Lofty Goals? A Guide to Understanding the Different Types of Loft Conversions

If you are running out of space in your home and have a loft, converting it into living accommodation is a great way of expanding. Because you already have the outer walls in place, converting the inside is usually less expensive than building an extension. If you need an extra bedroom, home office or even a bedroom with ensuite, converting the loft is the way to go. Let’s check out the types of loft conversions available, approximate costs and planning regulations. 



Popular because of its simplicity and affordability is the dormer type of loft conversion. Structurally, the extension will project out vertically from the roof slope, resulting in a box shape. There are no major changes to be made when producing this sort of conversion and the ability to use standard windows keeps the cost down.

The advantages of a dormer style loft conversion:

• Provides plenty of headroom
• Walls remain straight with flat ceilings
• Creates plenty of room internally
• Plenty of ventilation and light
• Inexpensive when compared to other types
• Should suit most types of houses in the UK
• Frequently comes under permitted development

The disadvantages of a dormer style loft conversion:

• Might not be the most aesthetically pleasing



Other variations on this theme are the L-shaped dormer, which wraps around the rear and side of the property and the gabled dormer – this has a v-shaped roof. The latter will cost more whilst reducing headroom but may be preferred for the front of a property.



1b. Mansard loft conversion

With this type of loft conversion, the party wall shared with your neighbour has to be raised. The roof will still be flat but the outer wall will slope inwards. Most mansards are located at the rear of terraced houses.



The advantages of a mansard style loft conversion:

• Felt to be more aesthetically pleasing in design than the dormer
• Looks good with older buildings
• Provides more headroom than other conversions
• Let’s plenty of light in

The disadvantages of a mansard style loft conversion:

• Planning permission will likely be required
• A party wall agreement will need to be issued
• Construction time takes longer
• More expensive than other styles of loft conversions

1c. Hip-to-gable loft conversion

For those living in detached or end-terraced homes, a hip to gable conversion of the loft will straighten the end roof, leaving a vertical wall. This opens up the space and makes it feel much larger.



The advantages of a hip-to-gable loft conversion:

• Blends well with the existing property
• To give maximum space, it can be combined with a rear dormer conversion
• Great for chalets and bungalows

The disadvantages of a hip-to-gable loft conversion:

• Cannot be used for mid-terraced properties
• Costs more than a dormer loft conversion
• If the neighbouring property doesn’t have a hip to gable, the building can look imbalanced

1d. Roof light / Velux loft conversion

If your budget is tight, how about considering a roof light loft conversion? The space will remain as it is with just windows added and the floor reinforced.



The advantages of a roof light loft conversion design:

• Can be as much as 25% less expensive than other loft conversion types
• A high approval rate in conservation areas
• The eaves area provides plenty of storage space

The disadvantages of a roof light loft conversion:

• There needs to be a minimum head height of 2.25m in the middle of the room
• The space will remain the same so additional room is not provided
• Headroom is limited
• May require planning permission if the windows are at the front
  

2. Establishing if your property is suitable for a loft conversion

Just because your home has a loft, this doesn’t automatically mean that it can be converted. Before you start talking to builders, it’s a good idea to contact an architectural technician and ask them to carry out a survey (which is usually free of charge). 

They will visit your property and check the following:

• Roof structure – is it a modern trussed roof or a traditional one with rafters and purlins?
• Height – the minimum height required for a traditional roof is 2.2 metres and 2.4 metres for a trussed roof.
• Useable space – will the loft space provide enough useable space to make it practical?
• Chimney – ideally, the chimney does not pass through the loft so will not need to be relocated. 
• Roofing felt – does your roof have felt below the tiles? If not, you will see the tiles and the wooden battens. Unless the house is very old, it should have felt.

Once the survey is completed, the architectural technician will let you know whether your loft is suitable to convert. It’s then just a matter of choosing the most suitable style of conversion to suit your budget. Should the survey throw up a problem, don’t worry as most of the time, this can be handled with a little extra work.

3. What will my loft conversion cost?

It’s very hard to give an estimate as much depends upon where you live, the type of conversion and any extras included. The most basic of loft conversions can be provided for £1700 per Sq. Metre with more elaborate and complex designs costing approximately £2000 per Sq. Metre.

4. Why convert my loft?

If you live in a property that has a loft, converting it is a great way of providing more space cost-effectively. Many homeowners find that by using space that is already available, they don’t have to spend nearly as much as when building an extension. Whether your home is old or modern, if you have a loft and are running out of space in the main living area, considering getting your loft converted makes so much sense. There are also many advantages obtained when you convert your existing loft space:

Create more space

You get more space without having to move home or build new external walls with a roof (as with an extension). The unused space in your loft is ready and waiting to be converted, providing you with all of the additional space that you need. Look at other completed loft conversions and you will see that they are regularly used as bedrooms, gyms, reading rooms, playrooms, home offices and even music rooms. Whatever you need, your loft can provide it, ensuring that your family has plenty of space to live in and move around.



Improve the residual value of your property

It’s truly a win-win situation when you convert a loft. Not only do you get the additional space you were so craving but also the value of your home will go up. In addition, the great thing is, it is usually by much more than the cost of the conversion. By getting your loft designed by experts, your home will stand out from others in the same area and will be more valuable. If you decide to move in the future, potential buyers will be attracted by the creative use of the extra space. Think of the money that you spend on the conversion as an investment rather than a cost with no return.

Take advantage of the view

Once you get up into the roof, the chances are that you will see views that you didn’t know existed! Whether you live in the city or the countryside, the extra height is sure to make the most of the surrounding landscape. When placing your windows in the converted loft, don’t forget to make the most of those stunning views. Irrespective of how you are going to use the space, taking advantage of the available views is a sure-fire way to make your property more attractive.