Homeowners in Surrey and Hampshire are increasingly looking upwards to add space to their property and avoid the cost and inconvenience of moving house. Whether it’s adding a bedroom for a growing family, giving the children somewhere to chill out or creating a tranquil space for a home office, the Refresh Surrey team is perfectly placed to carry out all aspects of your loft conversion.

Why Refresh?

Refresh is designed to make life easy for busy owners. We'll provide you with one point of contact, end-to-end project management and a highly experienced team of tradespeople. All you need to do is tell us your wishlist and we'll take care of every aspect of the design and build.

What loft conversion services do Refresh provide?

• Architectural drawings
• Structural engineering
• Bespoke designs
• Construction
• Roof conversions
• Dormer loft conversions
• Loft extensions
• Loft additions
• Interior design
• Electrical work
• Plumbing
• Carpentry
  
  

What can I use my converted loft for?

Converting your loft opens up a range of possibilities, especially if you’re looking for extra space without adding an extension. Among the most common uses for your converted loft are as an additional bedroom, often with an ensuite bathroom, and as a teenage hangout. With the increasing popularity of online gaming, it can be helpful to set aside a space where the children can game without disturbing the rest of the family. If you’ve decided to turn your back on the daily commute, a converted loft can offer the ideal environment for a home office, while adult family members may welcome the opportunity to escape to a self-contained cinema room. Finally, if your property benefits from beautiful views, there’s no reason not to relocate your lounge to enjoy them to the full.

Will I need to apply for planning permission for my loft conversion?

In general, it won’t be necessary for you to obtain planning permission before proceeding with your loft conversion, although the project will certainly need to comply with building regulations. Should it transpire that your conversion does require planning, it’s advisable to put in an application as early as possible because it can be a time-consuming process. At Refresh Surrey we can work with you on the design and specification for your loft conversion to confirm whether planning consent will be required, but if your space measures less than 40 cubic metres (for a terraced house) or under 50 cubic metres (for a detached or semi-detached house) then you should be able to proceed without planning permission. Factors that may bring planning into play are if you’re also extending, if any materials you’re using are different in appearance to your current property and if you’re adding a balcony or veranda. It’s more likely that planning permission will be needed if your home is listed or located in a conservation area.

Can I add light to my loft?

Your chosen colour scheme will clearly influence how light and airy your loft conversion will feel, but other decisions made during the design phase will also have a large impact. To maximise natural and ambient light it’s important to be clear about the use to which the space will be put, in particular as that will dictate the type and size of furniture that will be included. If you’re adding a bedroom, a bed, wardrobe and chest of drawers can make the space feel darker, while if the space will be a playroom or a home office, less furniture will probably be required. Adding windows or roof lights will enable natural light to flood in, while subtle spotlights can create separate areas of ambient light. Most loft conversions feature recessed areas which can be artificially lit to create usable space, while floor-to-ceiling windows can add a real wow factor and open up panoramic views. Other window options include balcony windows which can open outwards to create a Juliet balcony effect, dormer windows which can add headroom as well as light, and gable end windows which can add a design feature by extending up to the apex of the roof.

Will I need additional heating for my loft conversion?

Conventional wisdom has it that heat rises, but you will still need to add some form of heating to your loft conversion to ensure that the space remains welcoming throughout the winter. Underfloor heating mats are cost-effective and are quick and easy to install, while conventional radiators can be environmentally friendly, especially if you’re able to add solar panels to the roof to generate the power required. Extra warmth can be generated by carpeting the space rather than laying solid wood or laminate flooring, and by installing double or even triple glazing, which will capture and retain a high percentage of the warmth generated by the sun and allow you to turn down the central heating. Finally, internally insulating your loft conversion will help to keep the space warm, although this may have an impact on the overall headroom, while plug-in heaters can provide heating on demand.

Would you like to learn more about Refresh?

We’re delighted to offer you a complimentary no-obligation consultation in your home to discuss your loft conversion and to introduce you to Refresh Surrey. Loft conversions are specialist projects and the Refresh Surrey team offer an end-to-end design and build service to deliver outstanding results at a budget to suit you.

Why not call us today or enquire online to find out more and arrange an appointment?

All Refresh Renovations franchises are independently owned and operated.