Matco

1. Initial Consultation & Feasibility
We’ll assess the space, understand your goals, and confirm if a conversion is structurally and legally viable. This may involve a quick site survey and checking local planning policies.

2. Design & Planning
Once confirmed, we prepare design drawings and layouts tailored to your needs. In most cases, a garage conversion falls under Permitted Development, but if planning permission is required (e.g. conservation areas or significant external changes), we’ll handle the application for you.

3. Building Regulations & Structural Design
Regardless of planning, all conversions must meet Building Regulations. We prepare and submit detailed structural designs, thermal insulation specs, and fire safety measures to building control for approval.

4. Construction Phase
This typically includes:

Strengthening or replacing the garage floor

Insulating walls, floor, and roof

Installing new windows and doors

Creating new internal partitions

Electrical, plumbing, and heating installations

Plastering, decorating, and finishes

A typical single garage conversion can take 3–4 weeks, depending on complexity.

5. Final Inspection & Completion Certificate
Once work is complete, Building Control conducts a final inspection. If all is compliant, they issue a Completion Certificate, confirming your new space is safe and legal

Most homes have lofts that can be converted, but a few key factors will determine suitability:

1. Head Height
The most important factor is usable head height. You ideally need at least 2.2 metres from the top of the ceiling joist to the underside of the ridge beam. If it's less, a dormer or lowering the ceiling below may be required.

2. Roof Structure
Older homes with traditional cut roofs (rafters and purlins) are easier to convert than modern trussed roofs. However, even trussed roofs can be converted with the right structural work.

3. Footprint & Floor Space
You’ll need enough usable floor area to create a functional room. Even compact lofts can work with clever design, especially for a home office or small bedroom.

4. Access for Stairs
There must be space to install a staircase without compromising existing rooms too much. This is something we can assess and advise on during the design stage.

5. Planning & Permitted Development
Most loft conversions fall under Permitted Development, meaning you don’t need full planning permission. However, if you’re in a conservation area or planning a large dormer, approval may be required.

We offer a free initial consultation and can quickly assess if your loft is suitable — often within a single site visit.

Q: Run us through the different stages in the loft conversion process – what’s involved?

A:
A loft conversion typically follows a clear, structured process. Here’s how it works:

1. Initial Consultation & Feasibility Check
We start by assessing your existing loft space. We’ll check head height, roof structure, and access options to confirm feasibility and advise on the most suitable type of conversion (e.g. dormer, hip-to-gable, mansard, or Velux).

2. Design & Planning
Once the conversion type is agreed, we prepare layout drawings and 3D visualisations (if needed). Most loft conversions fall under Permitted Development, but if planning permission is required, we handle the application on your behalf.

3. Structural Design & Building Regulations
Our engineers prepare full structural calculations, designs for steel beams, floor strengthening, and roof adjustments. We also ensure all thermal insulation, fire safety, and escape routes meet Building Regulations. These are submitted to Building Control for approval.

4. Party Wall Agreement (if needed)
If you live in a semi-detached or terraced home, you may need a Party Wall Agreement with your neighbours. We can guide you through this process or handle it entirely if required.

5. Construction Phase
This is where the transformation happens. Works typically include:

Installing steel beams and new structural floor

Dormer construction or Velux windows

Roof adjustments and insulation

Internal partitioning and staircase installation

Plumbing, electrics, heating

Plastering, decorating, and finishes

A standard loft conversion usually takes 6–8 weeks, depending on complexity.

6. Final Inspection & Completion Certificate
Once the work is complete, Building Control carries out a final inspection. Upon approval, they issue a Completion Certificate, certifying the work is safe, compliant, and ready for use.

Matco Developers is a family-run business with over 20 years of experience in the residential and commercial construction industry.

While the company formally took shape over a decade ago, our core team — including qualified structural engineers, architects, and project managers — brings together decades of combined expertise.

We’ve successfully delivered everything from new-build developments and structural alterations to full design-and-build solutions, always with a strong focus on quality, compliance, and client satisfaction.

At Matco Developers, we stand behind the quality and integrity of our work. All our structural design work comes with professional indemnity cover and is prepared in accordance with current Building Regulations and relevant British Standards or Eurocodes.

For construction projects, we offer:

12-month defects liability period on workmanship

Manufacturer warranties on all materials and components we supply (e.g. boilers, windows, roofing membranes)

Optional structural warranties (e.g. 10-year new build warranty) through recognised providers like NHBC, LABC, or Build-Zone — available on request

In addition, we provide ongoing support to builders and clients during construction to ensure the design is correctly implemented.

What we love most is turning a client’s vision into something real, tangible, and lasting — whether it’s unlocking space with a loft conversion, breathing new life into a tired home, or helping navigate complex structural challenges.

There’s a unique satisfaction in solving problems creatively, blending practical design with construction expertise, and seeing it all come together on-site. But above all, it’s the trust our clients place in us that drives us — being part of their journey and helping them transform how they live and use their space.

Matco began as a family-run business focused on our own in-house developments. After completing my Master’s degree in Structural Engineering, I saw the opportunity to evolve and expand the company’s direction.

Drawing on both technical expertise and hands-on experience, I transformed the business structure — introducing a more formal contracting arm alongside dedicated structural design services. Today, we offer a complete solution that combines practical construction knowledge with engineering precision, helping clients navigate projects smoothly from design to delivery.

At Matco Developers, we combine the precision of experienced structural engineers with the practicality of hands-on builders — offering a true design-and-build solution under one roof.

Here’s why clients choose us:

20+ years of construction experience as a family-run business

Led by a qualified structural engineer with deep planning and building regulation expertise

We deliver tailored, buildable solutions — not just drawings

Transparent pricing, professional service, and ongoing support throughout the project

We treat every project like our own — with attention to detail, accountability, and pride in the finish

Whether you're converting a loft, building from the ground up, or need structural guidance, we’re here to make the process simple, efficient, and stress-free.

Yes — many of our services can be delivered entirely online or remotely, offering flexibility and convenience without compromising on quality. These include:

Structural design and calculations: We can prepare structural drawings and load calculations based on architectural plans, photos, and measurements you provide.

Planning and building regulation support: We handle all submissions to your local authority electronically, including planning applications, lawful development certificates, and building control packages.

Virtual consultations: We offer phone or video calls to discuss your project, review existing documents, and provide advice — all without the need for an in-person meeting.

Digital document delivery: All drawings, reports, and certificates are delivered in PDF format, with optional printed sets if required.

For most projects, especially early-stage design work, a physical site visit isn’t always necessary — although we’re happy to attend when needed.

We’ve implemented a number of measures to prioritise the safety of our clients, staff, and site teams during the COVID-19 pandemic, in line with government and industry guidance:

Contact-free consultations available via phone or video call where preferred

Regular sanitisation of tools, equipment, and work areas

Face masks and PPE worn by our team when working indoors or in occupied properties

Social distancing practices maintained on all site visits and construction work

Daily health checks and limited team sizes on site to reduce risk

Digital document handling to avoid physical contact (e.g. contracts, drawings, invoices)

Client safety and peace of mind are a top priority, and we’re happy to adapt further based on individual needs or vulnerabilities.