Derbyshire

Loft conversions in Derby

We design and build loft conversions for homes right across Derby, from Victorian terraces near the city centre to interwar semis and post-war family houses in the suburbs. The city council's own housing strategy notes that Derby has more pre-1945 homes than the national average and a particularly high share of semi-detached houses, so there are plenty of roof spaces that could become a bedroom, office or en suite with the right design.

Local loft conversion specialists

Converting lofts in Derby

Planning applications in Derby are decided by Derby City Council. The council has designated sixteen conservation areas, from the City Centre, Friar Gate and the Railway area to former villages such as Allestree, Markeaton, Mickleover and Spondon, and several of them also have Article 4 directions that bring extra alterations under planning control. If your home is inside a conservation area, a dormer or hip to gable can't be built under permitted development and needs full planning permission. Outside them, many houses can use permitted development, within its size limits and as long as nothing extends beyond the front roof slope facing the road.

Housing ranges from brick terraces to 1930s council estates and the large post-war Mackworth Estate, so roofs vary from street to street. We look after the design, structural calculations and building control sign-off. We're about 8 miles from our base in Ilkeston.

How a loft conversion works

Our services

Loft conversion services in Derby

Every type of loft conversion, designed and built by one team, with structural calculations and building control handled for you.

  • Dormer loft conversions

    A box extension built out from the roof slope

    Built out from the slope of your roof, a dormer adds valuable headroom and floor space so the loft works as a proper room. We handle building regulations, structural engineering and every finishing touch.

  • Rear dormer extensions

    A full-width box across the rear roof slope

    A flat roof and vertical walls off the rear slope give maximum internal volume and a traditional room shape. Popular on terraced and semi-detached homes, with private building control, structural calculations and approvals all covered.

  • Mansard loft extensions

    A steep 72° rear wall with a flat roof above

    One of the most transformative options. The rear roof is rebuilt as a near-vertical wall, typically at 72 degrees, with a flat roof on top, creating room for several bedrooms or a large master suite.

  • Hip to gable conversions

    The sloping hip rebuilt as a vertical gable wall

    Made for semi-detached, end-of-terrace and some detached homes with a sloping “hipped” roof. We build the sloping side up into a vertical gable end, significantly increasing headroom and usable floor space.

  • L-shaped dormer conversions

    Two linked dormers forming an L in plan view

    Two dormers joined together, one on the main roof and one over the rear extension, forming an “L” from above. Ideal for Victorian and Edwardian terraces, using every inch of roof space.

  • Pitched dormers

    A small gabled roof over each dormer window

    A dormer with its own gabled roof that mirrors the main roof, keeping the character of period and traditional homes while bringing in extra space and plenty of natural light.

  • Velux conversions

    Roof windows set flush into the existing slope

    Roof windows fitted flush with the existing roofline fill the loft with daylight without major structural changes. They typically fall under permitted development, so they are quicker and easier to install.

  • Shell loft conversions

    Structure and weatherproofing done, fit-out left to you

    We build the weatherproof, structurally sound shell: steelwork, floor, roof alterations, dormer if required, windows, staircase and external roofing. You finish the interior at your own pace and budget.

Why Top Mark

One team from the first drawing to final sign-off

  • 20+ years’ experience

    Two decades of designing and building loft conversions across Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire.

  • Designed around you

    We listen to your ideas, suggest improvements and plan the space around the way you live.

  • Approvals handled

    Private building control, structural engineer’s calculations and building regulations are all part of the service.

  • Clear quotes and updates

    Detailed quotes that include building control fees, and clear communication as the work goes on.

Our process

How your loft conversion comes together

The same proven sequence on every project, from the first steel going in to the final sign-off, with you involved at the moments that matter.

  1. 01

    Steel fabrication & structure

    Work starts on day one with steel fabrication and the new structure, creating a strong framework to safely support your new living space.

  2. 02

    Stair fitting

    With the structure finished, we fit your new staircase so the loft is safe and easy to reach from the floor below.

