Semi-detached houses
Hipped or gabled, a semi usually converts with a dormer across the back, plus a new gable wall where the side of the roof slopes.
Loft conversions for terraced houses
A terrace has no side roof to rebuild, so the extra space comes from the back: a dormer across the rear slope, and often a second over the outrigger.
- Usually suits
- A rear dormer, or an L-shaped dormer
- Allowance
- Up to 40 cubic metres under permitted development
- Good for
- A bedroom with a bathroom, or two smaller rooms
How a terrace converts
A mid-terrace house shares both side walls, so a hip to gable isn’t an option and the front roof slope normally stays as it is. The new space is built off the rear slope instead, as a full-width dormer with upright walls and a flat or shallow roof.
Many Victorian and Edwardian terraces also have a rear outrigger, the narrower section at the back with its own lower roof. A second dormer over the outrigger, joined to the first, forms an L, and can give room for a bedroom and a bathroom, or two separate spaces. End-of-terrace houses with a hipped side are the exception, and can be converted more like a semi.
Inside the 40 cubic metre allowance for a terraced house, and outside conservation areas, this is usually permitted development.
What suits a terrace
Conversions that work on terraced houses
From the most room to the lightest touch.
L-shaped dormer conversions
Dormers over the main roof and the outrigger, joined into an L: the most room on a terrace with an outrigger.
More about l-shaped dormer conversions on our main websiteRear dormer extensions
One full-width dormer across the back, the usual choice where there’s no outrigger.
More about rear dormer extensions on our main websitePitched dormers
Smaller dormers with their own pitched roof, which often sit better in a conservation area.
More about pitched dormers on our main websiteMansard loft extensions
A steep rear wall and flat roof for even more space, with full planning permission.
More about mansard loft extensions on our main website
Links open the conversion type’s page on our main website, topmarkconversions.co.uk.
Key features
What a terrace conversion includes
Everything needed to turn a narrow roof into rooms you’ll use every day.
- A survey of the main roof and any outrigger
- A check against the 40 cubic metre allowance
- Structural calculations and steel beams
- A rear dormer, and a second over the outrigger if there is one
- Roof windows on the front slope, if you’d like the light
- A new staircase up to the loft
- First-fix plumbing for a bathroom or shower room
- Insulation, plastering and electrics
- Building control approval and sign-off
Step by step
How a terrace conversion is built
Most of the work happens in the loft and on the back of the roof.
- 01
Survey
We measure the main roof and any outrigger, and check the structure and the party walls.
- 02
Plans and approvals
Drawings, calculations and building control, and planning where the street is a conservation area or has an Article 4 direction.
- 03
Steels and floor
Steel beams and the new floor go in, then the staircase.
- 04
Dormers
The rear dormer is built, then the outrigger dormer if you’re having one, and the roof is made weathertight.
- 05
Inside
Insulation, boarding and plaster, then wiring, plumbing and joinery.
- 06
Sign-off
Building control checks the finished work and signs it off.
Benefits
Why convert a terrace’s loft
A narrow house can still gain a lot from its roof.
A bedroom and a bathroom
An L-shaped dormer can fit both into the roof of a terrace with an outrigger.
Front left as it is
Dormers go at the back, so the street-facing roof keeps its original look.
Light from the back
Upright dormer windows bring daylight into what was a dark loft.
Appeal to buyers
Another bedroom with its own bathroom can make a terrace easier to sell later.
Around Nottinghamshire
Terraces across Nottinghamshire
Nottingham’s inner suburbs grew with Victorian and Edwardian terraces, and Beeston, Stapleford, Hucknall, Sutton-in-Ashfield and Mansfield all have older terraced rows of their own. In Mansfield Woodhouse, early 20th-century terraces on streets like Parkers Lane and Charles Street were built of local stone with slate roofs.
Some terraced streets are in conservation areas. Nottingham has 33, and parts of Sneinton and Waterloo Promenade also have Article 4 directions. There, a dormer needs planning permission, and a smaller pitched dormer often fits the street better than a box dormer.
FAQs
Terraced houses: your questions
Can I have a loft conversion on a mid-terrace house?
Yes. With no side roof to change, the space comes from a rear dormer, or an L-shaped dormer if there’s an outrigger. It’s usually permitted development within the 40 cubic metre allowance for terraced houses.
What is an outrigger?
The narrower section that sticks out at the back of many Victorian and Edwardian terraces, usually with its own lower roof. A dormer over it, joined to the main dormer, is what makes an L-shaped conversion.
Can a terraced loft fit a bathroom?
Often, yes, especially with an L-shaped dormer, which leaves space for a bathroom beside a bedroom. We work out where the pipes will run during the design.
What if my street is in a conservation area?
A dormer then needs planning permission, and the council will look closely at its size and appearance. A smaller pitched dormer, or roof windows, is often the better fit.
Will we have to move out while it’s built?
Usually not. Most of the work is in the loft and on the roof, and in most cases people stay at home throughout.
Still have a question? Call 07925 891 170 or send us a message.
Reviews
What homeowners say
5.0
5.0 out of 5 from 31 Google reviews
5 out of 5 stars
Top Mark Conversions were an absolute pleasure to work with as they committed to every aspect of the job. Completed the work with skill and on time and kept within my budget.😁 Mark is a great communicator and kept me informed at every stage which made life really easy. Mark has a brilliant team working alongside him, thanks must also go to Bryn😁😁. The additional trades that were also part of the job were equally professional and carried out every task to the highest standard. I would highly recommend Top Mark Conversions to complete your project. The team have transformed my room into the most amazing Master Suite. I cannot thank you all enough. An extremely satisfied Customer.
Kathy G. Google review, April 2024 5 out of 5 stars
Very professional with an exceptional standard of workmanship and attention to detail. Extremely happy and would recommend
Mia A. Google review, April 2024
Not sure what your house allows?
Tell us about your home and we’ll look at the roof, the stairs and the planning rules before recommending anything.
Other house types
See what usually works on other kinds of home.
Bungalows
The roof of a bungalow can often hold one or two rooms, lit by rear dormers, or by roof windows where the pitch is steep enough.
Detached houses
No party walls and more roof to work with: a full-width rear dormer, gables on hipped roofs, or roof windows where the roof is tall.
Free quote
Ask about your house
Tell us what kind of house you have and what you’d like from the loft.
What happens next
- 1We look at your detailsYour house type and plans help us think about the options before we call.
- 2We call you backSomeone from the team rings to talk it through and answer your questions.
- 3We survey and quoteWe visit to look at the loft, then send you a detailed, free quote.