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A Practical, Seamless Way to Add Space
A loft conversion is one of the most effective ways to extend your home, but it needs careful design from someone who understands planning policy and Building Control requirements. With over 40 years’ experience, I’ll help you explore what’s possible and create a space that feels natural to your home.
Why Choose a Loft Conversion
A well‑designed loft conversion can transform an under‑used attic into a bright, comfortable living space. For many homes, it’s one of the most cost‑effective ways to gain extra room without altering the footprint.
Benefits include:
• Adds valuable living space without extending outwards
• Ideal for bedrooms, offices, studios or quiet retreat spaces
• Makes excellent use of existing roofspace
• Brings in natural light with roof windows or dormers
• Typically more affordable than a ground‑floor extension
• Can increase the overall value and appeal of your home
What's Possible in Your Loft
Every home is different, but many lofts offer more potential than homeowners expect. Depending on your roof structure and layout, you may be able to create:
• A spacious master bedroom
• A home office or studio
• An ensuite bathroom
• A children’s room or playroom
• A quiet retreat or hobby space
• Additional storage solutions
• Rooflight‑only conversions
• Dormer extensions for extra headroom
I’ll help you understand what’s achievable in your home and guide you through the options.
Planning & Building Control
Loft conversions must meet specific technical and safety standards, but the process is straightforward when handled correctly.
Key considerations include:
• Whether planning permission is required
• Structural design and load‑bearing requirements
• Fire safety, escape routes and protected stairways
• Insulation, ventilation and energy performance
• Headroom and access
• Roof alterations and dormer design
• Compliance with Building Control
I’ll take care of the design, drawings and submissions, ensuring everything is compliant and clearly explained.
How the Process Works
A clear, steady process from first conversation to final drawings:
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Introductory call
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Measured survey
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Design options
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Planning Application (if required)
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Building Control Application
You’ll always deal directly with me — no admin layers, no delays.
Loft Conversion Examples
Ballyrobert Road, Crawfordsburn
Crawfordsburn Loft Conversion
Planning Permission and Building Control Approval were secured for this loft conversion in Crawfordsburn, creating two new bedrooms, a home office and a bathroom within the existing roof space. The design was arranged to maximise the sea views to the rear while providing practical storage for occasional‑use items. I managed the full planning and building control process on behalf of the homeowner and was delighted to receive a 5‑star Google review from Alan Caughey for the service and detailed plans provided.
Project Details
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New staircase introduced from the existing hall to access the converted first‑floor level.
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Two additional bedrooms formed within the attic / loft space.
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A dedicated office / study added to support home‑working.
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A new bathroom (shower, toilet and wash‑hand basin) designed to function either as an en‑suite or a separate family bathroom.
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Layout arranged to maximise rear views towards the sea.
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Integrated storage areas for occasional‑use items.
Ballymartin Road, Killinchy
Killinchy Loft Conversion
This loft conversion in Killinchy transforms a former two‑bedroom home into a spacious four‑bedroom layout, complete with a new Master Bedroom, En‑suite and Dressing Room. Building Control Approval was secured for the works, which included upgrading the roof, improving natural light and maximising storage within the attic space. The changes will make a significant difference to how the home functions day‑to‑day, providing modern comfort and valuable additional living space.
Project Details
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Existing concrete roof tiles replaced with natural slate, with warm‑roof insulation installed and new rainwater goods fitted.
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Two additional bedrooms created, including a new Master Bedroom with En‑suite, Dressing Room and Juliet Balcony.
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Additional WC / Shower Room provided on the first floor.
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Velux roof windows installed to increase natural light throughout the new spaces.
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Attic storage areas maximised for practical everyday use.
Irwin Crescent, Belfast
Belfast Roof Space Conversion
After completing the single‑storey rear extension for this homeowner, I was asked to design a conversion of their roof space. Attic conversions require careful detailing to ensure the builder understands exactly what is needed to meet Planning and Building Control requirements, particularly around insulation, ventilation and structural alterations. Although this project offered limited space and headroom, thoughtful design allowed us to create a bright, practical new living area that works exceptionally well within the constraints of the existing roof.
Project Notes
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Careful detailing provided to guide the builder on insulation, ventilation and structural requirements.
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Design developed to make the best use of limited headroom and available floor area.
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New roof‑space layout created to provide valuable additional living accommodation.
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Works follow on from the previously completed single‑storey rear extension.
Strathearn Park, Belfast
Attic Conversion with Rear Dormer
This project involved a full conversion of the existing attic, complete with a new staircase and a large rear dormer to create two additional bedrooms and a shower room. The dormer provides generous headroom, improved natural light and a much more usable first‑floor layout. The transformation is significant — the before‑and‑after photos show just how much extra space and comfort can be achieved within the existing roof structure.
Project Details
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Full conversion of the existing attic space.
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New staircase installed to provide safe, compliant access to the first floor.
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Large rear dormer constructed to create two new bedrooms with improved headroom.
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New shower room added to serve the upper floor.
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Layout designed to maximise usable space and natural light.
