You don’t have much roof. You don’t have much land. But you’ve got ambition. And if you live in a Fulham terrace, that usually means looking upwards.
But before you start knocking through the ceiling and pricing up skylights, it helps to know what kind of loft conversion actually works in a place like Fulham. Because not every design fits the brick bones of these old houses.
Below, you’ll find the main types of conversions that make sense for a Fulham terrace—warts and all.
1. Dormer Conversion
Boxy, blunt, but it gets the job done.
A dormer is the most common loft conversion for terraced houses, and for good reason. You take a sloped roof and add a vertical box to it. This gives you more headroom and space for a proper window. No crawling around on hands and knees.
Why it works in Fulham:
- Most Fulham terraces have rear-facing roof space that’s perfect for a dormer.
- It can often be done under permitted development.
- It gives you a full-sized room, often with room for an en suite.
The catch:
It’s not always pretty from the outside. And if it faces the street, you’ll likely need planning permission.
2. Mansard Conversion
Looks better. Costs more.
A mansard changes the slope of your roof. Instead of a steep pitch, you flatten it out and raise the walls. From the outside, it often looks like part of the original house—tidy, subtle, finished.
Why it works in Fulham:
- Fulham has many homes in conservation areas. Planning officers often prefer mansards to dormers.
- It adds more usable space than a dormer.
- It keeps your home looking smart on the outside.
The catch:
- More expensive.
- Almost always needs planning permission.
- Takes longer to build.
But if your neighbours have one already, you’re in a stronger position.
3. Velux Conversion (Rooflight Conversion)
Low-impact. Low-cost. Low on space.
This is the least disruptive option. You don’t change the roofline—you just add skylights, insulate the loft, and fit a floor and staircase. It’s the cheapest conversion. It’s also the one that adds the least extra space.
Why it works in Fulham:
- No change to the outside means no planning hassle.
- Great for home offices or smaller rooms.
- Often doable without party wall agreements.
The catch:
- You’ll still be ducking under sloping ceilings.
- You might not be able to fit a bathroom.
- It only works if you’ve already got decent head height.
If your roof’s too shallow, don’t bother.
4. L-Shaped Dormer Conversion
Like a dormer, but with an extension over the back.
If you’ve got a rear addition—a two-storey outrigger out the back of your terrace—you might be able to build a dormer over both sections. This creates an L-shaped layout, which is ideal for a larger bedroom and en suite, or even two rooms.
Why it works in Fulham:
- Lots of Fulham terraces have that extra bit sticking out at the back.
- This gives you more floor space than a regular dormer.
- Works well if you want a master bedroom with dressing area and bathroom.
The catch:
- You’ll definitely need a builder who knows what they’re doing.
- It may need planning permission.
- It can be more disruptive to build.
But if you need the space, it’s one of the most generous layouts available.
What Doesn’t Work in a Fulham Terrace?
- Hip-to-gable conversions – These need a hip roof, which most terraces in Fulham don’t have. Forget it unless you’re in a semi or end-of-terrace.
- Full roof lifts – These are rare, expensive, and hard to get through planning. If your loft is too shallow, it’s usually better to look at a mansard instead.
Other Things to Consider
- Fire safety rules have changed. You’ll need fire doors, smoke alarms, and a clear escape route.
- Party wall agreements are often needed. Talk to your neighbours early.
- Stairs are not optional. They take up room—sometimes more than you’d like.
The Style Matters
You live in Fulham. You’ve got a terrace. You want more space.
A loft conversion is one of the few ways to get it without leaving your postcode. But the style you choose matters. It shapes how you use the room, how the house feels, and whether you’ll regret the whole thing three weeks after the dust settles.
FAQs
Which loft conversion adds the most value?
Usually a mansard or L-shaped dormer. They add the most usable space, especially if you include an en suite.
Do I need an architect?
Not always, but if you want a mansard or L-shaped dormer, it’s wise to use one familiar with Fulham planning.
What’s the cheapest loft conversion?
A Velux conversion, but only if you already have enough head height and don’t need much space.
Is it worth converting a small loft?
Sometimes, though, it might be better to spend the money elsewhere if it’s too tight to stand in.
