Getting a loft conversion can be an exciting decision to make. It’s a great way to add value to your property, as well as giving you extra space in your home. But it can be difficult to know how to get started.
If you are looking to convert your loft and are unsure where to start, check out our loft conversion guide where we will be looking at all things conversions, from types, costs, permissions and regulations.
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Before you get carried away with the finer details of loft conversions, the first question you will need to ask yourself is whether your loft space is suitable for a loft conversion project.
The majority of properties will come with an allowance for permitted development (PD), which means you will be able to go ahead with your project without the need for planning permission.
If you live in a terraced house, then the development will not be able to exceed 40 cubic metres and if you live in a semi-detached property then the development cannot exceed 50 cubic metres.
If your property is located in a conservation area or your roof is not tall enough then the process may get more complicated.
Is my loft suitable for a conversion?
In order to check whether or not your loft is suitable for a conversion, you have three main ways to check. These include:
Now that you have established whether or not your property is well suited to an attic conversion, it is time to plan how you will use your new space. You are spoilt for choice when it comes to uses for your new loft space. Below, we take a look at some of the more practical options for your newest room:
Practical uses:
Luxury uses:
The question that is likely at the forefront of your mind at this stage of the conversion project is, how much is this going to cost? Whilst there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, the average cost of a UK loft conversion will be around £50,000, but this is likely to change based on the following factors:
According to data from CheckATrade, this is the average time and cost necessary to complete the following conversions:
Type of conversion | Average cost | Timescale |
Velux | £27,500 | 4-6 |
Dormer | £50,000 | 10-12 |
Hip to gable | £60,000 | 10-12 |
Bungalow | £75,000 | 10-12 |
Modular | £50,000 | 2-3 |
Manscard | £65,000 | 8-10 |
Shell | £30,000 | 8-10 |
Your next step is to decide on what type of loft conversion you wish to have installed. With so many available, it can be hard to narrow down your options to the one that is not only best suited for your property, but also to your tastes and wants. Below, we take a closer look at the most common types of loft conversion available:
Dormer loft conversion
The first conversion type we will be looking at is a dormer loft conversion. It is a popular decision due to its ease of installation and cost-effectiveness. If you decide to get a dormer loft conversion, it will project out vertically from the sloping section of the roof and instead of roof lights it will use standard windows. They may not be the most aesthetically pleasing out of all of the options, however, they are a great way to add headroom and fall under the permitted development.
Mansard loft conversion
Mansard conversions are ideal for those with terraced or period properties. They are effectively adding a storey onto your home so you will need to be wary that a party wall agreement will more than likely be needed for this conversion. Mansard loft conversions work by altering the roof structure, keeping the roof flat and adding windows into the structure. Whilst they are great for adding bathrooms and ensuites, you should take into consideration that a mansard loft conversion is often more pricey, time-consuming, and will more than likely require planning permission.
Hip to gable loft conversion
If you have a semi-detached property or a bungalow, then a hip-to-gable loft conversion may be the way forward for you. This means that the slanted end of your roof will be straightened in order to create a vertical wall. The existing roof will then be taken back and the end wall will be built up to form a new gable. This will help to create a good amount of headroom and space internally.
Velux conversion
If you are looking to convert on a budget, then a Velux, or a roof light loft conversion as it is also known, is the way to go. The space remains the same but with windows and stairs added and the floor will need to be reinforced. You will also need to have electrics, plumbing, and insulation added in order for the space to become habitable. They are great for drawing in natural light and ideal for smaller lofts.
Modular conversion
A modular loft conversion is often pre-made and fabricated off-site before they are craned into the property after the roof has been taken off. Because of this, modular conversions are often quick and require very little on-site labour. There are even options when you are designing to include packages with doors, windows, electrics and bathrooms. Another positive is that usually, your modular loft company will be able to organise planning permission approval on your behalf.
As far as loft conversion projects are concerned, you should not normally require planning permission. Planning permission would only apply if you are extending the roof space or you are exceeding any specified limits. Because of this, it is always wise to check with your local planning department and consult the permitted development guidelines in order to understand what is legally allowed.
Building regulations on the other hand are required for a loft extension or conversion. They are in place in order to guarantee that structural elements are not compromised in the building work. This means aspects such as the floor’s structural strength are safe, the stability is not affected and the insulation is up to code.
A party wall agreement is part of the Party Wall Act 1996, which is a framework for preventing and resolving any disputes that may crop up as a result of the development. The purpose of the agreement is to protect both parties and give notice of works.
As long as you have no shared wall with a neighbour and you are putting your loft extension onto a detached house then you will have no need for a party wall agreement.
If your property is situated on top of a block of flats or is a terrace or semi-detached property, then you will need a wall party agreement with your immediate neighbours.
If you are looking to complete your loft conversion on a budget, these are some of the best ways you can help to cut costs:
Now we have looked at the advantages of converting your loft, we will take a look at some of the disadvantages of converting the loft space:
Stairs– An aspect of your loft conversion that you may struggle with is the stairs to the loft. As we have already looked into, there are building regulations that will need to be abided by, such as a minimum 2-metre head clearance both above and under the stairs.
Fire escape – Whilst there are no regulations surrounding fire exits, however, you are legally required to incorporate methods of fire prevention and detection as well as considering some kind of escape.
Insulation– When having a loft conversion fitted, you may find that your insulation needs redoing or improving. If you decide against this, then you risk losing the certification for the work not being granted.
Yes, you will. It is imperative that you inform your home insurance company before you have any work done to your property, regardless of whether you require planning permission or not. A loft conversion will potentially open up your property to the elements, and as a result, may increase your need to claim. You don’t want to risk invalidating your insurance and being out of pocket, all because you failed to alert your insurance company.
Furthermore, by getting a loft conversion, you will be increasing the value of your property. You will need to inform your insurance company to be sure that you have the correct buildings and content insurance.
This covers everything you need to know about loft conversions UK, if you have any insight, questions, or queries about the matter, please feel free to get in touch.
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I began writing for Property Press Online in October 2019. Particular areas of interest are housing market news and new developments in the market.
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