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Our loft conversion services are the perfect opportunity to add value and space to your home. From planning to execution, the team are masters in all aspects of loft conversion projects.
RV Roofing Services cover Dorset and Hampshire, including Bournemouth and all local areas.
We offer an emergency call-out service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Contact us immediately for any urgent roofing issues.
We hold NVQ and PASMA accreditations.
Yes, we accept card payments for all our services.
Do you have a question about our roofing or building services?
Welcome to RV Roofing & Building’s Loft Services – your trusted experts for tailored loft conversions, loft renovations and integrated roofing upgrades. Whether you’re looking to create a new bedroom, home office, studio or en-suite bathroom, we offer a full design-and-build service that transforms unused roof and loft space into elegant, functional living areas.
With decades of roofing and building expertise behind us, we bring experience and hands-on knowledge to every stage of your loft conversion – whether the structural planning or insulation, access stairs, Velux window installation, finishing carpentry and more.
The team expertly create bespoke living environments that align with your lifestyle, enhance your property’s value and comply fully with local Dorset planning laws and building regulations.
Every home is different – and so is every client. That’s why we begin every loft conversion with a full consultation, followed by custom design drawings tailored to your space, your goals and your budget. Whether your loft is suited to a dormer extension, hip-to-gable conversion or a simpler Velux rooflight installation, we’ll walk you through the options and help you visualise the outcome before a single board is lifted.
The team includes architects, structural engineers, builders and specialist roofers – all working together to ensure that your conversion is built safely, efficiently and exactly to plan. We also manage all planning permissions, building control applications and inspections on your behalf, making the process as smooth and hassle-free as possible.
Whether you live in Poole, Verwood, Bournemouth or Christchurch, the team are local experts and have completed numerous projects, just like yours, across the area.
Excellent repair work and they alerted us to the bad installation of flue pipe through the roof which needed lead covering. They applied lead plate around the pipe and did a great job. Would definitely recommend.
While the typical timeframe for constructing a loft conversion ranges between 8 to 12 weeks, it’s important to remember this is only a general guideline. The actual duration can vary significantly depending on the complexity of the design, planning approvals, structural requirements and bespoke client specifications.
For smaller Velux conversions with minimal structural alteration, the project may be completed in as little as 6-8 weeks. More complex builds, such as L-shaped or hip-to-gable dormers with en-suites or major internal reconfigurations, may extend to 12-16 weeks or more, especially if there are delays in planning permission or specialist materials.
We always begin with a thorough consultation and realistic scheduling tailored to your specific property and needs. Throughout the process we maintain clear communication and provide progress updates at each key milestone – ensuring the project stays on track, with minimal disruption to your daily life.
The team understand that time is just as valuable as the space you’re creating. That’s why we manage each stage efficiently – from architectural design and approvals to structural work, internal fit-outs and final decoration – to deliver a smooth and timely loft conversion experience.
✔️ Site survey and measurements
✔️ Finalisation of design and drawings
✔️ Structural calculations and Building Control notice
✔️ Scaffold installation and site setup
✔️ Steel beams and floor joists installed
✔️ Roof structure alterations (dormers, Velux, hip-to-gable)
✔️ Temporary roof if needed
✔️ Insulation begins
✔️ Dormer build completed
✔️ Roof tiled or re-covered
✔️ New windows fitted (Velux or casement)
✔️ Leadwork and weatherproofing finished
✔️ Internal walls, partitions and plasterboarding
✔️ Plumbing and electrical first-fix
✔️ Staircase installation
✔️ Floor deck laid
✔️ Plastering and second-fix electrics
✔️ Bathroom/en-suite fit-out (if applicable)
✔️ Doors, skirting and flooring installed
✔️ Final decorating and snagging
✔️ Final inspection by Building Control
✔️ Site clearance and tidy
✔️ Handover of certificates and warranties
✔️ Your new space is ready!
Modern lofts are increasingly designed as smart, energy-efficient spaces. We offer full integration of smart lighting, heating controls, skylight blinds and voice-activated systems during the build. Whether you want dimmable LED lighting, solar-powered Velux blinds or underfloor heating connected to a smart thermostat, we can pre-wire and configure the space to accommodate future tech with ease.
The Hughes family approached RV Roofing & Building with the goal of creating additional space for their growing family. Moving wasn’t an option due to rising local property prices and strong ties to local schools – so they looked upward. The loft space, previously used only for storage, had excellent potential for conversion due to a generous pitch and solid existing structure.
After a full site assessment and feasibility report, we proposed a full-width rear dormer conversion with a modern en-suite bathroom, plus integrated eaves storage and a bespoke staircase installation.
We managed the entire project, from initial drawings to final paintwork. Our team secured all necessary approvals, including Building Control sign-off and lawful development confirmation under permitted development rights.
