ecoTrus is a patented structural loft conversion system that turns trussed roof spaces into usable rooms—quickly, safely, and with minimal disruption.

Instead of traditional, labour-heavy structural alterations, ecoTrus uses a pre-engineered light-gauge steel system that replaces roof trusses in a controlled, repeatable way. The structure can typically be installed in a few days, creating a fully open, compliant loft space ready for conversion.

ecoTrus isn’t just a product—it’s a systemised process.

From structural design and calculations to manufacturing, certification, and installer training, ecoTrus removes uncertainty, reduces risk, and delivers consistent results at scale.

The ecoTrus system is fully approved for use under the LABC PAS Partnership Scheme and is certified as an SCI Type 1 structural system.

This means the system itself has already been independently assessed, approved, and trusted by Building Control at a national level — not just on a job-by-job basis.

Each ecoTrus project is supplied with full structural calculations, certification, and compliance documentation. Building Control inspects the installation at the required stages, and once approved, a Building Control Completion Certificate is issued.

For homeowners, this provides confidence that the structure meets current Building Regulations and is recognised by local authorities.

ecoTrus does not provide finance directly, but we can introduce you to trusted finance and mortgage brokers who specialise in home improvement and property projects.

We accept bank transfer, credit and debit cards, and in some cases cryptocurrency, giving you flexibility in how you choose to pay.

A £3,000 + VAT Structural & Engineering Fee is payable upfront. This covers the engineering, structural calculations, system design, and all technical preparation required for your ecoTrus system.

The remaining balance is due 6 weeks before your scheduled delivery date, allowing time for manufacturing and logistics to be finalised.

If payment is received later than this, delivery may need to be rescheduled. We’ll always communicate clearly and work with you to agree a suitable revised date.

Yes — self-install is possible, but ecoTrus is a structural system, not a DIY project.

Self-install typically suits experienced tradespeople or those managing their own build team. ecoTrus supplies the engineered structure, full design and certification pack, and technical guidance so the system can be installed correctly and signed off by Building Control.

You’ll need safe access (scaffold), a competent install team, the correct tools, and a clear plan for the rest of the conversion, including insulation, stairs, fire regulations, and finishes.

ecoTrus makes the structural stage faster and more predictable, but the remaining conversion works are completed by you or your chosen trades.

This will depend on the type of installation uou choose, but as a general guide:

• 2-4 months on average for a supply and install by ecoTrus, but this varies depending on availability, complexity and material availability
• 1-3 months on average for supply only, but this varies depending on availability, complexity and material availability

The easiest way is to check the age of your property and look inside your loft.

• Homes built from the 1970s onwards usually have a trussed roof. These use thin, factory-made timber beams arranged in a W-shape across the loft, which limits usable space.
• Homes built before the 1970s often have either a cut roof or purlins:
  • A cut roof has slimmer rafters and joists but they are spaced further apart, leaving more open space than trussed roofs.
  • Purlins are large, solid beams that run lengthways through the loft and support the rafters.

If you’re unsure, don’t worry — during our discovery call we’ll confirm your roof type and advise whether the ecoTrus system is suitable for your home.

• For loft height measure from the bottom of the floor joists (plasterboard) to the highest part of the roof.
• For the loft width and depth measure from the floor below your loft, run a tape measure from the front wall to back wall, for width do the same from side wall to side wall, side walls are often referred to as gables or party walls, if your property has a front facing gable switch the measurements.

In many cases, planning permission is not required, as loft conversions are often allowed under Permitted Development (PD) rights. However, this depends on your property type, location, and the size and design of the conversion.

When planning permission is usually not required

You may not need planning permission if:

• Your home is a house (not a flat or maisonette)
• The loft extension does not exceed volume limits:
  • Up to 40m³ for terraced houses
  • Up to 50m³ for semi-detached and detached houses
• The extension:
  • Does not extend beyond the existing roof slope at the front of the house
  • Is set back from the eaves where required
  • Uses materials similar in appearance to the existing property
  • Does not include balconies or raised platforms

These limits apply to total roof additions, including any previous extensions.

When planning permission is required

Planning permission is likely needed if:

• Your property is a flat or maisonette
• The property is listed
• You live in a conservation area, Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, or similar designated area
• The design exceeds permitted size limits or significantly alters the roof’s appearance
• The local authority has removed PD rights for your area

Important: Planning vs Building Regulations

Even if planning permission is not required, Building Regulations approval is always required.

This covers structure, fire safety, insulation, stairs, and overall compliance — and applies to every ecoTrus project.

How ecoTrus helps

As part of the ecoTrus process:

• We assess whether your project falls under Permitted Development
• If planning is required, we can guide you through the process or work with a planning professional
• All ecoTrus systems are designed to meet Building Regulations, regardless of planning route

If you want independent guidance, the official reference point is the Planning Portal, which sets out national planning rules.

Building Control is the process that makes sure building work is carried out safely and in line with UK Building Regulations. It’s separate from planning permission and focuses on how the work is built, not whether it’s allowed.

Building Control checks key areas such as:

• Structural safety
• Fire safety and means of escape
• Insulation and energy efficiency
• Stairs, head heights, and access
• Overall workmanship and compliance

For ecoTrus projects, Building Control is typically carried out by LABC or an approved private inspector.

How does Building Control work on an ecoTrus project?

• Application
  A Building Control application is submitted with the structural design, calculations, and drawings for your project.
• Design review
  The inspector reviews the documents to confirm the design meets Building Regulations before work starts.
• Site inspections
  Building Control visits the site at key stages — typically when the ecoTrus structure is installed — to check it has been built correctly and safely.
• Completion certificate
  Once the work is approved, a Building Control Completion Certificate is issued. This is an important document for mortgages, insurance, and future resale.

The ecoTrus advantage

The ecoTrus system is a pre-engineered, nationally approved structural system, which means Building Control is already familiar with it. This helps:

• Reduce uncertainty
• Speed up approvals
• Give inspectors confidence in the structure

ecoTrus provides the required structural calculations and compliance documentation, and works alongside Building Control to ensure the system is signed off correctly.

• Scaffolding
• Skip Hire
• Electrical & Plumbing (First & Second fix)
• Roofing
• Cladding
• Glazing
• Rafter insulation
• Stud walls (if required)
• Staircase
• Plasterboard & Skim
• Decoration

• Truss Removal/Duo Pitch – More Info
• Box Dormers – More Info
• Cottage Dormers – More Info
• Hip to Gable – More Info

• Raise the ridge of your roof (if permitted)
• Lower the ceilings
• Investigate storage options – More Info