion take?
Most dormer loft conversions take around 6 to 10 weeks on site. Much of the early work happens from scaffolding, so the house below is disturbed less than people expect until we break through for the staircase.
Book a free site survey
Tell us a bit about the job and Baz will give you a ring to arrange a visit. There’s no charge for the survey and no pressure afterwards. You’ll get a fixed-price, itemised written quote, so you know exactly where you stand.
- Call or text07786 254637
- Emailinfo@smileybuildingservices.co.uk
- Opening hoursMon–Fri 8am–6pm, Sat 9am–1pm