Converting your loft is one of the most popular and cost-effective ways to add more space without taking up your garden. Whether you want an extra bedroom, office, or simply more storage, a loft conversion is the answer. By using the loft space in your home, you can turn an unused area into a fully functional loft room. In this article, we will take you through the process of a loft conversion from assessing your existing roof, to getting the necessary permissions, so you can make the most of what you already have. For further guidance, visit Starlight Loft Conversions.
Why Convert Your Loft
Converting your loft has many advantages over a house extension. For starters, you won’t lose valuable garden space, as the extension is within your existing home. A well-designed loft conversion will add extra space, improve the flow of your existing living space, and add value to your property.
Also, extending upwards is particularly useful for homes in dense urban areas, such as terraced or semi-detached homes, where extending into the garden may not be possible. It’s also a great way to use roof space, especially in a detached home, where you have more flexibility with the roof design.
Types of Loft Conversion
There are several types of loft conversions, each designed for different roof structures and requirements. The right one for your home will depend on the roof pitch, the amount of head height you have, and whether your home is detached, semi-detached, or terraced.
Dormer Loft Conversion
One of the most common types is the dormer loft conversion. This type of conversion creates a box-shape extension that protrudes from the roof structure, adding extra head height and useable space. A dormer loft conversion is ideal for homes with limited central head height in the existing loft space. It can add natural light with dormer windows and is suitable for semi-detached homes and terraced properties. This type of loft conversion can be any size with the dormer roof adding lots of room to the new loft space.
Hip to Gable Loft Conversion
In a hip to gable loft conversion, the sloping side of the roof, the ‘hip’, is replaced with a vertical wall (the gable). This type of conversion is ideal for semi-detached homes or detached-homes with hipped roofs. A gable loft conversion straightens the roofline, adds extra space, and turns the previously unused area into a fully functional loft room. If you want to add an extra bedroom or new room to your home, this is the perfect solution.
Mansard Loft Conversion
A mansard loft conversion is one of the largest types and often requires more structural changes to the existing building. The roof slope is changed to a near-vertical angle and the roof remains flat. Mansard loft conversions can add a lot of space, especially in homes where the existing loft has limited head height. However, due to the amount of work involved, this type of conversion may require more detailed plans and often needs planning permission.
Planning Permission and Building Regulations
Before you start your loft conversion, you need to know if you need planning permission, or if your conversion is within permitted development. For many loft conversions, including dormer loft conversions and hip to gable conversions, permitted development rights will apply and you won’t need formal planning permission, as long as the conversion doesn’t extend beyond the existing roofline or exceed certain size limits.
However, if you live in a conservation area, or your home is listed, additional restrictions will apply, and you will need to apply for planning permission. Always check with your local authority to make sure you comply with any local rules.
Once planning approval is given, all loft conversions must meet building regulations. These ensure your new loft space is safe and structurally sound. For example, the new floor joists must be strong enough to support the new floor. You will also need to make provision for fire safety, which will typically include mains powered smoke alarms, sound insulation, and a fire door to the entrance of the new loft room.
A building control officer will need to inspect the work at various stages of the project to ensure compliance with building control requirements. If your home shares a wall with a neighbour, such as in semi-detached or terraced properties, you will need to consider the party wall and may need a party wall agreement.
Designing Your New Loft Space
Once you’ve got the legal bits sorted, the fun begins: designing your new space. The layout and use of your new loft conversion will depend on how you want to use it. Many homeowners choose to add an extra bedroom with an en-suite, or turn the area into office space. Others may want to design a multi-purpose loft room that can be used as a guest room, playroom, or storage space.
To get the most natural light in your new space, consider adding roof windows or a dormer roof. Both will bring more light into the space and make it feel bigger and more inviting. If your loft space is small, use light colours and clever storage solutions to make the area feel more spacious.
You can also add an unvented hot water cylinder to improve the water pressure in your home, especially if you’re adding an en-suite bathroom to your loft room. Don’t forget to think about the overall style and how the new room will fit in with the rest of your home’s design.
Practical Considerations for a Successful Loft Conversion
One of the most important things to ensure a successful loft conversion is to work with a professional. A loft conversion specialist or structural engineer can assess your existing roof and advise on the feasibility of your plans. They will check your roof structure, can support the new loft space, and advise on installing new floor joists and reinforcing the existing structure where necessary.
You should also consider how the conversion will affect the existing doors and the entrance to your first floor. Adding a staircase to the new loft conversion will reduce the space on the first floor, so planning is key. You may also need to modify or replace the external door to meet building regulations for fire safety.
The cost of a loft conversion can vary greatly depending on the complexity of the project, the size of the loft space and the type of conversion you choose. But many homeowners find it’s worth the investment as a successful loft conversion will increase your property value and give you much needed extra space.
Summary
Adding a loft conversion to your home is a great way to get more space without losing garden space. Whether you’re adding an additional bedroom, office space, or just want more usable space in general, a loft conversion project will transform your home. By considering your existing structure, working with a loft conversion specialist, and following building regulations, you can create a beautiful and functional new loft space that adds value to your property.
From dormer loft conversions to hip to gable or mansard loft conversions, the options are endless and with proper planning, you can enjoy your new loft conversion for years to come.
