Architect plans · Build · Finish
Loft Conversion in East Dulwich
We build full loft conversions in East Dulwich from the client’s architect’s project. Our first conversation addresses dormer sequence and finish continuity, 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
An East Dulwich brief begins with the exact roof extension drawn by the client’s architect. We identify what remains of the original slope, where the new volume sits and how the proposed stair reaches it. The quotation divides the engineered floor, roof construction, weathering, services and room finish into buildable packages. It also lists design details still awaited. Calling every roof alteration a dormer would hide meaningful differences in frame, covering and interior geometry, so we describe the work shown for this property.
Measure the house that will carry the new room
The team measures the accessible roof space, current slope and stair approach, then records visible rafters, coverings and previous openings. We compare these conditions with the proposed dormer walls and windows. The position of an eaves cupboard or bathroom is checked against the reduced headroom on the retained side, not assumed to fit because it appears on plan. Water staining or an uncertain roof junction is recorded for investigation before a new lining conceals it.
Construction sequence for East Dulwich
| Stage | Our operation | Decision before next stage |
|---|---|---|
| Design review | Compare the supplied project with the dormer sequence and finish continuity 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
The architect’s current roof elevations, sections and internal plans must agree with the engineer’s floor and framing information. The client’s appointed professionals determine the planning and Building Regulations route for the actual address. We examine how the issued dormer detail meets the old roof and where inspections will occur. If a site dimension changes the exterior line, window position or stair headroom, we ask for a design instruction rather than altering the silhouette during construction.
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
Roof work is mobilised around the weather window and the actual delivery route, not a fixed sequence copied from another house. New framing, membranes and temporary cover are ready before the existing covering is removed. Below, we protect the landing and rooms that will carry debris or new materials. Waste is moved away as the opening develops, allowing the team to keep the work face clear. The protection method is checked again before each exposed stage ends.
Build the designed floor and roof alteration
The designed floor supports are formed first where the roof change depends on them. Dormer framing is then set to the supplied dimensions, with connections and bearing checked before sheathing. We work from the existing covering toward a weathered new junction in manageable sections. Roof membrane, flashing, cladding and rainwater elements follow the approved detail and remain inspectable at the relevant points. A neat internal plaster reveal cannot compensate for a poor external connection, so weathering is reviewed before enclosure.
Fit the stair into both levels of the house
The stair is checked against both the retained roof slope and the new volume. At the upper arrival, we measure the usable route after allowing for insulation, plasterboard and final floor levels; a drawing of bare structure can overstate the finished clearance. The lower landing is also measured for doors and guarding. We form the engineered opening, verify it against the selected stair and only then fit trims and adjacent surfaces. Any changed arrival returns to the designer.
Sequence qualified first-fix and final connections
The electrician’s lighting and socket positions are checked against dormer walls, sloping planes and fitted storage. If the proposed room includes an extract fan or wet area, the qualified trades agree the route before roof weathering and insulation close. We avoid a late penetration through a finished dormer cheek or flashing. First fix is photographed or recorded as the project requires, checked while exposed and followed by tests and second fix in the agreed programme.
Close the structure and finish the new room
Inside the new roof volume, the junction of dormer cheek, ceiling, window reveal and retained slope needs careful setting out. We fit the specified insulation and vapour-control elements, then line and plaster those planes after their checks. Joinery is measured once the geometry is fixed. Skirtings, doors and floor covering are then fitted to the finished room, with decoration inspected in daylight as well as under the planned lighting. The aim is clean transitions without hiding unresolved construction.
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
We inspect the dormer from the room and at the accessible external junctions, checking window operation, visible weathering and finish alignment. The stair route is walked from the original floor to the new level; doors, guarding and floor transitions are tested. We list cosmetic corrections separately from technical records due from qualified trades or building control. The final review closes each issue against the written scope rather than declaring completion because the new room looks furnished.
What we establish for a East Dulwich address
For an East Dulwich address, conservation and planning questions depend on the actual site and design. We do not state that a dormer is automatically permitted or impossible. The client’s designer resolves the application position; our construction sequence follows the approved drawings and the conditions that apply.
Questions about loft construction in East Dulwich
What do you need to review a proposed East Dulwich dormer?
The proposal separates our building work, selected products and the design information supplied by appointed professionals. Drawing changes are priced and sequenced before affected work continues. The current roof elevations and structural section guide pricing.
When can the existing roof covering be opened?
The actual entrance, landing and rooms determine protection, deliveries and waste handling. We agree the route before structural or roof work begins. Cover, components and access are ready before removal.
How is the new dormer frame tied into the designed floor and roof?
We follow issued engineering details, check positions against the existing house and keep work exposed for required review. Conflicts return to the designer. The engineered frame is built to the issued dormer detail.
Who decides the planning route for this property?
The client-appointed architect establishes the design and consent route. We build from issued information and refer site discrepancies back before changing affected work. The client-appointed architect establishes that route.
Where is headroom checked at the new stair arrival?
We check the opening and stair against finished levels, doors, headroom and both landings before ordering or fitting. Finished insulation and floor levels are allowed for.
When are lighting and ventilation routes fixed?
Qualified trades set routes before enclosure. Installation, tests and records are assigned in writing and coordinated with structure and insulation. Penetrations are set before external weathering closes.
How are dormer cheeks and window reveals finished?
Specified insulation and linings follow the required hold points. Plaster, flooring, joinery and decoration are sequenced to protect completed work. Cheeks, ceiling and reveal are reviewed together.
Which roof and interior junctions are checked at handover?
We inspect the route and room, test fitted items and list adjustments. Specialist records and completion steps remain assigned to the responsible parties. Visible roof junctions and room finishes both enter the review.