The finished loft provided the Hughes family with a spacious double bedroom and fully tiled en-suite featuring a walk-in shower. Natural light flooded in from both sides of the house and the clean modern finish blended seamlessly with the property’s original 1930s character.
Beyond aesthetics, the project added to the property’s market value (more than double the project’s investment) and completely transformed the way the family used their home.
“We couldn’t be happier with the result. The space feels like it’s always been part of the house. The RV team were fantastic – friendly, efficient and really respectful throughout the whole build. We’d recommend them without hesitation.”
If your property is Grade I or II listed, you’ll need Listed Building Consent from Dorset Council in addition to planning permission. Any alterations to the roof structure – including dormers, Velux windows or even insulation upgrades – must preserve the building’s historic character.
RV Roofing & Building works closely with conservation officers to ensure all proposals meet heritage standards, with sensitive design, traditional materials and specialist detailing where required.
The right loft conversion depends on several key factors, including the existing roof pitch and structure, available headroom, planning permissions (and your intended use of the space).
Our experienced team will guide you through the options, helping you choose a style that’s structurally sound, compliant with regulations and suited to your budget and long-term needs.
Below, we’ve outlined the most common types of loft conversions we offer across Dorset and Hampshire, along with their benefits, considerations and suitability.
A Velux conversion – also known as a rooflight conversion – is one of the simplest and most cost-effective ways to convert your loft. This style involves installing high-quality Velux windows into the existing roof slope without making any major alterations to the roof structure itself.
This option works best for lofts with good existing head height and a regular roof pitch. It’s particularly suitable for newer homes or properties where budget and simplicity are a priority.
Dormer conversions are among the most popular options in the UK and for good reason. A dormer involves adding a box-shaped structure that protrudes from the slope of the existing roof, effectively extending the internal volume and creating full-height headroom in areas that would otherwise be sloped and awkward.
Dormer conversions are ideal for adding bedrooms, bathrooms or even small home offices. They often fall under permitted development but may require planning permission in certain conservation areas. RV Roofing & Building ensure that the dormer integrates with the existing property design for a clean, professional finish that enhances kerb appeal as well as function.
Many homes in Dorset and Hampshire – especially those built in the 1930s-1950s – feature hipped roofs, which slope down on all sides. While these look attractive externally, they often reduce the usable internal loft space. A hip-to-gable conversion extends the side (hipped) roof vertically to form a gable end, creating a much larger and more usable loft area.
These conversions do usually require planning approval, as they alter the roofline and impact the external appearance. However, the gain in space can be substantial, often allowing for multiple new rooms within the loft.
The Mansard conversion is the most dramatic and space-maximising of all loft conversion types. It typically involves removing the entire rear slope of the roof and rebuilding it with a steep 70-degree pitch and a flat top, resulting in a near-vertical rear wall.
Mansard conversions can also include front-facing elements and often require full planning permission due to the extensive structural changes. That said, the result is a fully integrated upper floor that feels like a natural extension of the house rather than an adapted attic.
Mansards are particularly popular in urban areas like Bournemouth town centre or Southampton, where extending outward isn’t an option and every square metre of living space matters.
A gable-to-gable conversion involves building up the two gable walls at either end of the property and spanning a new roof structure between them. This method is sometimes used in older terrace houses and period properties where the original roof has a shallow pitch, limiting headroom.
These conversions often go hand-in-hand with dormer windows or full rear extensions, making them suitable for larger loft redevelopments. With the right design and planning, a gable-to-gable conversion can create an entire new storey to the home, complete with lighting, plumbing and stair access.
A successful loft conversion isn’t just about design – it hinges on structural safety. Adding new floors, walls, bathrooms and staircases introduces significant weight to your property.
That’s why all our loft conversions begin with a structural assessment, including calculations for steel beam placements, floor joist reinforcements and roof load distribution. We collaborate with certified structural engineers to ensure the build is both safe and compliant.
With RV Roofing & Building, we never take a one-size-fits-all approach. We assess the existing condition and configuration of your home, listen to your goals and recommend the best design based on function, compliance, cost and space gain. Our in-house design team works closely with local planners and Building Control authorities across Dorset and Hampshire, ensuring your loft is legal, safe and built to last.
Whether you’re looking to add a new guest room, create a quiet study space or future-proof your family home with extra bedrooms, we’re here to help you plan it, build it and enjoy it for decades to come.
Not all loft conversions require planning permission, but understanding when it is needed is essential – especially if you live within Dorset Council’s jurisdiction. At RV Roofing & Building, we regularly work with homeowners across Bournemouth, Poole, Weymouth, Christchurch and surrounding towns to ensure all conversions are fully compliant with local planning and building regulations.
