TYPES OF LOFT CONVERSION
There are different types of loft conversions to suit different spaces, providing you with a room that will meet your needs.
CONVERT ANY LOFT SPACE
The space available in your loft will differ depending on the type of house you have and the size of the property. However, this shouldn’t stop you from converting your loft into a functional space for your needs.
Loft space is a valuable area above you that often goes unused simply because the practicality of using it as a storage space can be hard work, and it is often deemed too small to be a proper room.
At The Conversion Kings, we specialise in all types of loft conversions including:
- Domer
- Mansard
- Hip-to-gable
- Velux
- L-shaped
Interested in making better use of your loft space? Get in touch with us to learn how one of these loft conversion types could work for your property.
Request a Callback
Fill in the form below to request a callback to discuss your garage conversion
TYPES OF LOFT CONVERSIONS
There are five types of loft conversions that are common in UK houses. Each has slightly different characteristics, but all of them add value to your property and provide additional space.
DORMER LOFT CONVERSION
A dormer loft is an extension that projects vertically from the existing roof, creating extra head and floor space. The result of this is a box-shaped structure that protrudes from the existing roof structure.
These are typically used on pitched roofs and are common on bungalows.
Want to learn more about a dormer loft conversion? Contact our friendly team today to discuss how this could suit your house and get a quote.
Common uses of a dormer loft conversion are:
- Bedrooms
- Home offices
- Play areas
Benefits of this type of loft conversion include:
- A significant of usable space is added
- Works well for most types of properties (terrace, semi-detached, detached)
- Allows for large windows to increase natural light entering the room
As with any home improvements, there are a couple of things you will need to consider:
- Planning permission – typically, you don’t need planning permission to convert your loft. However, as this type of conversion requires an extension of the building, you will want to check with the local authority.
- Structural modifications – will any structural modification be needed to grant access to the space or make the space usable?
MANSARD LOFT CONVERSION
Another type of loft conversion is a mansard loft conversion. This is where the roof’s angle is steepened to make it near vertical, with the top of the roof being flattened to make more space above.
This is a common conversion type used on Victorian and Edwardian terraced houses, especially in urban areas.
Speak to our team to learn more about having a mansard loft conversion and get a quote.
As this type of conversion can add a substantial amount of space to your property, it is often used as:
- Additional living space
- Bedrooms
- Bathrooms
- Man caves
- Children’s dens
- Home offices
Advantages of this type of loft conversion include:
- The additional space creates a full-room extension
- Can add multiple rooms (e.g. bedroom with an en-suite)
- Suits older, period properties and urban areas
Of course, you will need to think about:
- Planning permission – typically, you will need planning permission for this type of loft conversion because it includes significant structural changes.
HIP-TO-GABLE LOFT CONVERSION
A hip-to-gable loft conversion will take the end sloped roof (hipped) and straighten it vertically (gable), and extend the slopes on either side so that they all meet in line with the end of the house.
Because of the area these loft conversions utilise, they are only completed on semi-detached and detached houses with hipped roofs.
Discover more about a hip-to-gable loft conversion and whether it is suitable for your property by contacting our team.
Typically, these conversions will be used as:
- Bedrooms
- Offices
- Play areas
- Storage spaces
- Lounge areas
Benefits of this type of loft conversion include:
- Increases headroom and usable floor space
- Solution for roof with 3 or 4 slanted sides
- Can be combined with dormer extensions for even more space
Before deciding to go ahead with this type of loft conversion, you will need to consider:
- Planning permission – sometimes, these conversions are considered part of your permitted development rights, other times, they need planning permission, so you will need to get advice from your local authority.
VELUX LOFT CONVERSION
Velux loft conversions are slightly simpler than other loft conversion styles as they are a case of installing Velux windows into an existing roof to let natural light enter the space.
While this loft conversion type is suitable for any type of house, it is typically completed on homes with enough existing space, such as bungalows.
Get in touch with our team to learn more about Velux loft conversions and get a quote for your property.
Usual uses of Velux loft conversions include:
- Bedrooms
- Home offices
- Hobby rooms
- Playrooms
The advantages of this type of conversion are:
- It is the least invasive loft conversion
- It is the most cost-effective option
- It maintains the original roofline and character of the home
- It brings in lots of natural light
As with other loft conversion types, you will need to think about:
- Planning permission – while you don’t usually require planning permission for this type of loft conversion, it is a good idea to seek advice from your local council.
L-SHAPED LOFT CONVERSION
An L-shaped loft conversion gets its name from the shape created through the extension added to the roof. This type of loft conversion requires two dormer extensions to be built and connected in the shape of an L.
They are frequently used in Victorian and Edwardian terraced homes with back extensions as these create the shape needed.
Interested in knowing more about L-shaped loft conversions? Contact our team today to discuss your property and get a quote.
Typical uses of this type of conversion include:
- Bedrooms
- Playrooms
- Home offices
- Home gyms
- Yoga studios
An L-shaped loft conversion offers the following benefits:
- Maximises space in Victorian and Edwardian homes with rear extensions
- Creates a large open-plan area suitable for multiple rooms
Before deciding on this type of loft conversion, you will need to bear in mind:
- Planning permission – you might need planning permission for this type of project depending on your property’s location and size, so it is advisable to speak to your local authority before starting the process.
TYPES OF LOFT CONVERSION FAQS
After being refused planning permission for an extension to our house we contacted The conversion Kings as we had heard good things about them and understood that they did garage conversions. Jeff was so knowledgeable about the current building regulations and planning permissions; we were able to have our garage converted instead giving us a much bigger extension than we originally planned.
With our expanding family we decided it was time to create more space, a loft conversion wasn’t an option and we did not have enough of a budget for a full extension. We approached The Conversion Kings about a garden annexe, they designed one for us after an initial free consultation which we loved! They were able to organise all the planning and trades needed to carry out the work. We are very pleased with the finish. Many thanks to Lory and Jeff.
We were unsure about where to even start with the loft conversion that we wanted to do. I can honestly say that The Conversions Kings made it so simple for us, they organised the planning permission, put us in touch with an architect and instructed the structural engineer and building inspector. From there they helped us design the perfect loft conversion to our specific needs and then carried out the work efficiently and honestly. Thank you Jeff and Lory.