The ideas of Loft Conversions and its Types
loft conversion ideas
The building constructor have noticed There’s a quiet trend in home improvement in the UK. It appears that an increasing number of homeowners who opt for upgrading their houses rather than moving out. One of the most popular home improvement projects these days is the conversion of lofts into livable space.
There are varied reasons as to conversion appeals to homeowners. Some dreams of a unique home or long for the privacy the loft provides. Others perceive of numerous benefits it brings. The most common reason is the amount of work conversion entails. And, because conversion is a big deal decision, many homeowners opt to hire a professional to do the work.
If you plan to go for a loft conversion, knowing its benefits and requirements will help you reach an informed decision.
What you gain from converting to loft
It is a great idea to refurbish and convert a home space into something functional. The amount of work a conversion requires, though, may hinder you from pushing through with the idea. We list here the benefits that can help you determine if the loft conversion is for you.
- Adds value to your property. The value added to your property is the best reason for deciding on loft conversions. Any functional space or improvement done to your house can add value to your property by as much as 25%. Converting lofts tends to be cheaper compared to other house extensions. The increase in value far outweighs the initial cost spent on the conversion, and is, therefore, a sound return-on-investment.
- Breathing space for everyone. Whether you’re using the added space as a bedroom, study, gym, or an office, you have provided for each member of the household a room to breathe. Converting your attic extends your home living space, which somehow gives the feeling of a bigger house.
- No planning permission required. Converting an attic into a loft is simpler compared to other house extension plans. No planning permit is required which means that an added loft room is the easiest, quickest, and no-fuss living space to build.
- Minimum disruption to home life. Conversion work takes place inside the loft during the entire process, leaving the rest of the home untouched.
5. Saves energy. A large percentage of heat goes through the roof. In converting a loft or an attic, reinforcements are built on walls, floors, and ceilings with the effect of adding insulation to your home. With the added insulation, you save on heating bills and keep the extra warmth inside your home.
6. Perfect for a growing family. Growing kids could be the reason you need that extra space. A converted loft is a great idea to accommodate a growing family without making sacrifices for you and the children. But there are other fringe benefits for converting your loft into a living space. The children don’t have to leave friends behind or remove them from a home for which they have formed attachments.
7. Saves outdoor space. If your property has a garden space, make the most of this since it is difficult to come by. Converting your roof creates extra space without sacrificing your garden since building work is upwards and not outwards.
Types of Conversions
Converted lofts come in four main types. The type you choose, however, would depend on the line and shape of your existing roof, development rights, and your budget. Before you decide on a loft to build, there are things you need to investigate.
Considerations in building a loft
- Height of roof space. Check the height requirements in your area. A clear space of 4.70m would usually require a 2.4m height below the loft and 2.1m for the area itself. And, you need to consider the slab and flooring thickness where you want to build the loft.
- Space for Stairs. You need to allot a space for your new staircase and an additional support for the loft. Stair measurement should be:
- .80m for length
- .30m wide
- .25m in height
Main Types of conversions
Dormer Loft Conversion
This type is also known as a simple flat roof dormer and is the most popular of the attic conversions. A dormer is a structural extension which builds vertically from the slope of a roof with a box shape result. This type does not require considerable structural changes and allows for the installation of conventional windows.
A Dormer loft conversions costs approx. £20,000 upwards and not exceeding £45,000
Hipped roof dormer Construction
In a hipped roof dormer, the hip roof tilts upwards on all 3 sides of its structure. There are no vertical ends. The external angle at which 3 sloping sides of the roof meet is called a hip (triangle top). The vast vertical bend of such a slope is named the hip bevel. There is a triangular sloping surface created by hips, which meets at the ridge of a roof which is known as a hip end.
A Hipped Roof Dormer can cost from £30,000 upwards to £58,000 depending on the extension size and bedrooms beneath it.
A square hipped roof Dormer
has a single point at the top from where its sides slope down. In the same manner, the rectangular hipped roof makes an edge on top of the projected length. Hip dormers are very sturdy. The hipped dormers are commonly built in ranch homes and cottages.
Despite the minimal changes to the loft, the dormer adds functional headroom for a cramped attic. And, it provides a substantial additional internal space.
Mansard Loft Conversions
This type (Loft conversion mansard) is built by raising the wall that is shared with a neighbor. The roof is flat, and the outer wall slopes inward. Mansards are usually built at the back of the house. They are appropriate for many types of houses but best suitable for terraced houses.
Some homeowners prefer the Mansard to the Dormer because of its aesthetic appeal. It also provides more headroom than the other types of conversions and allows more light to enter the loft.
Mansard Loft Conversions can cost from £28,000 up to £35,000 on a London Home.
Hip to Gable Loft Conversion
The Hip too type is suitable for detached homes or at the end of a terrace. The effect of the hip and gable conversion is to straighten a slanting end roof that slopes inward and create a vertical wall. This type introduces a small change, but the difference it brings to the feel of the inside living space is huge.
Roof light conversion
The roof light conversion does not require much alteration in the existing space. In this conversion, all you need is to add the windows and strengthen the flooring to change the attic into a comfortable habitable space.
The roof light conversion is 25% cheaper than the other types of conversion. And, you can have enough room for storage if you are creative in making your eaves functional.
A Roof Light Loft Conversion can be done within a cost of £25,000 and as low as £10,000 depending on the roof light system you choose
dormer loft conversion ideas
The Building Constructor team fully support the Dormer Loft Conversion ideas that customers bring and help make those ideas a reality within weeks. We’ve experienced some very modern loft conversion ideas from extended loft conversions to Dormer ready extensions and when houses are working on extensions for the ground floor and 1st floor, we have been required to make an L-Shaped dormer Loft extension.
Bungalow Loft Extension & conversion London
London is up to standards with modern loft conversions and loft extensions but also has a high volume of Bungalows still stand in the city of London. Building constructor have satisfied many Bungalow loft conversions customers in its time and plan to keep going. Loft extensions within the London area can be quite a task with all the traffic and congestion but a task within itself to work so high up and that’s the beauty about Bungalow lofts, they are only the size of a 1st floor in a 3-bedroom house.
You can also check out home extensions and new build departments.