  3. 03

    Last-minute design

    Once the stairs are in, you come up and see the space for yourself. Planning rooms and windows while standing in the loft is far easier than working from a drawing.

  4. 04

    Plumbing & electrics

    First-fix electrics and plumbing go in, and you can talk through ideas for your bathroom and main room with our electricians and plumbers.

  5. 05

    Insulation & boarding

    We insulate, plasterboard and build internal walls while our roofers and bricklayers work outside, keeping the time on site to a minimum.

  6. 06

    Completion & sign-off

    Plasterers, second-fix joiners, electricians and plumbers complete every detail on site, leaving you with a transformed home you’ll love for years to come.

See the full process

Our work

Recent loft conversion projects

A selection of our loft conversions across Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire.

  • Aerial rear view of a red-brick semi-detached house with a tile-hung rear dormer and glass Juliet balcony above a flat-roofed single-storey extension, with fields beyond
  • Close aerial view of the side of a dormer hung with multi-tone clay tiles, with a flue outlet and a glimpse of the glass balustrade on the front
  • Children's room in a loft conversion with grey carpet, a play teepee, a cot and a deep red feature wall
  • Loft shower room with a brass-framed quadrant shower, oak door, white vessel basin and wood-effect floor
  • Shower room with a round LED mirror, tall brass towel radiator and a floating white vanity with a vessel basin
  • Shower room with a floating white vanity and round mirror between a brass towel radiator and a brass-framed shower
See the full gallery

Reviews

Rated 5.0 out of 5 by homeowners

From 31 reviews on Google. Here’s what a few of our customers had to say.

  • 5 out of 5 stars

    Highly recommend Top Mark Conversions Ltd They listened carefully to our ideas offered valuable suggestions and delivered exactly what we wanted The quality of the craftsmanship was impressive and our new living space has added both comfort and value to our home

    William Google review, July 2026
  • 5 out of 5 stars

    We recently had a loft conversion completed by the team at Top Mark Conversions Ltd and couldn’t be happier with the results. From start to finish, they were incredibly helpful, professional, and clearly very experienced. Nothing was ever too much trouble for them – they were always happy to answer questions, offer advice, and make sure everything was exactly how we wanted it. The quality of workmanship is excellent, and the whole process felt smooth and well managed. I’d highly recommend TopMarkConversions to anyone considering a loft conversion. A great team delivering a fantastic end result!

    Daniel H. Google review, June 2026
  • 5 out of 5 stars

    Mark and his team were fantastic throughout our project. From the initial meeting with Mark to discuss and price for the job he kept us informed at every step. The whole team were professional and nothing was too much trouble. With the access to various trades at his disposal, any requirements we had were able to be met. Would thoroughly recommend.

    Calvin E. Google review, May 2026
  • 5 out of 5 stars

    Highly professional work from Mark and his team. All trades,material delivery,waste disposal and any loose ends were taken care of by Mark promptly Great communication, always on the other end of the phone to answer any questions Highly recommended

    A G. Google review, November 2025
  • 5 out of 5 stars

    Mark and his team was truly amazing! The whole team was friendly , polite and helpful. Nothing was an issue for them. Helped us to design and achieve the most out of our loft. The space they have created is unbelievable. Highly recommend them! Trustful and professional service. They look after every single step of the work. We didn’t have to deal with anything. Hard to find such genuine contractors like them! 👌

    Alexandra G. Google review, July 2025
  • 5 out of 5 stars

    Outstanding craftsmanship from Mark and his team, from day 1 Mark kept us informed and updated on the progress. We are so grateful for following Marks advice and years of experience, because we now have a loft space that suppresses all of our expectations and more. I can't thank you all enough. Highly, highly recommend. Thank you so much

    Clare C. Google review, December 2024
  • 5 out of 5 stars

    Top Mark Conversions Ltd transformed our unused loft into a bright spacious and beautifully finished room. From the initial consultation to the final handover the team was professional organised and easy to work with The workmanship was exceptional and the project was completed to a very high standard

    Brandon P. Google review, July 2026
  • 5 out of 5 stars

    Mark and his team were brilliant from start to finish. They completed the shell loft conversion efficiently while keeping the quality of work to a very high standard. They explained every step clearly, gave helpful advice and recommendations, and dealt with any issues that came up without any hassle. We’ve been left with a fantastic loft conversion and me and my wife couldn’t be happier with the result. Thanks again!

