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London Loft conversions are an increasingly popular way for homeowners to expand the useable space within their house without going through all of the hassle and expense of moving. Rooftop views and plenty of light are often attractive features of loft conversions in London but is it possible to incorporate some real outdoor space into your project?

One of the most common questions asked by owners of flats or maisonettes seeking to undertake a loft conversion in London is whether they can gain any outdoor space as part of the work. With outdoor space at such a premium within London, even a terrace measuring just few square metres can add to the aesthetic and enjoyment of a new dormer or mansard loft conversion. In some areas, especially where there are good views over the skyline from the roof, a terrace can also add to the rental or resale value of the property.

So why does everyone not build a roof terrace either on top or next to their new loft room? One of the main reasons is space restrictions. Often a terrace will involve sacrificing space that could otherwise be turned into a study, bedroom or bathroom. For many people it is more important to gain an extra room rather than have a terrace that is of limited use for most of the year.

Another reason is planning restrictions. In general, any terrace that may overlook your neighbour’s home will automatically require planning consent, even if the loft conversion would otherwise be suitable for approval as permitted development. Small terraces are sometimes feasible on top of the new dormer or mansard roof so long as these are suitably screened and cannot be seen from street level. This will usually involve stepping the terrace back from the ridge by quite some way and is not always feasible on standard two storey houses.

Some people do create unofficial terraces on their roof by laying a new ‘green roof’ on the London loft conversion roof and creating an access hatch and ladder in the loft conversion for maintenance purposes. Clearly there are risks involved in using the green roof as a terrace, not least that it would breach planning laws and there is a significant risk of a fall from height, but it is something that is becoming increasingly common.

A more popular and safer alternative is to build a terrace over the existing rear addition of ‘L-shaped’ properties. This is usually permitted by most local authorities so long as the screening around the terrace prevents you from looking into your neighbour’s windows. In practice this means using an obscure glass screen or green screening (such as a dense hedge) around the terrace to a height of at least 1700mm. The screening does add to the cost of building a terrace but is often the only option that will allow permission to be granted.

You should look to budget anywhere from £5,000-£15,000 for a terrace, depending upon the size, flooring, access and screening required. A loft conversion specialist should be able to produce a specification and drawings for you from which you can obtain a quotation.

The above does not constitute professional or legal advice. Please ensure that you seek advice from a suitably qualified professional before undertaking any work to your house.

If you are trying to maximize the space in your room, consider purchasing a loft bed or bunk bed to elevate your sleeping area.  With loft beds, the bed is elevated on a platform with space left underneath for living, working, or playing.  Bunk beds work on the same principal, but with another bed underneath the top bunk.  Both are popular with children and teens, who often have limited space in their rooms; however, many parents worry about their safety.

Each year, thousands of children are rushed to emergency rooms after falling from the top bunk of their bunk beds or loft beds, while many more receive less serious injuries that are not seen by a medical professional.  Typically, the main reason of injury involving bunk beds or lofts beds is horseplay and not from improperly installed beds.  Before you purchase bunk beds or loft beds for your child, consider the age of the child and plan to make rules regarding the use of the bed.  Although younger children are thought to experience more injuries, the most problems occur with older children who are more apt to disregard rules and exhibit unsafe or risky behavior.

For the most part, bunk beds and loft beds are just as safe as conventional beds.  For smaller children, consider designating the lower bunk as their bed instead of allowing them to regularly climb to the top bunk.  Also, ensure the bed is properly maintained and meets all current safety regulations and standards.  Additionally, approximately eight percent of bunk bed related falls and injuries that must seek medical attention are related directly to the ladder.  In addition to ensuring the ladder is properly installed, instruct your child on the correct method of ascending and descending the ladder.

When you begin searching for an appropriate bunk bed or loft bed for your child, choose a bed that appeals to all the safety standards.  A bunk bed should have guard rails that have no more than three and one-half inches of space between the rail and the mattress.  This will prevent children from falling through the space and potentially injuring themselves.  If necessary, you may need to install extra boards if the space between the guard rail and the mattress.  Furthermore, the guard rail needs to extend no less than five inches above mattress so that your child will be unable to roll off the top bunk.

