Architect plans · Build · Finish
Loft Conversion in Dulwich
We build full loft conversions in Dulwich from the client’s architect’s project. Our first conversation addresses roof junctions and retained fabric, then the structural, roof, stair, specialist and finishing work is set out in a written scope.
- Review the supplied drawings and the actual roof space
- Build the specified structure, roof and staircase
- Coordinate specialists, finish the room and check handover
Site measurements before ordering
Construction to supplied design
Qualified trade interfaces recorded
A visible finish and handover review
Agree the construction package before work begins
Before promising a new room, we identify its intended use, access and the technical design on which the build depends. The client supplies the architect’s project and associated structural information. We review the drawing set against the actual house, describe what we will build and identify the named specialist work and inspections. When a detail is still undecided, the quotation records it as an open decision instead of turning an assumption into a price or programme. For a Dulwich proposal, we separate retained roof fabric from what the supplied design changes. This makes the quotation clearer: existing surfaces to protect, designed roof work to build and interior finishes to fit are different tasks.
Measure the house that will carry the new room
We inspect the route from street to roof space as well as the attic itself. Long components, materials and waste must pass through the house without assuming there is side access or a vacant room for storage. In the loft we record usable dimensions, roof slope, visible structure and the position of current services. We then compare the proposed room and stair with these observations and raise discrepancies with the appointed designer before turning a sketch into a construction sequence. We record the existing roof shape, previous openings and visible signs of water entry. The exterior is considered with the interior because a proposed dormer or rooflight must meet retained coverings and rainwater routes at real junctions.
Construction sequence for Dulwich
| Stage | Our operation | Decision before next stage |
|---|---|---|
| Design review | Compare the supplied project with the roof junctions and retained fabric decision | Record missing details and named responsibilities |
| Site setup | Protect the access route and plan component handling | Confirm the actual address and working route |
| Floor and roof | Build the engineered floor and approved roof alteration | Complete relevant exposed-work checks |
| Specialist first fix | Coordinate qualified electrical and plumbing work | Verify routes before enclosure |
| Interior and handover | Fit linings, flooring, joinery and decoration | Review visible work and outstanding records |
Use the supplied plans and assign the decisions
We build to the client’s architect’s project; architectural design and submission of applications are not an in-house service. Before work begins, the current drawings, structural specification and the project-specific planning and Building Regulations position need to be clear. We note who supplies revisions, who answers a site query and who arranges each required inspection. If opening up reveals something different from the drawings, the affected operation pauses until the responsible designer provides a workable instruction. If the property has a designation or earlier alteration, the appointed designer checks its effect on the proposal. We do not make a district-wide claim about consent. We need the current approved roof detail before ordering coverings or cutting an opening.
Project information and responsibilities
| Requirement | Builder action | Design or specialist input |
|---|---|---|
| Architectural project | Execute the agreed construction | Client appoints architect and supplies plans |
| Structural design | Build specified supports and roof changes | Engineer issues and reviews structural detail |
| Planning and control | Make stages available for required checks | Consent and inspection route assigned in writing |
| Electrical and plumbing | Coordinate programme and access | Qualified trades install, test and record |
| Final finish | Complete agreed flooring, joinery and decoration | Client confirms selected products and finish schedule |
Protect the property and establish the work route
The first site operation is to make the house workable for both the occupants and the trades. We confirm access hours, protection to the stairs and landing, a place for tools and a route for removing material. Any opening in the roof needs a weather-protection method before the covering is disturbed. We check the agreed drawings and necessary inspection points at the start of the stage, so that speed of delivery does not cause designed work to be hidden too early. Protection starts below the roof, with an agreed route for materials and a weather-covering method. We plan the order of removal and rebuilding so that the existing rooms are not exposed simply because a later trade is ready.
Build the designed floor and roof alteration
A full conversion may involve strengthening, a new floor, a changed roof shape and several interfaces with the existing fabric. We use the approved structural details and mark where a new component bears on the old building. The team checks levels, opening positions and the path for each load before concealing connections. Roof work is opened in manageable stages with weather protection planned in advance; the external covering and rainwater details are completed to the design, not improvised on site. The engineered floor and altered roof are built in their designed order. At each new-to-old junction, we confirm line, support, weathering and drainage details before closing the surface; an attractive internal lining cannot correct a poor external junction.
