A city of many housing eras
Birmingham grew rapidly in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, and its suburbs reflect that. Areas such as Moseley, Harborne, Kings Heath and Selly Oak have plenty of Victorian and Edwardian terraces and villas. Bournville has its own garden village character, with homes built from the late 1890s onwards. Large parts of Quinton, Northfield, Weoley Castle, Hall Green and Kings Norton were developed between the wars and after, with long streets of semis and council-built estates. Newer flats and houses appear across the city too.
Because we are based to the west, south and west Birmingham tend to be the most practical for us, but the whole city is within our service area. Ask us about your postcode.
Terraces in Moseley, Harborne and Kings Heath
Victorian terraced lofts are long and narrow, bounded by party walls, with traditional cut-timber roofs. Height along the ridge is often reasonable. The usual sticking point is the hatch, which is often small and sometimes sited above the stairs. We will look at whether a replacement or repositioned loft hatch would make room for a safe ladder, checking the ceiling joists first.
Interwar semis in Quinton, Northfield and Hall Green
The classic 1930s Birmingham semi often has a hipped roof with a solid central storage area. Many have had insulation added in stages over the years, so it is common to find a thin or uneven layer. These lofts are often well suited to a raised storage deck, with a top-up of insulation underneath where needed.
Bournville and garden-suburb homes
Garden village houses vary in size and roof shape. Some have more complex roofs with dormers or cross gables, which can make the usable floor area irregular. We plan boarding around what is practical to reach and keep it clear of ventilation paths.
Post-war and modern homes
Homes built from the 1960s onwards usually have trussed rafters. The trusses divide the space into bays and must never be cut or altered. We board the bays nearest the hatch for practical storage. A compact folding ladder is often the best fit for the lower ceilings typical of these homes. Our page on choosing a loft ladder explains the options.
Insulation first, boards on top
Boards nailed straight onto joists compress the insulation and reduce its effect. We fix loft legs so the deck sits above the insulation, leaving space for around 270mm of mineral wool beneath. See our raised loft boarding service for more detail.
Flats and leasehold homes
If you live in a flat or a leasehold house, the roof space may not belong to you outright. Check your lease or with the freeholder before planning any loft work.
Storage, not a room
Boarding is for storage: boxes, suitcases, decorations and the things that clutter spare rooms. A loft conversion, where the roof becomes a bedroom or office, is a separate job needing structural design and Building Regulations approval.
Getting a quote
We arrange a survey, measure up, check the structure and insulation, and then send a written quote. Call 07506 746177 or email hello@smartspacelofts.co.uk with your postcode to get started.
