Extension and Conversion
In today’s housing market, maximising living space is more valuable than ever. Whether you dream of a loft conversion for an extra bedroom or a rear extension for family gatherings, Laytoe turns untapped space into comfortable, code‑compliant living areas.
Why homeowners choose Laytoe
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Specialist structural engineers – We design every beam, connection, roof and floor for strength, safety and longevity.
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Budget‑friendly solutions – Smart engineering keeps materials, labour and build times in check.
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Transparent communication – You’ll receive clear timelines, plain‑English updates and no hidden fees.
Free, no‑obligation quote – Tell us about your loft conversion, rear extension or other home‑improvement goals and we’ll send a clear, itemised price with design options.
On‑site survey & concept meeting – Our engineer visits your property, takes laser‑accurate measurements and sits down with you (and your architect, if you have one) to shape the perfect plan.
Full structural engineering package – We deliver building‑control‑ready drawings and calculations, optimised for strength, safety and cost‑efficiency.
Build‑phase backup – During construction, we stay on call for contractor questions, swift revisions and any on‑site checks—keeping your project on schedule and stress‑free.
A smooth, worry‑free journey
Why Do I Need a Structural Engineer for My Extension?
If you have a vision for your home extension, you might think that an architect is all you need to bring your ideas to life. However, a structural engineer is equally crucial to ensure the safety, stability, and feasibility of your project. Structural engineers determine the size of beams, the type of materials, and the depth of the foundations needed for your extension or conversion, ensuring your structure can safely support the additional load and remains stable over time.
Also, building control officers require detailed structural calculations and drawings to approve your project, and a structural engineer will provide these documents to ensure your project meets all regulatory standards.
Do I need planning permission for a loft conversion?
Whether you need planning permission for a loft conversion in the UK depends on several factors which must be checked by an architect, as many loft conversions can be done under permitted development rights, which do not require formal planning permission.
Permitted Development Rights
Permitted development rights allow you to convert your loft without planning permission if certain conditions are met:
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Volume Limits: The additional roof space must not exceed 40 cubic meters for terraced houses or 50 cubic meters for detached and semi-detached houses.
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Materials: The conversion must use similar materials to the existing house.
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Windows: Any side-facing windows must be obscure-glazed and non-opening if they are less than 1.7 meters above the floor.
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Height: The conversion must not extend beyond the existing roof slope at the front of the house.
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Dormers: Any dormer windows must be set back at least 20 cm from the existing wall.
When Planning Permission is Required
You will need planning permission if:
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Your house is in a conservation area, is a listed building, or has had permitted development rights removed.
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The loft conversion includes a side-facing window that does not meet the obscure-glazing requirements.
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The conversion exceeds the volume limits set out for permitted development.
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You plan to undertake a more complex loft conversion like a mansard or hip-to-gable conversion, which often requires planning approval.