There are 4 types of loft conversion to consider, each one offering different benefits and features. Which type you choose depends on the style of your property, roof height, available space and planning regulations.
If you have a sloping roof and need to increase your usable room size, a dormer conversion could be the answer. It is one of the most popular loft conversion styles as it provides a lot of useful headroom and additional space by reflecting natural light inside.
Roof Light/Velux Conversion
A Velux loft conversion is one of the simplest and most cost-effective types of a roof conversion. It involves adding a number of roof lights to the existing roof structure turning it into a bright and airy habitable space.
Velux windows are becoming increasingly popular in Loft conversion company due to their ease of installation, low cost, and excellent energy efficiency. They can also help to maximize natural light in your attic space and transform your conversion into a new living room or home office.
Roof structures can vary, so it is important to consider how yours will be affected by a Velux conversion. If your roof has a steep pitch, this may not be suitable for a Velux conversion as it would be difficult to install the windows without compromising the height of your existing roof structure.
Dormer Conversion
A dormer conversion is one of the most popular styles of loft extension. It creates additional headroom and space, allowing you to add rooms like bedrooms, studies or bathrooms.
You can have dormer windows installed which allow natural light to enter your new extension and give a spacious, airy feel. You can also have skylights, which can be ideal for bathrooms if your roof is sloped.
Dormer conversions are usually built into the rear of your property, however they can be done on either side as well subject to planning permission. They are one of the cheapest and most straightforward types of loft conversion.
There are many different materials that can be used for a dormer conversion. Brick is often used, although you can also choose tile hung or slate hung, or rendered finishes.
Hip to Gable Conversion
A hip to gable conversion is an ideal way to convert a loft space which has limited usable floor space. It increases the amount of room in the converted area and also provides more head space on the stairs, making it a great addition to any home.
This type of loft conversion is best suited to detached houses, semi-detached homes and end of terraced houses. It can be combined with a dormer for maximum potential.
It involves removing part of the roof and replacing it with a gable end, creating a huge change in the roofline that will maximise your conversions potential. It can be tile hung, slate hung or rendered to match your existing roof.
Mansard Conversion
Mansard conversions, named after a French Architect called Francois Mansard, are one of the most common types of loft extensions. These involve extensive changes to the roof and are therefore very expensive to build, but they can offer a noticeable increase in floor space and can be used for a variety of purposes.
Mansard loft conversions are usually built at the rear of a property and have an end-of-roof angle of around 72 degrees. They’re generally more stylish than other types of extensions and can incorporate Juliette balconies or large Velux windows.
These conversions can be finished in a number of ways, including brick or tile, which will be matched to the existing structure. They can be a good option in conservation areas and will help to maintain the pleasing uniformity of design that’s so important in these areas.
