One of the most popular ways to convert unused attic space is through loft conversions. If you need an extra bedroom, home office, or playroom loft conversions greatly enhance the value and functionality of your home. However, with a variety of options you can choose from, determining the correct type of loft conversion for your property can often be tricky.
| Type of Loft Conversion | Description | Suitability |
|---|---|---|
| Extends vertically from the sloping roof, creating a box-shaped structure for additional space and headroom. | Versatile, suitable for most house types. | |
| Located on the rear with a flat roof and steep inward slope, maximizing attic space. Often preferred for preserving property character. | Ideal for sensitive areas or maintaining original framework. | |
| Extends the roof ridge line to increase attic space, suitable for houses with smaller internal volume. | Ideal for houses with hipped roofs. | |
| Combines a rear dormer with a vertical extension, forming an ‘L’ shape, often used in Victorian and Edwardian homes. | Optimizes space in terraced homes. | |
| Basic structure with roofing, flooring, and windows, leaving the interior for customization. | Suitable for homeowners who want to finish the interior themselves. | |
| Involves installing skylights or roof windows to enhance natural light without altering the roof structure. | Ideal for minimal disruption and cost-effective solutions. |
What Are Loft Conversions?
So before we get into the nitty-gritty of it, let’s start with the fundamentals. A loft conversion is part of expanding unused loft or attic space into a functioning room. It’s a great way to expand on the living space you have in your home without encroaching on your garden space, or drastically enlarging your home.”
Benefits of Loft Conversions
- Increased Property Value: An expertly designed loft conversion can enhance the resale value of your house by as much as 20%.
- More Living Space: Loft conversions allow you the flexibility to adapt your home’s use, whether that’s for an extra bedroom or a homely office.
- Low-Cost: Loft conversions are less expensive and much quicker to construct than building an extension.
- Aesthetic Value: Loft conversions can provide charm and character to your home when designed creatively.
Now let’s have a look at the four main types of loft conversions and help you decide which is most suitable for your home.
Velux Loft Conversions: Easy And Economical
What Is a Velux Loft Conversion?
Velux loft conversions are one of the easiest and most cost-effective types of loft conversions. Basically, it consists of installing Velux windows (or similar skylights) to the existing roof structure without too many structural modifications. Such a conversion is usually known as a “rooflight conversion”.
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What are the benefits of Velux Loft Conversions?
- Budget-Friendly: Due to there being no substantial structural changes, a Velux conversion’s cost is significantly lower than other classifications.
- Less Downtime: Since we are not using extensive construction, the job is done quicker and disrupts your life far less.
- One: Velux windows allow lots of natural light into the room, keeping it bright and air.
- Well-suited for Conservation Areas: Velux conversions are well-suited for properties contained within conservation areas or listed buildings that may be restricted in external alterations.
Best For:
- Houses high enough alreadyExisting headroom.
- Properties with steep pitched roofs.
- Homeowners with a tighter budget.
Key Considerations:
Cost-effective, Velux conversions are also space limited. They’re most appropriate for properties where the existing loft currently has sufficient height and floor space.
Dormer Loft Conversions – Increase Space and Light
What is a Dormer Loft Conversion?
A dormer loft conversion involves adding a box-shaped structure that extends vertically beyond the slope of the existing roof. This extension results in extra internal space and headroom, making the loft more practical.
Types of Dormer Conversions
- Rear Dormer — The most common type, which is typically added at the rear of the property.
- Side Dormer: Constructed on the side roof pitch, good for specific semi-connected or end-of-terrace properties.
- L-Shaped Dormer: Two dormers at right angles form an “L”-shaped extension. Suited to using space to best effect in Victorian or Edwardian homes
Benefits of Dormer Loft Conversions
- More Space: While droppers add a bit of height to a space, dormers add a lot of floor space and headroom, making them perfect for bigger rooms.
- Natural Light: The new windows in the dormer bring in ample natural light.
- Versatility: Most property types can accommodate dormers, including terraced, semi-detached and detached homes.
- Increased Vertical Space: Dormers provide more head room.
Best For:
- Houses requiring more clearance.
- Families wishing to fashion a large bedroom or living room.
- If a Velux conversion is insufficient for properties.
Visual Example:
| Dormer Type | Characteristics | Suitable For |
| Rear Dormer | Extends roof at the back of the property | Terraced or semi-detached homes |
| Side Dormer | Built on the side roof slope | Semi-detached or end-of-terrace |
| L-Shaped Dormer | Combines two dormers for maximum space | Period homes with rear extensions |
Hip-to-Gable Loft Conversions: Maximising Space
What Is a Hip-to-Gable Loft Conversion?
A hipped to gable conversion involves determining the “hipped” (sloped) side of the roof and then extending the roof to form a vertical wall (the gable). This adjustment expands the loft’s inner volume and allows it to serve different functions.
Advantages of Hip-to-Gable Loft Conversions
- Extreme Knot: This is basically what happens when you convert a sloping roof into a vertical wall.
- Flexible designs: This conversion type can be combined with dormers for extra room.
- Modern Facade: The gable design gives the property a more modern look.
Best For:
- Hipped-roof semi-detached or end-of-terrace houses
- Homeowners seeking a bigger, more functional space.
Considerations:
Houses that have a gable roof cannot undergo this sort of conversion. It may also need a planning application, depending on how extensive the changes are.
Mansard loft conversions—an aesthetic and spacious solution
What Is a Mansard Loft Conversion?
What is a Mansard loft conversion?A Mansard loft conversion is where you change one side of the roof to have a near-vertical wall (at 72 degrees) and a flat roof. The most important feature of this type of conversion is how it provides a much larger loft size and helps in creating a new stylish spacious living area.
Advantages of Mansard Loft Conversions
- Mansards: These provide the most usable space of all loft conversions.
- Aesthetic: Unique sloping design blends well with period properties without compromising limas.
- Multipurpose: Ideal for use as a bedroom, bath, and office to create multiple rooms
Best For:
- Substantial planning allowances on urban properties
- It’s period homes where the aesthetic is a thing.
Key Considerations:
Generally, planning permission is needed for mansard conversions because of the extent of work done to the structure of the home. They’re also usually one of the pricier options.
Which Type of Loft Conversion Is Right for You?
However, each style of loft conversion has individual benefits, depending on your property and personal needs. To assist you in making your decision, here’s some guidance:
Factors to Consider:
- Property Type: Does your home feature a hipped roof, available headroom or conservation restrictions?
- Budget: What are you open to spending on the conversion?
- Purpose: what will the space be used for? A bedroom? Office? Playroom?
- Local Planning Rules: In some cases, conversions may need planning permission.
Comparison Table
| Conversion Type | Cost | Space Added | Planning Required | Best For |
| Velux | Low | Minimal | Rarely | Budget-friendly, conservation areas |
| Dormer | Moderate | Moderate to high | Sometimes | Families needing space and light |
| Hip-to-Gable | Moderate-High | High | Sometimes | Semi-detached homes with hipped roofs |
| Mansard | High | Maximum | Often | Urban areas, period properties |
Conclusion
Then there are loft conversions which are an excellent way to unlock the hidden potential of your home. If you favour the clean lines of Velux, the adaptability of Dormer, the space afforded by Hip-to-Gable or the grandeur of Mansard, there is a type of loft conversion that will suit your property.
To determine the best approach for you, consult a professional builder or architect who can evaluate your property and advise you based on your budget, your needs and such Local Planning Laws as may apply. You can maximise your loft conversion and take advantage of your space to improve your quality of life for years to come with the right plan!
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