    Michael D. Google review, May 2026
  • 5 out of 5 stars

    Mark and his team were incredible. It was unbelievable how quickly our cold dusty loft was transformed into a light and spacious luxury en-suite bedroom. Mark was always available to talk me through each stage of the conversion and help me make decisions when I had no idea what I wanted. I now have a beautiful bedroom and feel like I’m on holiday in my own house. Would highly recommend

    Alison P. Google review, May 2026
  • 5 out of 5 stars

    What can I say! Nothing but high praises for Mark and his team! We moved out and handed over the keys and came back to our vision becoming a reality! Mark and his team were 100% professional from pre-contract to completion. Not once did I feel that any question, call, concern or request was unanswered or ignored! An absolutely talented team and brilliant company who I’ve recommended and would continue to recommend over and over again! Thanks again Mark and your team! You really did deliver a Top Mark Conversion!

    Charlene G. Google review, August 2025
  • 5 out of 5 stars

    Very pleased to have found Mark and the team to do our loft conversion. From the moment of receiving the quote to the end we have always received the best service - the level of professionalism and expertise is second to none - nothing was too much trouble! We have managed to add on two extra bedrooms and a bathroom - just what our family needed - so pleased with the end result. Highly recommend!

    Lynne D. Google review, April 2025
  • 5 out of 5 stars

    Mark and the team were brilliant! They completed my loft conversion, creating a third bedroom in my terraced house, to an excellent standard. From the start of the project they kept me upto date and nothing was too much trouble. Really lovely guys and I couldn’t recommend them highly enough. Thanks!

    Claire O. Google review, September 2024
Read more reviews on Google

FAQs

Loft conversions in Derby: your questions

Can’t see your question? Our team is always happy to talk it through.

Ask us a question

Do I need planning permission for a loft conversion in Derby?

Often not. Many Derby homes can use permitted development for a loft conversion, within limits on size and position. Derby City Council decides planning applications, and if your house is in one of the city's sixteen conservation areas, a dormer or hip to gable needs full planning permission. Some properties there also have Article 4 directions. Building regulations approval is needed in every case.

Which type of loft conversion suits homes in Derby?

It depends on the house. Victorian terraces with a rear outrigger often suit an L-shaped dormer, interwar and post-war semis with hipped roofs usually suit a hip to gable with a rear dormer, and detached houses often take a full rear dormer. Where there's already good headroom, a Velux conversion can be enough. We'll look at your roof before recommending anything.

Do you cover Derby?

Yes. Derby is about 8 miles from our base in Ilkeston, and we work across the city and its suburbs, including Darley Abbey, Mickleover and Spondon, as well as the surrounding towns and villages in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire. Get in touch to arrange a visit and talk through what your loft could become.

How long does a loft conversion take?

Most take between 6 and 12 weeks, depending on the size, complexity and type of conversion. Larger projects such as mansard or hip to gable conversions can take longer because of the extra structural work.

How much disruption should I expect during construction?

We keep disruption to a minimum. Most of the work is contained within the loft, and we keep the site clean and safe. In most cases you can carry on living at home during the build.

Do you offer free quotes?

Yes. Get in touch by phone, WhatsApp or the enquiry form and we’ll arrange a free quotation for your project.

View all FAQs

Coverage

Derby and nearby

Derby is about 8 miles from our base in Ilkeston. We also cover these nearby areas.

All the areas we cover

Free quote

Let’s talk about your loft

Tell us a little about your home and what you have in mind. One of our project managers will get back to you to talk it through and arrange your free quotation.

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