Flat Conversions London

Flat conversions can serve many purposes but they usually answer one question – how to get the best value out of a single dwelling house.  

This is not just cash value, although that is important; it’s also about practicalities and opportunities. It all hinges on what is a converted flat for?

Often a single property converted into flats will be a landlord’s investment, and could generate a substantial rental income. Likewise, buying a house to convert to flats, with the owner staying in one and letting others, could be a viable way to afford property in London or nearby.

Working with Divi Design

Whatever your reasons, our experience as architectural designers and planning specialists means we are perfectly placed to help you with your new flat conversion. We work extensively with all forms of London housing. We know all the London boroughs well, along with their planning policies and associated flat conversion costs. We understand how the planning officers work and what they need to approve a house converted to flats.

Thinking of working with flat conversion architects?

So if you’re thinking of getting a flat conversion, why not get in touch with one of the leading flat conversion architects in London?

Call us on +44 (0)203 488 2828 or email us via info@divi-design.co.uk 

Clarity of purpose always wins 

We’ll help you identify the best ways to get the most living space and utility from the flat conversion, thus increasing the appeal of the new property and maximising the return on your investment.

The modern flat conversion is a far cry from conversions in the past. 

Today it’s natural to expect good quality in every respect, from initial design to details in the finished apartment – and that’s what we’ll help you achieve.

Feasibility study 

Where practicalities blend with vision

As soon as you have your main flat conversions ideas ready, we’ll meet at the house so we can understand what you want and undertake a proper feasibility study.

We’ll be looking at how to get the maximum benefits from the house converted to flats and to see how that can be done within the property owners’ budget. 

What are some of our trademarks in flat conversions?

One of our trademarks is the way our architectural designs use natural light to enhance re-modelled spaces. And, when needed, how this can be complemented by carefully positioned artificial lighting. 

With your property conversion, we’ll help you create bright and appealing modern living spaces fit for the 21st century.

In addition to overall designs, we factor in practical elements too. With flat conversions you’ll need to know where best to place kitchens and bathrooms – along with their necessary plumbing and wiring. 

You’ll need to consider how to accommodate shared areas and separate entrances.

Visualisation made easy 

Our feasibility studies include visuals to help you see how the flat conversion might look when complete, inside and out. It’s a perfect time to consider how the initial designs could be fine-tuned. 

We’ll be transparent about the reasoning behind our suggestions, whether it is related to Planning requirements, best practice design or your budget – a key consideration in any investment.

How do we create images of flat conversions?

We combine traditional 2D drawings, 3D modelling, and photo-realistic renderings to create a truly comprehensive vision of your flat conversion. Our advanced software for Building Information Modelling means we can produce plans, 3D graphics, detailed design features, product specifications, and technical construction details all in one process.

Thinking ahead

With these resources, we pull together many strands. You’ll have an accurate sense of how the house converted to flats will look in its finished form, as well as ready-made resources to support the Application for Planning Permission. Plus, these drawings and specifications will be the blueprints once work begins.

Planning Permission 

Flat Conversions Requirements

Planning Permission is always required for the property conversions such as turning a house into flats.  If the property is listed you will also need Listed Building Consent. Further, if the property is in a Conservation Area, it is likely you’ll need Planning Permission for any demolition that may be part of the intended works.

Divi Design are London planning specialists as well as architectural designers. We are ideally suited to support your Planning application as well as any other regulatory requirements 

Details matter

As part of our inclusive service, we’ll draw up and submit your application for Planning Permission. You’ll need to factor in the time needed for this process.

Depending on the nature of the project we might also recommend using the local authority’s pre-application advice service. This won’t guarantee success, but sensible use of the advice will make refusal of permission very unlikely.

Throughout the process, we’ll keep you updated as to the progress.

Building Regulations

Buildings need to be safe and healthy

Building Regulations are the rules which govern the standards of construction throughout the UK.

Enforcing these standards, which are primarily about health and safety, is known as Building Control. All building projects, including a flat conversion, must comply with the regulations. 

As your project gets under way, it will need to be inspected at key stages to ensure compliance. Inspection is by a Building Control surveyor and they will report to the local planning authority. 

Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs)

If your house to flats conversion falls within the definition of an HMO you’ll need a licence, which can be applied for online.

Additionally, for all London flat conversions you may need advice from the Fire Service to ensure that fire precautions and fire escapes are fit for the new arrangements within the building.

Scheduled Building Control inspections 

Stages for inspection include commencement, foundations, oversite (between foundations and the laying of floors), drainage, roofing, insulation, and completion.

Prior to the inspections, you will also need to make a Building Control Application, which will get you into the system and avoid wasting time in the last stages of your project. There are fees payable to the LPA for this service and these can vary depending on the size and nature of the work done.

We can help you with organising this part of the job, to ensure everything runs smoothly and on time.

Divi Design are with you, all the way

We pride ourselves not just on our flair for architectural design and our expertise in Planning – but also on our holistic approach to every project we do.

We are passionate about excellence and we have an impressive attention to detail. We love the satisfaction of knowing we’ve done a great job and being sure that our clients know it too.