There are four common types of loft conversions, and they each vary in complexity and cost.
Typically a loft conversion will take four to six weeks to complete once building works start. Most of the work being carried out can be done without disturbing the existing house, with the final stage of fitting the staircase to join the home to your new space.
More complex projects that involve removing the existing roof will take eight to 10 weeks or maybe longer.
Velux Loft Conversion
A Velux or rooflight conversion is the most cost-effective loft conversion you can choose when converting your existing loft space, and it involves minimal alterations to the roof space. The current space is converted by simply adding Velux windows, upgrading the floor structure, running electrics and plumbing, adding insulation then stairs.
The amount of useable space for a Velux conversion will depend on the height and pitch of the existing roof.
Consider that y the time the main roof structure has been converted and fully insulated, only the area measuring 2.3m or more between the top of the floor joists and the underside of the rafters will have enough clear headroom for standing.
If you don’t have sufficient space for a simple Velux conversion, consider the other options available.
DIAGRAM HERE
Dormer Loft Conversion
A dormer loft conversion is a new extension to the existing roof that projects vertically from the sloping roof and creates additional floor space and headroom within the loft space. It establishes internal vertical walls and a new horizontal ceiling providing full head height in the space.
Dormer loft conversions are the most common types of loft conversions as the flat roof will add the maximum amount of additional space. When converting a loft, you will find that Dormers are usually added to the rear of a property, but subject to planning permission, they can be added to the side or front of your property.
Single Dormer
If local planning allows, two of these can be used to increase space and add symmetry to the exterior of your home.
DIAGRAM HERE
Full-Width Dormer
This type of loft conversion maximises space and will achieve a completely different feel to any other loft space.
DIAGRAM HERE
Side Dormer
A side dormer will increase head height in situations where houses have a hipped roof where your access to the loft is located under that hip.
DIAGRAM HERE
L-Shape Dormer
Only suitable for specific properties such as Victorian properties that have an existing addition to the rear. The L-Shape Dormer will provide a significant amount of additional living space.
DIAGRAM HERE
Hip to Gable Loft Conversion
A Hip-to-gable conversion is created by extending the sloping ‘hip’ roof at the side of the property outwards to create a new vertical ‘gable’ wall.
This is only suited to either semi-detached or detached home as it relies on an existing sloping side roof. A hip-to-gable conversion can be applied to both sides of your house; if detached with sloping roofs on either side, you will be able to build on both sides, creating a spacious double hip-to-gable extension.
DIAGRAM HERE
Mansard Loft Conversion
While other loft conversions can be completed within permitted development, a Mansard loft conversion will usually require planning permission.
A mansard loft conversion is created by altering the roof structure at the back of the house to create a large area offering full head height and spans from gable wall to gable wall. It makes another full storey and gives the conversion to be part of the original house rather than an addition. It’s suited when your original roof has little or no headroom for another type of conversion.