Build better, build smarter, build with The LR Group.
At The LR Group, we don’t just build structures — we build trust, relationships, and lasting value. Our firm stands apart because we combine the craftsmanship of a dedicated, hands-on team with the project management expertise of a large-scale operation.
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3 customer reviews
Chris
General Builders
The work has been completed to a fantastic standard , on time and for a very reasonable price. So pleased with it that have arranged for some further work after Christmas. Would recommend John to any friend who asks me . More...
Rachel
We used LR Group to replace our windows and knock through a wall to install sliding doors. From start to finish, the whole experience was excellent.
John, who quoted the job and was our main point of contact throughout, was brilliant — always quick to respond, knowledgeable, and helpful when talking through the details of the work.
The team who carried out the job were also fantastic. They worked non-stop, held themselves to a very high standard, and always left everything tidy at the end of the day. They were a pleasure to have around.
When the job was finished, John did a full walk-around to make sure we were happy with everything and to check for any potential snags.
We’re really happy with the end result and would definitely use LR Group again. Highly recommended!
More...
Sean and Ellie
All good. LRG were helpful, knowledgeable and built a lovely extension for us. Thank you lads! Recommended.
How can someone tell if their loft is suitable for conversion?
In the UK, not every loft is automatically suitable for conversion. A few practical checks can help determine whether a loft can be converted safely, legally, and cost-effectively. Here are the key factors:
1. Head Height (Minimum Height Requirement)
This is usually the most important test.
You typically need at least 2.2 metres of clear head height from the top of the floor joists to the underside of the ridge beam.
You can check this yourself with a tape measure.
If the height is slightly under, solutions like lowering the ceiling below or raising the roof may be possible, but they are costly.
2. Roof Structure Type
UK homes usually have one of two types:
✔ Traditional cut roof (pre-1960s)
Strong rafters and joists, leaving more open space.
Usually the easiest and cheapest to convert.
✔ Trussed roof (post-1960s)
Has lots of W-shaped timber supports.
Still convertible, but requires more structural work (steels installed to replace the webs).
Both are generally convertible, but trussed roofs require more engineering.
3. Available Floorspace
Even if the headroom is OK, the footprint matters.
You typically need about 5.5m x 5.5m minimum for a comfortable bedroom-size conversion.
Chimneys, water tanks, and sloping roofs affect usable space.
4. Access and Stairs
Building Regulations require:
A fixed staircase, not a ladder.
Adequate space on the landing below to fit the stairs.
Safe headroom above the stairs (1.9m at the centre of the stair).
If there’s no sensible place for a staircase, conversion becomes difficult.
5. Roof Condition
A surveyor or builder should check for:
Rotting timber
Leaks or damp
Sagging rafters
Asbestos (mainly in older homes)
Any issues need repairing before conversion.
6. Planning Permission & Permitted Development
Most loft conversions fall under Permitted Development (PD), meaning no planning permission is needed if you meet the criteria:
No raising the roof height
Dormers not extending beyond the plane of the front roof slope
Volume limits (40m³ for terraced, 50m³ for detached/semi)
Materials in keeping with the existing house
If PD doesn’t apply (e.g., conservation area, flat, listed building), then planning permission is required.
7. Building Regulations
Even if planning isn’t required, Building Regulations approval is always needed, covering:
Structure (load-bearing capacity)
Fire safety and escape routes
Insulation and energy efficiency
Soundproofing
Stairs
Windows and ventilation
A structural engineer will assess whether the existing joists can safely support a new floor.
8. Party Wall Considerations
If you share a wall with neighbours (terraced or semi-detached):
You’ll likely need a Party Wall Agreement for steel beams.
This must be arranged before the work starts.
9. Services and Utilities
Check if:
The boiler can handle extra radiators.
There’s space to reroute electrics or plumbing.
Water tanks need moving (common in older lofts).
10. Budget Feasibility
Typical UK loft conversion costs:
£20k–£35k: Simple rooflight conversion
£35k–£60k: Dormer loft
£60k–£100k+: Hip-to-gable or raising the roof
If major structural alterations are needed, costs rise significantly.
Run us through the different stages in the loft conversion process - what’s involved?
1. Initial Feasibility + Survey
What happens:
A builder or loft conversion specialist visits to check:
Loft head height
Roof structure
Access options
Location of water tanks, chimney stacks, and services
General condition of the roof
They also discuss your goals: bedrooms, bathrooms, home office, etc.
