3 TYPES OF LOFT CONVERSIONS TO CONSIDER
What type of loft conversion is most suitable for you will be influenced by three main factors:
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The type of roof you have
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What you want to use your loft for
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Your budget
There are three types of loft conversions to consider. These are Velux loft conversions, dormer loft conversions and loft conversions that require a full removal and build.
Velux loft conversions are usually the cheapest and require minimum building intervention. However, dormer loft conversions are the most common type of loft conversions because of the additional space they can provide with relatively simple building works. Full removal and build loft conversions will give you the most flexibility but they are the most complex and most expensive.
VELUX LOFT CONVERSIONS
Roof Lights
Velux loft conversions take their name from the roof lights installed as part of the conversion. These are the most cost effective loft conversion as they involve converting the existing loft space. Very little alterations to the roof space are needed. Additions include windows set into the existing roof slope, insulation and strengthening of the floor. These conversions also rarely require planning permission as the changes to the outside of the house are so subtle.
DORMER LOFT CONVERSIONS
Dormer loft conversions are one of the more popular loft conversion types. While the Dormers do project out from the pitch of the roof, these conversions do not involve extensive changes to the rest of the roof so the process for this kind of loft conversion is often allowed as a permitted development.
With 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 subject to planning permission, they can be added to the side or front of your property.
Following a loft conversion, the additional space can be used as an additional bedroom or two, a study or home office, a separate bathroom or a nursery. Or you can consider adding an en-suite or separate dressing room attached to a master bedroom.
Single Dormer
These are favoured by planners in conservation areas. If permitted, two of these can be used to increase space and add symmetry.
Side Dormer
A side dormer is often used to increase head height for houses with a hipped roof, where access to the loft is located under that hip.
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. A hip to gable loft conversion can often be accompanied with a rear dormer loft conversion adding maximum space. They can also look more natural from the outside when compared with a dormer conversion.
Full Width Dormer
This type of loft conversion will really maximise space and achieve a completely different feel to any other type of loft space.
L-Shape Dormer
These are only suitable on certain properties such as Victorian properties with an addition to the rear. The L-Shape Dormer provides a significant amount of additional space.
LOFT CONVERSIONS REQUIRING REMOVAL AND REBUILD
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 (slopes inwards at an angle of 72 degrees). An almost flat roof is placed over the top. This design is used where the original roof had little or no headroom and creates sufficient volume for an additional storey. Mansard loft conversions normally require planning permissions due to large changes to the roof shape and structure.
If you are in South London, Surrey or the surrounding home counties and are considering a loft conversion contact us today on 07429 644708 or email dowiat1980@googlemail.com to arrange for your free consultation and quotation.