Most loft conversions in Dorset fall under Permitted Development Rights (PDR) – a national set of rules that allow homeowners to make certain alterations without formal planning consent. You’re likely to fall under permitted development if:
You will need planning permission from Dorset Council if your loft conversion:
RV Roofing will assess your home’s location and status before beginning any design work. If planning is needed, we can prepare scaled architectural drawings, submit the application to Dorset Council and liaise with the planning officer on your behalf. Our team is experienced in navigating both straightforward and complex applications.
Even if your loft conversion doesn’t require planning permission, it must still comply with Building Regulations. Dorset Council’s Building Control department will need to inspect:
We manage this process for you. A Building Notice or Full Plans Application is submitted before work starts and multiple site visits are arranged with a local Building Control Officer – one at the structural stage and another upon completion. Once satisfied, you’ll receive a Completion Certificate, which is essential if you sell your home in future.
You or your architect can check your property’s planning status using Dorset Council’s tools:
If your project sits within BCP Council’s area (covering Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole), a similar process applies – and we’ll handle that on your behalf too.
Not always. In many cases, loft conversions fall under permitted development rights, meaning you won’t need full planning permission. However, this depends on several factors - including the size and type of extension, whether you're altering the roof shape and the location of your property. For example, if you live in a conservation area, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) or near a listed building, you’ll likely need permission from Dorset Council. At RV Roofing & Building, we assess your planning status at the outset and, if required, handle the entire application process on your behalf.
The timeline for a loft conversion can vary depending on the complexity and scale of the build, but generally you can expect the process to take between 8 to 12 weeks once work begins on site. Smaller Velux conversions may take as little as 6 weeks, while larger dormer or mansard builds could extend to 14-16 weeks, especially if structural alterations or bathroom installations are involved. We always provide a realistic build schedule and keep you informed every step of the way.
Absolutely. A professionally designed and constructed loft conversion typically adds between 15-25% to the overall value of your property. Not only does it increase square footage, but it also enhances functionality and appeal to future buyers. In places like Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, where space is at a premium and property values are high, converting your loft can be a far more cost-effective alternative to moving.
Yes, provided your loft has adequate space and head height. Many homeowners opt for a layout that includes a large bedroom with an en-suite or even two smaller rooms such as a bedroom and a study. Dormer and mansard conversions are particularly well-suited to multi-room layouts, as they provide more headroom and usable wall space. We’ll work with you to plan the best configuration for your needs, based on your home’s structure and your lifestyle goals.
Most lofts can be converted, but there are a few key considerations. The minimum head height required is typically 2.2 metres from the top of the ceiling joists to the bottom of the ridge beam. Roof structure, access and the pitch of the roof also influence suitability. Even if your loft seems small or awkward, there are often clever design solutions - including raising the ridge line or lowering the ceiling below - which we can advise on during your site survey.
A Velux conversion (or rooflight conversion) involves adding windows to the existing roof slope without altering its structure. It's the least disruptive and most affordable option. A Dormer conversion, on the other hand, involves constructing a box-shaped extension that protrudes from the roof slope, adding more floor space and headroom. Dormers are highly versatile and can be built in different styles to suit your home. We’ll help you determine which approach delivers the best value and space for your budget.
Costs can vary depending on the size and type of conversion, the finish level and whether bathrooms or structural reinforcements are included. On average, you can expect to pay between £25,000 and £50,000 for a typical loft conversion in Dorset, though larger mansard or hip-to-gable extensions with bespoke interiors can exceed that. At RV Roofing & Building, we provide a transparent quote with no hidden extras and can guide you through all cost-effective build options to match your needs.
In most cases, no - homeowners can remain in the property while work takes place. Our team works to minimise disruption and maintains clear communication to ensure your routine is respected. Scaffold access is often external, meaning much of the early structural work takes place with minimal disturbance to your living space. We do everything we can to make the experience as stress-free as possible.
All our loft conversions comply fully with Part L (energy efficiency) and Part E (sound insulation) of the Building Regulations. We can use high-performance insulation in roof slopes, walls and floors to ensure heat retention and acoustic comfort. If you're converting the loft into a bedroom or home office, we can also include enhanced soundproofing between floors to ensure privacy.
Yes, we provide a full end-to-end service. This includes installing a bespoke staircase that complements the layout of your home, as well as all internal plastering, electrical work, joinery, flooring and decoration. Whether you want a basic white-box finish or a high-end master suite with integrated storage and LED lighting, we deliver each project to the highest standard, down to the last detail.
At RV Roofing Services, we’re dedicated to providing solutions tailored to your needs. Whether you have questions, need a quote or are ready to start your project. Reach out to us through our convenient contact form on the site, where you can quickly submit your enquiries and requirements.
Our collaborative partnerships with architects, local planners and town councils ensure a successful project and swift timeline.