Outcome:
A feasibility opinion
Rough cost estimates
Advice on whether planning permission is likely needed
2. Design Stage (Architect / Designer)
What’s involved:
Drawings of the loft layout
Structural considerations (staircase placement, dormer design)
Electrical & plumbing planning (where lights, radiators, or an en-suite will go)
Outcome:
Detailed architectural drawings ready for planning submission or permitted development certificate
A realistic design you can price accurately
3. Planning Permission or Certificate of Lawfulness
Your project will fall into one of two categories:
A. Permitted Development (most dormers and rooflight conversions)
No planning application needed, but you can apply for a Lawful Development Certificate, which:
Proves the work was legal
Helps when selling your property
B. Full Planning Permission (if needed)
Required for:
Raising the roof
Mansard conversions
Conservation areas / listed buildings
Large or unusually placed dormers
Timeline:
PD Certificate: ~8 weeks
Planning Permission: ~8–10 weeks
4. Building Regulations + Structural Calculations
Regardless of planning, Building Regulations approval is mandatory.
What happens:
A structural engineer produces calcs for:
Steel beams
Joist sizes
Load-bearing walls
Dormer structure
Building Control (local authority or private inspector) approves the plans.
They check compliance on:
Fire safety (smoke alarms, escape windows, fire doors)
Stair regulations
Thermal insulation
Structural integrity
Soundproofing
5. Party Wall Notices (if semi-detached or terraced)
If the build involves cutting into a party wall to insert steel beams (it almost always does), you must:
Serve a Party Wall Notice to neighbours
Get written consent or arrange surveyors if they dissent
Timeline:
Notice period: minimum 2 months
Agreements can be quick if neighbours agree, slower if surveyors get involved
6. Pre-construction Preparations
Before work starts:
Scaffold is erected
Material deliveries scheduled
Waste disposal plan (skips) arranged
Loft cleared
Builder gives a detailed programme of works
Sometimes the builder begins from the outside via the scaffold, minimising disruption.
7. Structural Work (The “Shell” Phase)
This is usually the noisiest part.
Typical tasks:
Remove old insulation, tanks, debris
Install steel beams to support the new floor
Fit new floor joists
Construct dormers (if included)
Fit new roof structure if doing hip-to-gable or mansard
Install Velux/rooflight windows
Upgrade or replace roofing tiles as needed
Building Control inspection #1:
Structural steels and joists before covering
8. First Fix (Initial Internal Installations)
Once the shell is watertight:
What happens:
Plumbing first fix (pipework for radiators or en-suite)
Electrical first fix (wiring, switches, spotlights)
Ventilation ducting installed
Staircase fitted (timing varies but often mid-way)
Building Control inspection #2:
Before walls are closed up
9. Insulation & Plasterboarding
Install insulation to meet modern U-values
Vapour barriers fitted
Plasterboard installed
Dormers internally lined
Fireboarding added where required
This makes the space feel like an actual room.
10. Plastering
Entire loft plastered
Drying time: usually 4–7 days
11. Second Fix (Fittings)
After plaster dries:
What’s done:
Electrics second fix: sockets, lights, switches
Plumbing second fix: radiators, bathroom suite, taps
Doors fitted (including fire doors on escape routes)
Skirting boards, architraves, window boards installed
12. Decoration
Painting walls and ceilings
Painting woodwork
Floor coverings installed (carpet, laminate, LVT, etc.)
Often done by the homeowner to save cost, but many builders offer it.
13. Final Building Control Inspection & Certificate
Building Control checks:
Structural safety
Stairs compliance
Fire safety measures
Insulation levels
Ventilation
Once approved, you receive a Completion Certificate, essential for resale and mortgage purposes.
14. Snagging & Handover
Walk through the loft with the builder
Identify any small issues (paint touch-ups, squeaky hinges, draughts)
Builder fixes them
Warranty documents and certificates handed over
Typical Timescale
Rooflight conversion: 4–6 weeks
Dormer conversion: 6–10 weeks
Hip-to-gable or mansard: 8–12+ weeks
(This excludes planning/party wall/design time.)
How long have you been in business?
We have been renovating and building houses, completing and extensions and loft conversions and making people happy for 36 years.
What guarantee does your work come with?
We provide a comprehensive 10 Year Materials and Labour Warranty.
What do you love most about your job?
Handing over the finished project and seeing the delighted look on our customers face.
What inspired you to start your own business?
To build and create buildings and making people happy.
Why should our clients choose you?
Build Better. Build Smarter. This is our tag line moto. Choose us for your next project and notice the friendly difference.
Can you provide your services online or remotely? If so, please add details.
We can estimate from plans or photos and help with budgets.
What changes have you made to keep your customers safe from Covid-19?
We always follow Government guidelines and wear ppe when required.
Renovations
We undertake all renovation projects, large or small.
Extensions
We undertake all extensions, large or small.
Loft conversions
We undertake all loft conversions
Driveways
We undertake all driveways of all types, large or small
Patios
We undertake all patios