Fit the stair into both levels of the house
The staircase links the design to everyday use of the home. We set out its opening and landing position against both floors, confirm nearby doors and headroom, then check that the specified stair can be brought into the house and fitted. Supporting construction precedes final fitting. Guarding, handrails, trims and the edge of the new floor are completed as connected items. A change in the stair position is referred back to the designer because it can affect structure and fire strategy. The stair location is tested against the retained rooms beneath the roof. We measure the opening, arrival and nearby door clearances after checking finished floor levels; the design team resolves any conflict with the existing layout.
Sequence qualified first-fix and final connections
Specialist installations are treated as part of the build sequence, not as a late finishing item. The electrician and plumber review the room layout, available routes and any wet-area specification before first fix. We coordinate access and avoid enclosing their work before required checks. Second fix follows plastering, painting and fitting at the points agreed in the programme. The written scope identifies who installs, tests and hands over each service. Ventilation and any wet-area extract need designed routes through the roof or wall. Their openings are coordinated with weathering and insulation, not drilled after the exterior has been signed off.
Close the structure and finish the new room
Finishing brings the new level into the existing home. We check the specified roof and wall build-up before boarding, prepare plaster surfaces, then fit the floor finish, doors and any agreed built-in joinery. At the stair landing, thresholds and trims must resolve the meeting of old and new rooms. We inspect paint under the intended lighting, test operation of doors and access panels, and correct rough edges rather than treating decoration as a cover for construction defects. Eaves, roof-window reveals and sloping planes receive the specified insulation and lining build-up. We keep any required inspection points visible, then finish plaster, joinery and paint without concealing an unresolved roof junction.
Where separate trades meet
| Interface | Construction action | Recorded check |
|---|---|---|
| Floor to stair | Form the designed opening and fit the stair | Alignment, finished level and guarding |
| Roof to new room | Weather the opening, then fit insulation and lining | External junction and concealed-stage review |
| Services to walls | Set first fix before boarding | Qualified trade installation and tests |
| Existing to new finishes | Resolve thresholds, trims and plaster edges | Clean transitions and item operation |
Check the completed construction and finishes
Our final walk-through follows the written scope, beginning at the access route and ending in the loft. We review stair and guarding fit, door operation, floor transitions, visible roof-window junctions, plaster and paint, joinery and the condition of rooms used during construction. Outstanding adjustments are listed and assigned. The handover also identifies the specialist test records and building-control documentation required for the particular project, without implying that a decorated room alone proves compliance. We review accessible roof edges and rainwater details alongside the new room, then inspect stair fit, floor transitions and visible finishes. A snag list records any correction and its responsible trade.
What we establish for a Dulwich address
Dulwich includes different property settings and authorities, so the actual address governs any conservation or planning check. The client’s architect establishes the design and permission route. We use the approved drawings to construct the alteration and avoid claiming that every roof in the area can take the same solution.
Questions about loft construction in Dulwich
What do you inspect at an existing Dulwich roof before altering it?
We compare accessible conditions with current drawings and record unknowns. Visible coverings and rainwater paths are recorded before opening.
How is the junction between a new dormer and retained covering handled?
We build issued engineering details and keep required checks visible. Flashing and covering details follow the approved roof section.
Who checks whether conservation constraints affect this particular address?
The client-appointed designer confirms the design and consent decisions. The architect checks designation for the precise address.
When is temporary weather protection planned?
The working and delivery route is agreed for the actual property. Temporary cover is arranged before the old covering is lifted.
Can internal plastering begin before external roof details are resolved?
Linings and finishes follow the structural and trade hold points. Weathering needs resolution before clean interior surfaces are fitted.
How are ventilation outlets coordinated with roof weathering?
Qualified trades set routes, install and provide their records. Outlets are coordinated with the external roof detail.
What determines the insulation and lining build-up at the eaves?
Linings and finishes follow the structural and trade hold points. The specified eaves build-up controls lining thickness.
Which roof details are reviewed at the final walk-through?
We inspect the completed route and assign outstanding corrections. Accessible external junctions are included with interior checks.