Kings Road, Belfast
Roof Space Ensuite
This project involved creating a new En‑suite within the existing roof space, accessed directly from the front bedroom. Careful planning and detailing were required to make the best use of the available headroom and to integrate the new bathroom seamlessly into the existing layout. The result is a bright, practical En‑suite that adds real comfort and convenience to the home.
Project Notes
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New En‑suite designed within the existing roof space.
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Access provided directly from the front bedroom.
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Layout developed to work efficiently within the available headroom.
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St. John's Park, Ormeau Road
Attic Conversion with Games Room & Office
This project involved a full conversion of the existing attic to create a bright, practical upstairs games room with a dedicated office alongside it. A new staircase was installed to provide safe, compliant access, and the layout was designed to make the best use of the available headroom and natural light. The before‑and‑after photos show the significant transformation achieved within the existing roof structure.
Project Details
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Full conversion of the existing attic space.
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New staircase installed to access the upper‑floor accommodation.
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New games room created within the roof space.
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Separate office added alongside the games room.
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Layout designed to maximise usable space and improve natural light.
Ballyhackamore, Belfast
Belfast Attic Conversion
This Belfast semi‑detached home was transformed with a full attic conversion, creating a new Master Bedroom and En‑suite on the second floor. A new staircase was installed to provide safe, compliant access, while rear dormer windows and a rooflight over the hall were added to bring in natural light and improve headroom. The result is a bright, comfortable upper‑floor suite that adds significant value and modern living space to the home.
Project Details
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Full conversion of the existing attic to form a new second‑floor Master Bedroom and En‑suite.
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New staircase installed to provide proper access to the upper level.
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Rear dormer windows constructed to increase headroom and natural light.
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Rooflight added over the hall to brighten the circulation space.
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Layout designed to maximise comfort, light and usable floor area.
The Grange, Old Holywood Road
Extended Dormer & Master Suite Upgrade
This project involved replacing a small existing dormer with a much larger, full‑width dormer to create generous headroom and significantly improve the first‑floor layout. The new space allowed for an extended En‑suite to Bedroom 2, a new family Bathroom, and the addition of a new Master Bedroom with its own separate En‑suite. The transformation provides modern comfort, better proportions and a far more practical upper‑floor arrangement.
Project Details
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Existing small dormer removed and replaced with a much larger, full‑height dormer.
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Extended En‑suite created for Bedroom 2.
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New family Bathroom added on the first floor.
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New Master Bedroom formed with its own private En‑suite.
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Improved headroom, natural light and usable floor area throughout.
Millisle Road, Donaghadee
Attic Conversion & Ground Floor Reconfiguration
Building Control Approval was granted for this project, which involved converting the attic to create two new double bedrooms with a shared WC / Shower Room. Velux rooflights were added to bring natural daylight over the stairway and into the shower area. On the ground floor, two existing rooms were combined to form a new Master Bedroom with En‑suite and a walk‑in Wardrobe. Additional improvements included a new solid‑fuel stove in the Living Room and new sliding doors from the Snug to access a raised decking area at the rear.
Project Details
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Attic converted to provide two new double bedrooms.
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Shared WC / Shower Room created on the upper floor.
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Velux rooflights installed to brighten the stairway and shower area.
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Two ground‑floor rooms combined to form a new Master Bedroom with En‑suite and walk‑in Wardrobe.
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New solid‑fuel stove installed in the Living Room.
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New sliding doors added from the Snug to access raised rear decking.
Morey Drive, Donaghadee
Dormer Extension & Ensuite Upgrade
This project involved extending the existing attic with a new, larger dormer to create a bright and comfortable En‑suite, while also increasing the size of the adjoining bedroom. The new dormer provides full head height and a much more practical layout. Some additional steelwork was incorporated to ensure proper structural support, allowing the new space to be completed safely and to modern standards.
Project Details
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Existing small dormer replaced with a larger, full‑height dormer.
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New En‑suite created within the extended roof space.
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Existing bedroom significantly enlarged and improved.
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Structural steelwork added to provide necessary support.
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Layout designed to maximise headroom, comfort and usability.
Manselton Close, Bangor
Fire Restoration & Attic Extension
Following a significant fire, my clients asked me to assist with repairing the damage and redesigning the upper floor to make better use of the space. The project involved restoring the affected areas, extending the attic and introducing a new dormer to create a brighter, more practical layout. The redesign not only reinstated what had been lost but also provided an opportunity to improve the home and add valuable new accommodation.
Project Details
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Fire‑damaged areas assessed and incorporated into the repair and redesign strategy.
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Attic extended to create additional usable floor space.
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New dormer constructed to improve headroom, natural light and layout options.
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Design developed to enhance the home beyond its pre‑fire condition.
Kinwood Avenue, Bangor
Full Attic Conversion
This project involved a complete conversion of the existing attic to create three new bedrooms, a shower room and dedicated storage on the first floor. The transformation takes the home from a two‑bedroom layout to a five‑bedroom family home, providing valuable additional living space and greatly improving how the property functions day‑to‑day.
Project Details
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Full conversion of the existing attic space.
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Three new bedrooms created on the first floor.
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New shower room added to serve the upper level.
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Storage areas integrated within the roof space.
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Significant upgrade from a 2‑bedroom home to a 5‑bedroom home.
