Terraced house loft conversions

Short answer: most terraced houses can have a loft conversion. Terraces across Brighton, Hove, Worthing and Lewes often have steep roofs and a back addition, which makes them ideal for a rear or L-shaped dormer.

Is my terraced loft suitable?

• Head height: measure from the top of a ceiling joist to the underside of the ridge. Around 2.2 metres or more is a good start, and a dormer adds height where you need it.
• Roof shape: a steep Victorian roof gives more room than a shallow one.
• Back addition: if there's a lower roof running out at the back, an L-shaped dormer can use it too.
• Stairs: there needs to be room for a staircase, usually above the existing one.

The best options for a terrace

• Rear dormer: full head height across the back of the loft. More about dormer conversions →
• L-shaped dormer: the most space you can get from a terrace with a back addition. More about L-shaped dormers →
• Rooflight conversion: where there's already good head height, or for a flat. More about Velux conversions →

Mistakes we see most often

1. Forgetting the 40 cubic metre limit. Permitted development on a terrace allows less extra space than on a semi. A big L-shaped dormer can go over, so get it measured properly.
2. Not checking for a conservation area. Many terraces in Brighton, Hove and Lewes are in one, and need planning permission.
3. Leaving party walls too late. On a terrace you share walls on both sides, so you'll usually need to notify both neighbours. Start early.
4. Squeezing in the stairs. Badly placed stairs can steal a bedroom on the floor below or fail building regs on head height. Plan them first.
5. Ignoring sound. You share walls with neighbours on both sides. Good sound insulation in the new walls and floor makes a real difference. On our Poynter Road loft in Hove, Sam chose acoustic insulation for the new floor to keep the rooms below quiet.
6. Choosing on price alone. Shortcuts on structure, fire safety and insulation show up later.

"Not all lofts are equal, and many companies take shortcuts, but you can see the depth of expertise and care in their work." – Sam, Hove (Google review)