Loft conversions can be the ideal way to add space to your home without extending its footprint. Whether it’s due to a growing family, need for a dedicated home office space or a new hobby, a loft conversion is often the perfect solution for those wanting to squeeze the most space out of their existing homes.
In this guide, we’ll be including advice on everything from costs and planning permission to the types of loft conversions.
Can my loft be converted?
Some lofts are more suitable for conversion than others. Loft conversions that are tricky can be disruptive and costly so it’s important to ensure the finished product is a useful space and/or adds the value you hoped to achieve. Factors that determine whether your loft can be converted include:
-
- Available head height: This needs to be measured from the top of the floor joists in the loft, to the underside of the ridge beam. Although the building regulations permit head heights of 2.2m, a far more comfortable height once a new floor covering has been laid and the ceiling finish has been applied is 2.4m.
- The roof pitch: The steeper your roof pitch, the easier the loft conversion will be, with most angles above 30 degrees working best. The steeper the roof pitch, the more head height will be available.
- Type of roof structure: There are two main types of roof structure: a cut roof or trussed. A cut roof uses rafters, joists and purlins and leaves most of the triangular space below free. A trusses roof uses W-shaped trusses (or supports) that provide a braced support and run through the cross section of the loft. Both are convertible but will require different approaches.
- Water tanks and chimney stacks located in the loft: If your water tank is in the loft, you’ll need to find a new spot. You may wish to also remove a chimney stack in your loft to make more space.
- Available head space for staircase: Even if you have the required amount of headspace available in your loft, you may run into difficulties if you don’t have enough space for a staircase up to it. The building regulations require a minimum of 1.9m of headroom at the centre of the flight, and 1.8m at the edges. You will also need to allow spaces for the staircase on the floor below.
Loft conversion types
There are five main loft conversion types used in the UK.
- Dormer: A popular choice for many people, being one of the simpler and more cost-effective types of loft conversion out there. A dormer loft conversion projects out vertically from the sloping section of the roof and uses standard windows. They can span the entire width of the roof. They are not always as aesthetically pleasing compared to other types of conversions.
- Roof light: The cheapest way to convert a loft. The existing space just remains as it is, with roof windows added. The floor will need to be reinforced and stairs added. Roof lights are an easy way to draw in natural light and provide ventilation.
- Mansard: This conversion is almost like adding an entire new storey to a house and is ideal for period properties and for loft conversions on terraced houses. It involves altering the roof structure of a sloped roof, giving it an almost vertical wall. The roof remains flat, and windows are inserted into the new roof structure.
- Hip to gable: Ideal for bungalows or semi-detached houses. A hip to gable loft conversion straightens the slanted (hipped) end of a roof to create a vertical wall (the gable end). This creates a good space internally with full headroom.
- Modular: Ready-made loft conversions, often made up using a steel frame, are fabricated off-site before being craned into position – after the roof of the house has been taken off. This type of loft conversion is quick and requires little in the way of on-site labour.
Do I need planning permission for my loft conversion?
Loft conversions are particularly useful where planning permission for an extension is likely to be difficult, or in built-up urban areas where there isn’t the external space.
If you live in a listed building, you will need Listed Building Consent or if you live in a designated area, such as Conservation Area, Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty or National Park will usually need to apply for planning permission.
A loft conversion should not require planning permission providing:
- The new roofing doesn’t add more than 40m3 of space for terraced houses, or 50m3 on detached and semi-detached houses.
- The extended space doesn’t go beyond the plane of the existing roof slope facing the highway.
- There are no raised platforms or balconies.
- New roofing materials are either an exact match for, or very close to, the original.
- No extension is higher than the highest part of the existing roof.
- Dormers or any other extensions (except hip-to-gables) are set back at least 200mm from the original eaves – unless this is impossible.
- Side facing windows feature obscured glazing and an opening that is 1.7 metres above the floor.
- Any extensions do not overhang the outer face of the original wall of the house.
If any of the above guidelines are not met, you’ll need to apply for planning permission through your local council.
What building regulations do I need to consider?
When it comes to building regulations for loft conversions there is one rule you need to know – loft conversions always need building regulations approval, irrespective of whether planning permission is required.
If you live in a terraced house or semi-detached, you’ll need to comply with the Party Wall Act 1996.
Costs of a loft conversion
Loft conversion costs vary a great deal, so it’s important to get a detailed breakdown of the costs.
The factors shaping your loft’s price tag are:
- Your vision is key: What’s the end goal for your loft? Will it be a luxurious master suite, home office or a hangout for teenagers? The purpose can impact the complexity and cost.
- Planning permission pitfalls: Factor in the cost of submitting a planning application, if required.
- DIY or delegate? Your involvement level influences the costs. Will you be doing the painting and decorating, installing floors or tiles, or getting in the professionals (hint!)?
- Design detail matter: Simple skylights or dormer window? Bespoke built-in storage or simple shelving? Each design choice affects the price tag.
- Energy efficiency: Will your existing boiler and electrical system need upgrading to support your new loft space?
- Roof realities: Your roof’s type, size, and condition influence the complexity and cost of conversion.
Cobbydale Construction
By understanding these factors and taking an informed approach, you’ll be well-equipped to transform your loft vision into a reality that fits your budget and dreams. It’s also worth bearing in mind that an additional bedroom and bathroom can potentially add around 20% to the value of a typical three-bedroom, one-bathroom house.
If you’d like to speak to professionals about anything to do with your loft conversion. Get in touch with Cobbydale Construction today – here.