If you live in a big house, you’ll most definitely have an unused attic or loft space. To make this space functional, you can try out different types of loft conversions, but since there are so many options, it’s easy to get confused.
Loft conversions not only improve your existing living area, but they can also add to the value of your property.
According to statistics, having a functional loft conversion can increase your property’s value by nearly 15%.
So, if you’re having a hard time choosing among the different types of loft conversions, then this article is here to help you!
Understanding Types of Loft Conversions
When checking out different loft conversion styles, they’ll fall under something known as “permitted development”.
This means that you can legally refurnish your loft without applying for planning permission from the local construction or builder authorities.
Loft conversions can be done without any permission unless you live in a grade-listed building or if your roof isn’t tall enough to allow conversion.
For these loft styles, you should speak to a reliable surveyor or builder and ask them about the different types of loft conversions that can apply to your property.
Once you let them take care of it, all you have to do is worry about the types of loft conversions. The good news is, there are plenty to choose from!
Let’s know about all the options here!
1. Dormer Loft Conversion
If you’re looking for simple loft conversions, check out dormer-style ones. These are the most popular, thanks to their versatility and ability to fit anywhere in a pitched roof-style house.
Dormers are basically box-shaped structures with windows at right angles. Dormer loft conversions help you add both ceiling and floor space in your loft style.
Most importantly, they are big enough for ventilation, helping you add enough room for breathing too! Some of the most common dormer-style types of lofts include:
- Double dormers, where two dormers are fixed onto a pitched roof. This adds a lot of floor space and allows light to enter into the loft.
- Rear dormer lofts, where the loft is located at the back of your house instead of at the front.
- Side dormer lofts are fitted on the sides of your home and look like a doghouse.
- L-shaped dormer lofts form an L around the roof of the house.
2. Bungalow Loft Conversion
Bungalow loft conversions are a type of attic room conversion that transforms an unused attic into a functional living space.
If you have a bungalow with a bit of constricted space, then go for a bungalow loft conversion.
This type of loft conversion is also useful in a single-storey layout because it gives you extra room.
You can add dormer windows or change the existing roofline to improve the headroom and allow natural light to enter. Here are the major benefits of bungalow loft conversions:
- Homeowners can add bedrooms, bathrooms, working spaces, or even small recreation areas without extending the property’s legal footprint.
- If you add the latest insulation materials while refurnishing the loft, you can go green and reduce a significant portion of your electricity bills.
- This type of loft conversion is best suited for bungalow homes that have ample attic space and can be converted into useful rooms.
3. Hip to Gable Loft Conversions
In this type of attic room conversion, the sloping side of the roof that looks like a “hip” is extended into a vertical “gable-like” structure, which creates a lot more space within the attic or loft.
A hip-to-gable loft conversion is a little more complicated due to the structural changes required, but in the end, you’ll have a lot of space in the loft.
The project is also a little expensive, ranging anywhere between £40,000 to £60,000, depending on what materials are used and the condition of your house’s loft space. Some of the benefits of this attic room conversion are:
- Hip-to-gable is one of the few different types of loft conversion styles that can really maximise the space and improve an unusable loft or attic into a large usable area.
- This type of expansion can even increase your house’s worth by 10-15%.
4. Mansard Loft Conversions
Mansard loft conversions let homeowners maximise the square footage of the roof space. It is also one of the most expensive types of loft conversions out there.
Here, the existing roof’s structure is changed into a 72-degree slope, and the remaining top of the roof stays flat.
Mansard loft conversion alters the shape of the roof significantly and can even add an entirely new storey to your house. The biggest advantages of this loft conversion style are:
- There’s a significant increase in space, which can make your unused area much more useful, such as refurnishing it into a small bathroom or even a bedroom.
- Your property’s functional and aesthetic value increases, which, in turn, adds to its value by 20% of the pre-conversion price.
5. Piggyback Loft Conversions
In a piggyback conversion, you can raise the existing roof to create more headroom for the attic or loft. This is done by increasing the perimeter walls and constructing a new roof that is pitched back from the elevation in the front of the house.
The only two disadvantages of piggyback loft conversion are that you might have to apply for prior permission before starting with the project.
This is because it involves a significant number of changes in your loft, and you’ll also have to pay more for this type of conversion than the other ones.
However, here are some of the major pros of choosing piggyback loft conversions:
- Since the headroom increases by a good margin, you can clear out space to include multiple rooms for different functions.
- If your current headroom is limited, then a piggyback loft conversion is ideal for you.
6. Modular Loft Conversions
In a modular loft conversion, there are prefabricated units that are manufactured in off-site facilities and then taken to your property to be installed.
Here, a part of your existing loft or even the entire loft may be removed, and the premade modular loft parts may be attached.
Most homeowners prefer choosing modular loft conversions because it reduces the hassle of renovation and construction in or around the house.
Modular loft conversions are also considered to be simple loft conversions that can reduce energy consumption and heating costs.
If you have a semi-detached or detached house, then this will be a good option for you. Here are some of the benefits of installing this loft type:
- You get a high-quality solution in a short time because most of the work is done off-site, thereby reducing your expenses and time.
- It is also a sustainable solution for eco-conscious homeowners who are looking for environmentally friendly options to refurnish their lofts.
- If you have a mid-terraced home, which is a house located between two other houses that share walls on either side, then modular loft conversions might be a little more complicated. However, you can opt for a rear or front extension instead of a side one.
- The cost of a modular loft conversion is between £50,000 to £75,000. The high price accounts for the loft module materials, transportation to your house, and additional installation charges.
7. Roof Light Loft Conversions
Roof light loft conversions are pretty easy to install and are becoming increasingly popular. Here, windows and ventilation systems are installed into the existing roofline, and the loft is turned into a useful space.
However, you’ll need to have at least a head height of 2.25 metres in the centre of the room to make space for the new loft stairs.
In some areas, homeowners might also have to take prior permission before renovating the loft into a roof light style. Here are some of the advantages of this type of loft conversion:
- Roof light conversions are among the most affordable options available in the market.
- This type of renovation comes with minimal disruption to construction systems.
Parting Words
Choosing the right kind of loft conversion requires thoughtful planning because it can typically take between 8 to 12 weeks to get the job done.
You have to consider your property style, the age of your home, and the costs associated with the renovation. If there are existing roof structures or planning permissions required, you might have to go to the local building authorities for help.
To begin your loft conversion, get in touch with a builder, designer, and party wall surveyor. If you’re not certain, we at DOMENECH DESIGN LTD are here to help. Equipped with a team of professionals, credible certifications, and a good number of years of experience, we promise to turn your loft into your dream space!
