Another Level
Replacing a cramped loft conversion has given the Ransoms a stylist, light-filled bedroom and en-suite
Feature Debbie Jeffrey
Photography Liane Ryan
Project Plus Rooms
MEET THE RENOVATORS
Matt Ransom, who runs a post-production retouching company, and wife Dawn, a PA, live with children Keira, 16 and Oliver, 12, in this three-storey, four-bedroom 1930s semi-detached house in Bromley.
BUILD BRIEF
To replace the existing draughty, cramped loft conversion with a larger timber dormer, removing and re-tiling the entire roof and forming a new window in the side wall to creating a bright, spacious
bedroom and en suite.
PROJECT COSTS
Building work & materials £55,800
Finishes & labour £9,804
Sliding glass doors, glass balustrade & window £10,818
Rooflights & blinds £1,860
Sanitaryware & shower screen £6,627
TOTAL SPEND
£84,090
Q Why did you replace the existing loft conversion?
When we bought the house four years ago, it was dated and needed to be completely renovated, but we loved the garden and green views and knew we could make some real improvements. The loft conversion, dating from 1975, was so cramped and low that you couldn’t stand up properly in much of it, and there was a tiled cupboard that was supposed to serve as an en suite. Gaps around the window meant the space was always freezing cold in winter, and we never went up there.
Q How did you tackle the project?
We’d seen Plus Rooms featured in magazines, and spotted one of their vans, so asked them for a quote for a new timber dormer to create a main bedroom and en suite. They drew up plans, which included a replacement staircase and gained planning permission before starting work
Q Where did you find inspiration for the interior?
We wanted to keep the scheme neutral and then dress it with colourful furniture, plants and artwork, so used magazines and Pinterest to help us plan, before shopping online. Plus Rooms installed the sanitaryware and decorated the rooms, and everything ran really smoothly. There’s underfloor heating in the shower room, and the extra height has allowed for both a bath and shower. The whole space feels private and isn’t overlooked, so we can open the sliding doors and really enjoy the feeling of being high up above the trees.
GO FOR GREENERY
Plenty of plants help improve air quality and provide a relaxing and decorative focus, connecting the indoor and outdoor spaces
BUILD IT IN
The wardrobes in the bedroom have been designed to follow the slope of the roof, making full use of the available space
MAXIMISE VIEWS
Installing glazed sliding doors and a clear glass safety balustrade enables the new space to capture stunning views of the garden and trees
” THE TIMBER DORMER HAS BEEN CLAS EXTERNALLY IN SLATE TO MATCH THE NEW ROOF, WITH GREY ALUMINIUM WINDOWS, ROOFLIGHS AND SLIDING GLASS DOORS INSTALLED “
Need-to-know:
Loft Conversions
MEASURE THE SPACE
Loft conversions can cost less than half the price of building a new extension as the basic structure is already in
place, and planning permission isn’t always required. Some lofts can prove expensive to adapt, though, and space
will also be taken up by a new staircase, so make sure that you’re actually gaining more living space overall.
SEEK EXPERT ADVICE
Many specialist companies offer complete design and build services, and although work times vary, use 8-12 weeks as a guide. Alternatively, approach an architect or designer to produce drawings , which can then be used for tendering to builders. Building regulations apply and fire safety is vital.
PLAN THE DETAILS
Consider how the new space will be heated and soundproofed. If extending your existing central heating system check your boilers is powerful enough to cope, and think about the type of flooring to avoid noise transferring to neighbours or the rooms below.
DOUBLE UP
Twin sinks and mirror are suitable for even the smallest bathroom if scaled correctly, and saves time on busy mornings
” WE’VE KEPT THE SCHEME NEUTRAL, DRESSING IT WITH COLOURFUL ACCESSORIES AND PLANTS “
MAKE IT LUXE
The new dormer has allowed room for both a freestanding tub and a sizeable shower in the space.
Sliding glass doors, £7,026; glass balustrade, £2,412; window £1,380, all Integral. Rooflights, £1,400; blackout blinds, £460, Velux. Aura flooring, £55 per sqm, Polyflor. Walls painted in Night Jewels 2, £18 per ltr, Dulux. Brenton oval double panel vertical radiator in Anthracite, £327; Crosswater Belgravia lever tall basin mixer tap, £259.99 each; exposed thermostatic shower, £929.99; ArmourCast Essence freestanding bath, £899.99, all Drench. Shower glass & fittings, £1,877, Par Glass. Basins, £238 each; vanity unit, £1,739, all Parker Howley & Co. Butler & Rose Caledonia lever deck mounted bath filler, £299.99, Tap Warehouse. Abbey Décor floor tiles, £38.40 per sqm, Porcelain Superstore. Flat Chalk Farm white wall tiles, £20.95 per sqm, Walls and Floors
