Which Type of Loft Conversion is right for me?

When you want more space in your home, undertaking a loft conversion is less hassle and generally cheaper than moving houses. When moving houses, stamp duty land tax comes into play. The current threshold is £125,000 for residential properties and £150,000 for non-residential land and properties. In order to avoid this, many people have moved to increasing the space they already have – through home extensions and loft conversions.

There are four main types of loft conversion which are dormer loft conversions, hip to gable loft conversions, mansard loft conversions and roof light loft conversions. Each type has their own distinct features.

 

Dormer Loft Conversion

This type of loft conversion is the most popular option when it comes to loft conversions as it is simply an extension to your existing roof. Just like what the image has shown, it projects vertically from a sloping roof and it would create additional floor space and headroom for your house.

This dormer loft conversion requires no dramatic changes to your roof and you are also allowed to install windows to your new loft to add more natural light into your home.

 

Rooflight Loft Conversion

If you are aiming to be cost effective as well as having the least amount of structural work, then a roof light loft conversion would be suitable for you! The only changes made are the addition of windows like what is shown in the image.

Rooflights are known to channel more light into a room than standard windows. Especially rooflights with a frameless design. This is because of their sky facing orientation, which means they capture more sunlight throughout the day as the sun moves across the sky.

 

Hip to Gable Loft Conversion

 

If you live in a semi-detached or end-terrace house, the best type of loft conversion for you is the hip to gable loft extension. As you can see in the ‘before’ image, the side roof is still a slope but once it is removed, the end wall would be built up straight to form a new vertical gable as shown in the ‘after’ image.

 

 

Mansard Loft Conversion

In order to create extra volume for your home, a mansard loft conversion would be right for you. This type of loft conversion would replace either one or both roof slopes. Mansard loft conversions are also the most aesthetically pleasing to look at compared to the other types of loft conversions

This type of conversion has a flat roof, with the back wall sloping inwards at an angle of 72 degrees. Windows are usually housed within small dormers. However, Mansard loft conversions normally require planning permissions, due to the large changes to the roof shape and structure.

 

For more information on what type of loft conversion is most suitable for you and your home, please feel free to contact us and we can start discussing your project.

How much does it cost to do a Loft Conversion?

Different types of loft conversions have varying prices. A Dormer loft conversion would cost from approximately £33,000. A Rooflight loft conversion would cost from approximately £25,000 and the most expensive one is the Mansard or Hip to Gable loft conversion which costs from approximately £40,000.

When you are thinking of doing a loft conversion, the biggest worry for you might be the cost . The figures stated above are a rough estimate on a small bedroom loft conversion.

The price may change depending on where you are in the country, the size and complexity, nature of your roof and the interior design of the loft conversion. You might also need to make alterations on the lower floors of your house such as stairwells and for fire safety. Another consideration is whether you need to install plumbing if you are creating a bathroom in your loft conversion.

As all projects are unique, it is very important to consider all the costs in building and also any new ideas for the interior. It’s a good idea to work with an architectural designer to gain a more accurate cost of your loft conversion and to identify the best type of loft for you and your space. The local authority in your area may have specific guidelines and so researching the area and past conversions can give a good indication on the type of loft conversion that is available to you.

Click here to find out how much it costs for a home extension