These factors include:
- Ceiling height
- Access
- Services
- Planning permission and building regulations
Having your loft converted is going to be a boon in terms of extra space and add value to your property.
Are all lofts suitable for conversion?
No. It’s worth having a good look around your loft space.
First of all is there enough space to create a usable room? It sounds simple but this can be overlooked?
Is there enough height? A traditional roof is usually around 2.2m.
Does a chimney run through the space? Will it need moving?
Is there a party wall?
There’s no need to fret though as there’s always an answer to tricky loft conversions and that’s what we do at HED.
Types of Loft Conversions
There are three main factors to consider:
- Your Budget
- The type of roof
- What you want to use the loft for
With those factors in mind you can choose:
- An internal loft conversion
- A dormer loft conversion
- Full removal and build
BUILDERS NEED DRAWINGS TO PRICE AND BUILD LOFT CONVERSIONS
Internal Loft Conversion
These are the most cost effective as only minor alterations are needed. Usually this would involve strengthening the floor, adding insulation and setting windows into the roof slope.
Dormer Loft Conversions
Dormer windows are added to increase the volume of the roof space while providing full head height. Dormers are usually added to the rear, but can be added to the side or front of your property, subject to planning permission.
Following a loft conversion, the additional space can be used to suit your needs.
Dormer conversions include:
- Single Dormer
- Full Width Dormer
- Side Dormer
- L-Shaped Dormer
- Hip-to-Gable
Hip-to-Gable
Involves one or more of the hips being replaced with a gable wall (where
the roof slopes in from the side(s) as well as the front and back). The roof is then extended over these gables to add extra space with full headroom.
Removal and Rebuild Conversions
Mansard Conversions
This type of loft conversion involves one or both slopes of the roof being replaced with a new structure with very steep sloping sides. A flat roof is usually placed over the top. Mansard conversions are used when the original roof has little or no headroom and therefore creates sufficient space for an additional storey.
Mansard conversions normally require planning permission.
Pre-fabricated Loft
Where vertical space inside a roof is limited, the existing roof structure can be replaced with a larger one. “Room in the roof” trusses can be craned in place to form the shell. The roof can then be constructed around them.
A pre-fabricated unit can be watertight in a couple of days.
Concept to Elegant Completion
Home Extension Designs was founded in 1988 and provide planning drawings for loft or garage conversions plus single and two-storey extensions, internal alterations and new builds.
We offer FREE on-site visits and FREE quotations. We cover Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Essex and London.
You’re in safe hands,
and the HED Team
