Loft Conversion in Reading — Victorian Terrace Dormer, Caversham
Victorian terraced properties in Caversham, Reading (RG4) are well-suited to loft conversions. The roof pitch is typically steep — 40–45° — which provides generous height once the floor structure is installed. This project converted the loft of a Victorian terrace in Caversham into a master bedroom with en-suite shower room. A rear dormer was built to maximise headroom. Two RSJ steel beams were installed to carry the new loft floor loads. Ten weeks from scaffold erection to completion.
Project Summary
- Location
- Caversham, Reading, RG4
- Property type
- Victorian terraced
- Service
- Loft Conversion
- Type
- Rear dormer
- Build duration
- 10 weeks on site
- Headroom created
- 2.4m+ in dormer zone
- New room
- Bedroom + en-suite
- Structural steelwork
- 2× 178×102 UC RSJ beams
- Planning
- Permitted development (rear dormer)
- Building regulations
- Approved
Build Documentation
From Groundworks to Completion
Stage 1
Rear Dormer Frame
Scaffold erected to both front and rear. Existing roof tiles stripped in the dormer zone. Dormer frame built in structural timber, braced and fixed to ridge and party walls. Roofing felt and battens extended over dormer cheeks.
Stage 2
Floor Structure & Steels
The two RSJ beams were the critical structural element — these carry the entire load of the new loft floor. Each beam spans approximately 4.2m between party walls. Padstones were cast into the masonry before beam installation. Loft floor joists laid at 400mm centres on the beams and existing ceiling joists.
Stage 3 — Completed
Staircase & Internal Fit
The new staircase required opening up the first floor landing. Staircase was a bespoke cut-string design to maximise head height at the turn. First-fix electrics and plumbing for the en-suite before board and skim.
The Brief
A couple with a Victorian terrace in Caversham — three bedrooms on two floors. They needed a fourth bedroom, but the house footprint couldn't extend outward. The loft was the only option. The brief: a proper bedroom (not a box room), with an en-suite. The rear dormer made it possible.
What We Built
Rear dormer loft conversion on a Victorian two-storey terrace, RG4. Two RSJ steel beams (178×102 UC) installed at ceiling level to carry the new loft floor, spanning between party walls. New loft floor — timber joists at 400mm centres on the steel beams. Rear dormer: timber stud frame, OSB cladding faced with grey fibre cement board. Velux window in front slope, within PD limits. Staircase formed through the existing landing — compact stair at 42° pitch. En-suite: shower tray, WC, basin in a compact layout.
Why Berkshire Bespoke Builders
- ✓Owner-managed — Pindi on site, personally
- ✓32 years experience — time-served builder
- ✓Fixed-price quotes — itemised, written, no extras
- ✓Building regs managed — submissions + inspections
- ✓Based in Berkshire — Binfield, RG42
FAQ
Loft Conversions Questions Answered
Does a Victorian terrace in Caversham have permitted development for a loft conversion?
A rear dormer in permitted development (for terraced houses) is limited to 40 cubic metres of additional roof space and must not extend beyond the highest point of the existing roof. Most Caversham Victorian terraces qualify — but Caversham Heights has some conservation area designations. We check PD status at the initial site visit.
What RSJ beams are needed for a loft floor in a Victorian terrace?
The structural engineer calculated 178×102 UC beams for this project, based on a 4.2m clear span and the floor loading of a habitable room. Beam sizes vary depending on span and load — we always use a structural engineer to calculate, and the cost is included in our loft conversion quotes.
How is a loft floor staircase fitted in a Victorian terrace?
The staircase takes space from an existing room below — usually the first floor landing loses 1–1.5m of floor area to accommodate the stairs. On this project the staircase rose from the first floor landing without impacting any bedroom.
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