Velux / Rooflight Loft Conversion

A Velux or rooflight loft conversion is the simplest, quickest and most cost-effective way to convert an existing loft into a habitable room. Rather than altering the shape of the roof, we fit roof windows directly into the existing slope — Velux is the most well-known brand, though we work with other quality rooflight manufacturers too — and focus the work on the structure and interior fit-out of the space. There's no new dormer, no hip extension, no rebuilt rear wall. Just a transformed room within the existing roof envelope.

For this type of conversion to work well, the loft needs sufficient headroom — typically at least 2.2 metres at the ridge — and a floor plan that's wide enough to give you meaningful, usable space once the eaves taper is accounted for. Many properties in Worthing and across West Sussex, particularly those built in the 1930s through to the 1960s, have lofts that meet this threshold and are ideal candidates. If your loft already feels like a room that just needs finishing, a Velux conversion is almost certainly the right approach.

The structural work centres on strengthening the existing floor joists to carry the weight of a habitable room — this means installing new joists alongside the existing ceiling joists, to building regulation specification. We then fit the rooflights themselves, which involves cutting through the existing felt, rafters and tiles, fitting the window frame, and ensuring the surrounding tiling and lead flashings are properly weatherproofed. The rooflights bring in natural light and fresh air, and can be specified as solar-powered or manually operated.

Internally, we board and insulate between and over the rafters to current Part L (energy efficiency) standards, install a staircase from the floor below, partition off any eaves storage areas, and fit first and second fix joinery including skirting, architraves and doors. If an en-suite is required and the headroom allows it, our Gas Safe plumbers run the supply and waste pipes before boarding begins. NICEIC-certified electrics are installed as standard — lighting, sockets, smoke detection, and any heated towel rail connections.

One of the key advantages of a Velux conversion is that it rarely requires planning permission. Because the roof profile is unchanged, it typically falls within permitted development rights, which means no waiting for planning approval and no planning application fees. We do check this at the outset — conservation areas and some older properties can be exceptions — but in the vast majority of cases you can proceed straight to building regulation approval, which we handle on your behalf.

A Velux conversion typically takes four to six weeks from start to completion, making it the fastest route to an extra room. Materials are sourced through D.J. Redman in Worthing, and the finished room is fully building-regulation-compliant — not just a boarded loft, but a certified habitable space that adds genuine value to your home.