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Thurston Roofing · Nottingham

First-Fix Loft Conversions

First-fix loft conversion work: structural alterations, dormer construction, new roof coverings, and the weathertight shell. We hand over a fully prepared space ready for second-fix trades.

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Loft conversion in progress with tools

On first-fix loft conversions

Turning a loft into a usable room is one of the most cost-effective ways to add real space and value to a home. We specialise in the first-fix stage - the structural and roofing work that creates the shell - and we hand over a weathertight, building-control-signed space for your second-fix trades to finish.

What first-fix means

First-fix is everything that has to happen before the loft can be plastered out. That includes any structural alterations to the existing roof, building dormers if you're going for the extra headroom and floor space, fitting the new roof covering, installing roof windows like Veluxes, and forming the openings for staircases. By the time we leave, the space is weathertight, structurally sound, and ready for plumbing, electrical, and plasterboard work.

What first-fix doesn't include: we don't fit kitchens or bathrooms, we don't plaster, we don't do flooring or decorating, and we don't handle the electrical or plumbing second-fix. We'll happily recommend trades we've worked with before, but the choice is yours.

Dormer construction

Dormers are the structural extensions that give a loft conversion proper standing headroom and usable floor area. We build dormers from the ground up - timber frame, new roof covering matched to the existing house, leadwork around all the joins, and properly insulated walls and roof. The finish ties into the existing roof so it looks intentional, not bolted on.

Structural alterations

Most loft conversions need structural changes to make the space usable: steel beams to take the load when ceiling joists are removed, new rafters or trusses where the existing roof structure isn't suitable, and reinforcement around new openings. We work with structural engineers' calculations and the building inspector throughout, so everything gets signed off correctly.

Roof coverings and windows

We re-cover the affected sections of roof as part of the conversion - matching the existing tiles or slate where possible, or replacing the full roof if it's at the end of its life anyway (often it makes sense to combine a re-roof with a loft conversion). Roof windows are fitted properly, fully flashed, and weathertight. We work with all the major brands.

Building regs and inspections

Loft conversions need building regulations approval - there's no way around it. We work alongside a qualified building inspector who signs off the structural work, the insulation, the fire safety provisions, and the means of escape. The paperwork at the end is what protects you and what future buyers will want to see.

The process

We start with a site visit and a conversation about what you want from the space. We'll talk through what's possible structurally, what the cost is likely to look like, and what the realistic timescale is. Most first-fix loft conversions take 4–8 weeks depending on the complexity. We'll send a detailed written quote within two working days.

Get a free quote

If you're thinking about a loft conversion and want to talk through the first-fix work, give us a call or request a callback. We cover Nottingham, the NG postcode area, and the wider Midlands.

Questions we're asked

Straight answers to what people ask about first-fix loft conversions. If yours isn't here, ring and ask.

Do I need planning permission for a loft conversion?

Sometimes, but not always. Many loft conversions fall under permitted development, but it depends on the property, the type of conversion, and where you are. Reach out to us and we can advise on what's best for you.

What does first-fix loft conversion work include?

Everything that has to happen before the room can be plastered: structural alterations and steelwork to engineers' calculations, dormer construction, new roof coverings, roof windows, and the opening for the staircase. You get a weathertight, structurally sound shell that building control has seen, ready for the second-fix trades.

Who does the rest of the conversion?

Plastering, electrics, plumbing, flooring and decorating are second-fix trades, and we do not do them. We are happy to recommend people we have worked alongside before, or to coordinate with your own trades so the handover is clean.

How long does the first-fix stage take?

Most first-fix loft conversions take four to eight weeks depending on whether there are dormers, how much structural work is needed, and the weather. We give you a realistic programme with the quote and keep the house weathertight throughout.

Do you deal with building regulations?

Yes. Loft conversions always need building regulations approval. We work with the structural engineer's calculations and a qualified building inspector throughout, and you get the completion paperwork at the end, which is what future buyers and their solicitors will ask for.

Is the quote really fixed?

Yes. You get a written, itemised quote covering access, materials, labour and waste, and it is free. The price only changes if the agreed specification changes, for example if we open up the roof and find rotten timbers that were not visible from the survey. If that happens we stop, show you photos, and agree the extra before carrying on.

What does the 10-year guarantee cover?

The workmanship: the way the roof was stripped, fixed, flashed and finished. If something we did fails within ten years, we come back and put it right. Manufacturer warranties on the materials sit on top of that. You get the guarantee in writing when the job is signed off.

How the work runs

1

Roof survey

A proper look from the ladder or scaffold, with photos of what we find.

2

Fixed written quote

Itemised clearly, free, and unchanged unless the agreed specification changes.

3

Tidy work on site

Access, materials, waste, and daily weatherproofing managed by us.

4

Inspection & guarantee

Independent inspection where required, then your guarantee in writing.

Where we do first-fix loft conversions

Based in Nottingham and working across the NG postcode area. Pick your area for local detail, or just ring - if it's within reach we'll come and look.

Thinking about first-fix loft conversions?

One of the brothers will walk the roof with you and tell you honestly what it needs - and what it doesn’t.

Call 07565 108872or request a callback →