Loft Conversions in Worthing & West Sussex
Make more of the space you already have.
A loft conversion can be one of the most effective ways to create more space without increasing the footprint of your home.
An unused roof space could become an additional bedroom, ensuite, home office or even a new principal bedroom — but a successful loft conversion starts with understanding what the existing roof can realistically accommodate.
Downland Studio provides loft conversion design, planning and technical drawing services across Worthing and West Sussex, helping homeowners understand what's feasible before developing the project through to construction-ready drawings.
EXPLORE YOUR LOFT
Downland Studio Project Tool
A new view of home.
A clearer idea of cost.
Plan your loft conversion with an early budget for the build, your design team and the costs in between.
Your next step
Let’s put the details together.
Carry your answers into our Architectural Fees Calculator to review your design stages and send your project to Downland Studio.
Review my design feesSTART WITH THE EXISTING ROOF
Could your loft become living space?
The answer starts with the roof you already have: its shape, structure and usable height, together with the position of the new staircase and the rooms below.
You do not need to know which dormer you need before getting in touch. We can assess the property and explore a practical design for the space you want to create.
DISCUSS YOUR LOFT →FOUR POSSIBLE APPROACHES
Find the right shape for your home.
LOFT DESIGN
Rooflight Conversion
The existing roof shape is largely retained, with rooflights introduced to provide natural light and ventilation. Where there is already sufficient usable height and floor area, this can be one of the least disruptive ways of converting a loft. Good to know: Because the existing roof volume is largely retained, the amount of usable floor space depends heavily on the height and shape already available.
LOFT DESIGN
Rear Dormer
A dormer projects from the existing roof slope to create additional headroom and usable floor area. Rear dormers are commonly used to create bedrooms, bathrooms and more practical circulation where the sloping roof would otherwise restrict the space. Good to know: The additional headroom created by a dormer can make a substantial difference to how much of the loft actually feels usable.
LOFT DESIGN
Hip-to-Gable & Rear Dormer
Properties with a hipped roof lose useful space where the roof slopes down towards the side of the house. A hip-to-gable conversion extends this area to form a vertical gable wall, potentially creating significantly more usable space. It is often combined with a rear dormer. Good to know: This approach can be particularly useful on suitable semi-detached and detached homes with hipped roofs.
LOFT DESIGN
More Complex Roof Conversions
Some properties need a more individual approach. Multiple dormers, unusual roof structures, previous alterations or more ambitious accommodation can require a bespoke solution rather than one standard conversion type. That's where assessing the existing property properly becomes particularly important.
UNDERSTAND YOUR ROOF
Shape makes a difference.
A gable roof retains height towards a vertical end wall. A hipped roof slopes down at the side; suitable properties may offer scope for a hip-to-gable alteration. Roofs hipped at both ends can need more substantial changes to create useful living space.
The roof shape is a starting point. Our digital measured survey captures the existing layout and accessible roof space, with key dimensions and headroom checked using precision laser measurement where required. We use that information to produce the existing Revit model and assess the design alongside structure and access.
DESIGN AROUND YOUR LIFE
What would you like to create?
An additional bedroom, a bedroom and ensuite, two rooms or a quiet home office can each lead to a different design. Start with what you need from the space, then work through the usable floor area, circulation, plumbing and daylight.
The staircase deserves as much attention as the new room. A successful conversion should feel connected to the home below.
PLAN THE WHOLE PROJECT
A clearer idea of cost.
A rooflight conversion and a hip-to-gable conversion with a rear dormer are very different building projects. Structure, stairs, bathrooms, glazing, finishes, access and alterations below all affect the budget.
The calculator above explores the property, possible conversion and likely planning route, then brings together an indicative build budget, design fees, other project costs and contingency. It is an early guide; our digital measured survey, our project-specific assessment and contractor quotations are needed as the design develops.
EXPLORE YOUR LOFT & BUDGET →CLEAR FROM THE BEGINNING
Loft design & technical packages from £2,250.
Fees reflect the type and complexity of the conversion. Typical packages can include the digital measured survey, design development, the appropriate planning route and detailed Building Regulations drawings. Survey information is checked and interpreted by us to create the existing Revit model used as the design develops. Your measured floor plan is also added to the Client Portal as a PDF, giving you a useful digital record of your home. Your itemised proposal sets out the agreed scope.
Where you continue through the qualifying complete Design & Technical Package, the measured survey fee is credited against the Building Regulations drawings fee.
VIEW THE FULL FEE GUIDE →FROM DESIGN TO CONSTRUCTION
Bring the detail together.
PLANNING
Establish the route.
Check the actual property and proposed roof alterations. Planning Permission or a proposed Lawful Development Certificate may be appropriate.
TECHNICAL DESIGN
Develop how it will be built.
Coordinate the architectural drawings with separately appointed specialists, considering structure, insulation, ventilation, stairs and fire safety.
BUILDING CONTROL
Review, build and inspect.
Building Control reviews the submitted information and carries out relevant inspections. The contractor remains responsible for constructing the works correctly. Completion certification follows satisfactory completion and the required inspections and information.
LOFT CONVERSION QUESTIONS
A little more clarity.
Is there enough height for a loft conversion?
Existing headroom is an early indication, but it is not the finished ceiling height. A new structural floor, insulation and roof build-ups can reduce the usable space. Roof shape, structure and the proposed layout all matter; a measured survey establishes the starting point.
Where would the staircase go?
A new habitable storey needs a practical staircase. Ideally it connects naturally with the existing landing; sometimes bedrooms or circulation below need to change. Consider it from the beginning, alongside the rooms you want to create.
Do I need Planning Permission?
Some loft conversions can use Permitted Development rights, subject to the property and proposed alterations meeting the relevant requirements. Others need Planning Permission. Previous roof extensions, roof volume, dormer position and restrictions affecting the property all matter.
Where appropriate, a proposed Lawful Development Certificate can provide formal confirmation from the local authority. Downland Studio’s service starts from £400.
Do I need Building Regulations approval?
A habitable loft conversion normally requires Building Regulations approval. Technical design considers the floor, roof, insulation, ventilation, stairs and fire safety. Adding a storey can also affect escape routes, doors and alarms elsewhere in the house.
Will I need a structural engineer?
Structural input is commonly required for a new habitable floor and roof alterations. The engineer is normally separately appointed by the client. Downland Studio coordinates their information with the architectural drawings; the engineer remains responsible for their professional work.
Could the Party Wall etc. Act apply?
Loft works on terraced and semi-detached homes can affect a shared wall. Where relevant, straightforward Party Wall Notice Packs start from £500 per adjoining owner. Downland Studio is not acting as a Party Wall Surveyor; a separate surveyor is needed if an owner dissents or an Award is required.
MAKE MORE OF YOUR HOME
Explore the space above.
Tell us about your home and what you would like to achieve. We can discuss the first feasibility checks, the likely design stages and the information needed to move your loft conversion forward.
DISCUSS YOUR PROJECT →YOUR PROJECT JOURNEY →