Loft Conversions

Loft conversions are not only one of the easiest ways to make the most of your existing space but can also gain you some much needed extra square meters on your property.Often blessed with daylong natural daylight, this calm and airy space at the top of your home is ideal for additional bedrooms or creating a home office.Most homes are suitable for a roof extension although those with less than 2.2 meters from the floor to the ceiling will be more difficult. Simply take out your tape measure to get a good idea how your build can begin.Roofs with a steeper pitch are more suited for a conversion as they offer more possibilities in the types of roof extensions.

What different types of loft conversions options are available?

Roof-Light

Also known as a Velux™ or Sky-light this is a straight forward loft conversion for lofts that already offer enough space for purpose. We bring in the daylight and make the space liveable and workable. The useable area will be approximately the internal size of the loft area as it is now. Most internal obstructions will have been removed i.e. support beams. The floor area will probably be raised by a few inches for the new structural support. Everything would be built to building regulations. You do not normally need any planning permissions for this type of work as you are building within the existing realms of your loft space and externally your house will look the same, except for the sky light windows. Skylight windows by Velux™ are regarded as the best. Average build time is 4-6 weeks.

Dormer Loft

A dormer extends out of the roof space, usually to create more standing space as required. The Dormer loft conversion is probably the most popular type of loft conversion where a part of the existing roof is removed and a bigger space created by building a ‘box’ frame structure, projecting approximately from the top of the roof height and the maximum allowed to the rear and sides. This creates the maximum space available. Most of the time, this would be allowed under permitted development rules with a certificate of lawfulness granted by the local council. Build time is 6-8 weeks.

Mansard Loft

A Mansard loft conversion is created by changing one of the sloping sides of the roof into a much steeper slope. The windows are then individual dormers in keeping with the style and character of your house. Normally his type of conversion applies to older terrace properties or ones that fall within a conservation area. These conversions normally require planning permissions and can be more costly because most of the existing roof has to be changed. Build time is 8-10 weeks.

Hip to Gable Loft

A Hip to Gable Dormer loft conversion is creating by extending the ‘Hip’ of the existing roof into a gable end. The Hip of your roof is generally the side of the roof area that slopes down, this would be removed and the new gable wall would be built in either masonry or stud work, and the roof is then built across to fill in the gap. You can complete this externally in either brickwork, tiled, rendered. This type of conversion is most popular on semi-detached houses and may require planning permission. Build time may be 6-8 weeks.

How can you use a loft conversion to create new space in a home?
It depends on the property but basically you are adding an extra floor to your home. It’s easy to create an en-suite bedroom, study or playroom. Some people like to have a room to relax at the top of their home while you can even create flats in larger properties.

What tile options are available for a loft conversion?
There are a variety of tile options from authentic clay to slate, metal and asphalt. There are also artificial versions and concrete tiles that are cheaper but don’t look as nice.

The pitch will determine what tiles you can use too. There are certain tiles for certain pitches. For example, there is a 15 degrees pitch for the front tiles and a 90 degrees hanging on the walls of a dormer roof. Your main concern is looking at this and choosing the right tiles or the roof will leak. Your architect or designer will be able to help with this.

What types of storage is available in a loft bedroom or office?
You should speak to an interior design expert but bespoke solutions are always best as they work with the pitch better than pre-fabricated furniture.

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