Different Types of Loft Conversions
If you’re in the early stages of planning a loft conversion, then you’ll need to know what all the different options available to you are to make sure you get the most out of your home’s attic space.
As loft conversion experts have suggested there are a few different loft conversion types which we’ll be going through in this article, so you can see which one might suit your house and your needs best whilst making sure that your new loft conversion adds value to your property.
Dormer Loft Conversion
A dormer is a common loft conversion choice for many houses. It is perfect if additional floor space and headroom are needed, as this is created by extending the existing roofline. It is instantly recognizable as it protrudes from the roof itself.
The room has a horizontal ceiling and vertical walls, rather than diagonal, and the extra headroom makes it a popular choice if you’re converting your loft into a bathroom and need the height for a shower cubicle.
Hip to Gable Loft Conversion
If your house does not have enough room for a loft conversion, then a hip to gable conversion allows this to be achieved. This style loft conversion requires adequate structural changes to the roofline, as a whole new section of the roof needs to be built in order to fill in the gap of where the wall is built up to the ridgeline. The new wall can either be built as a stud wall or in brick.
Mansard Loft Conversion
Named after Francois Mansart, a 17th-century French architect, the mansard roof style has two slopes and maximizes the amount of available space in a loft. The conversion is created by raising the gable walls to make the basis for the mansard. It is commonly found on older properties and the majority of the time will require planning permission beforehand.
Velux Roof Conversion
Also known as a roof light conversion, the velux is a great option for those wanting a smaller loft conversion, whether to use as a single bedroom or perhaps a small study room. The velux windows sit flush in the roof and are installed at the same angle as the roof, therefore letting the light flood into the room, creating a bright and airy space.
Providing you already have an adequate height and are able to proceed, a velux conversion is very cost-effective and no planning permission is needed as it is not extending beyond the original roofline.
These are the four main types of loft conversions available, however, as you can see from reading the above, they are not all applicable to all houses and it will depend on your individual roof’s design as to which one is the most suitable.
The best advice will always come from reputable local builders or construction companies. They will be able to advise as to whether or not you may need planning permission for your loft conversion.