Another thing to keep in mind is that the bunk bed or loft bed your purchase has guard rails on both sides.  Even though one side of the bed will be placed next to a wall, a guard rail is essential due to a child potentially falling next to the wall and becoming trapped between the wall and the bed frame.  Again, the guard rail should be no greater than three and one-half inches above the bed frame.  Also, you should ensure that the mattress purchased to fit the bunk bed or loft bed properly fits the frame.  Many parents choose to use a preexisting mattress used on a child-sized bed that is smaller than a traditional twin bed frame.  Children can potentially fall between the mattress and the frame in this situation, so you should ensure the mattress is of the proper size.  

In addition to ensuring the mattress is of proper size, you should also check that the mattress foundation is properly suspended above the bottom bunk or the space below.  If the bed sits on a wooden platform, consider reinforcing the mattress with wooden slats or metal straps.  This will prevent the top bunk from collapsing, especially if the lower occupant is kicking or pushing the above mattress.

By purchasing a quality, well constructed bunk bed or loft bed that meets all safety guidelines, you can make certain that your child will be safe and free from injury from the bed.

North London is really a collection of towns and villages each with its own distinct character and attractions. They include trendy Islington, quieter Finchley, and upmarket Highgate. It’s a great place to live, but finding your dream home in the location you want and at a price you can afford is not always easy.

One solution is settle for a house that has the potential to be improved. This could explain why loft conversions are so popular in north London. Using the existing space in the roof of a house is one of the easiest and most cost effective ways of adding more rooms and facilities.

Owners of north London houses are as varied as their homes. What suits one person might not appeal to another. But, if you belong to one of the following groups, a well-designed loft conversion could be just what you and your home need:

First time buyers

Finding your first house in north London is the biggest and most difficult step on the property ladder. Price is likely to be the main consideration and many first time buyers will be restricted to the lower end of the market. When house-hunting, always check if the loft is suitable for conversion even if you won’t be able to make use of it straight away.

When you are in a better financial position, explore the possibilities of converting the loft. The roof space above a two-bedroom terraced house will usually accommodate a third bedroom with en-suite. You might be so impressed with your ‘new’ house that you’ll want to stay but, if you decide to move on, the added value will make it easier to buy your next north London home.      

Parents with a growing family

It’s amazing how much space a baby needs. Somewhere to sleep, somewhere to play, somewhere to store all the paraphernalia … and it won’t be long before he or she is running around and welcoming a baby brother or sister. A north London loft conversion expands your available living space without all the hassle and expense of moving. It’s certainly something to consider if you and your children are happily settled in the catchment area of a good school. 

Homeworker

Homeworking has lots of advantages, but one of the most common problems is arranging a separate workspace. You can set up a computer in the corner of your bedroom or living room but how do you cope with noise and interruptions from the family? And where can you store materials and confidential papers?   

Imagine having your own spacious north London office or studio where you can get on with your work in peace. A loft conversion can be surprisingly light and airy, a joy to work in, and no rent to pay!

Two or three generation households

The cost of rented accommodation, coupled with the unemployment rate, has seen a rising number of 20 and 30 somethings choosing to live with their parents in north London. Some have been unable to find a job after leaving university; others have flown the nest but need to return after being made redundant.

At the other end of the age scale, you might want to invite an elderly relative to live with you but are unable to offer suitable accommodation.

A north London loft conversion enables families to live together while still giving individuals privacy and independence. You can create a self-contained studio flat for a younger member of the family. Or perhaps you’ll want a comfortable sitting room for yourself if you turn a ground floor room into a bedroom for your own mother or father.          

If you live in north London, or are thinking of moving there, it’s always worth considering the feasibility of a loft conversion. Take advice from a specialist loft conversion company that knows the area well, is familiar with current local planning regulations, and is happy to give you a free consultation and no obligation quote.