Ultimate Guide to Loft Conversions From Window Specialists
Unlock your home’s space and value with our ultimate loft conversion guide
Dreaming of a loft conversion to expand your living space? Given record-high UK property prices and evolving post-pandemic perspectives, homeowners and growing families in the North West are increasingly crafting everyday sanctuaries. This surge has increased the popularity of loft conversions, dreamy interior renovations, and roomy extensions.
Our extensive services offer a variety of loft conversions as part of larger home extensions, allowing our customers to completely transform and personalise their living experience while adding value to their homes. Get in touch today and discover exactly how we can bring your dream space to life!
Benefits of loft conversions
Loft conversions are a simple way to add value to your home and increase the living space to house new hobbies, family additions or create more functional rooms. However, not taking the proper precautions can cause unnecessary delays, budget issues and even lead to structural problems.
So, what are the different types of loft conversions?
It’s worth noting the rules, regulations and the differences between each type of conversion. We’ve taken the guesswork out of the process by creating the ultimate guide to loft conversions below so you can get started.
Hip to Gable Loft Conversion:
This type of loft conversion suits houses with hipped roofs, where the side roof slopes toward the eaves.
It involves extending the hip (sloping) roof to create a vertical gable end to completely change the roof’s shape and maximise the internal space within the loft.
image from: https://www.theloftconverter.com/loft-conversion/barnet-bosworth-road-2
Velux Loft Conversion:
Often known as a roof light or skylight conversion, Velux loft conversions involve adding windows to brighten the existing roof slope without altering its shape.
Not only can this be a relatively simple and cost-effective option for pitched roofs already containing enough headroom, but it can also be quicker and less disruptive to install.
Dormer Loft Conversion:
Dormer loft conversions project vertically from the plane of a sloping roof, effectively creating significantly more usable space. Typically, they have a flat roof and may include larger windows or even a small balcony to enhance natural light, ventilation and living space.
Mansard Loft Conversion:
These loft conversions alter the entire roof structure by replacing one or both slopes with a much steeper angle, resulting in a stylish box-like extension with a flat roof. This way, homeowners may add living space where planning restrictions can limit other types of conversions.
The type of loft conversion you want may be different from what’s best suited to your roof structure, local planning regulations, budget, and the desired living space outcome. Don’t forget all types of conversions will need to allow space for staircases and efficient headroom (building regulations require 1.9m at the centre and 1.8m at the edge).
How much does a loft conversion cost?
Simpler loft design solutions to the existing framework will naturally come with a smaller price tag. On average, a loft conversion will be anything from £60,000 upwards, which includes everything from helping you plan your design to beginning the installation and finalising the space for use.
It’s worth noting that these figures are just estimates, and you can expect a personalised quote from a thorough consultation with our experienced and friendly Allerton Windows team based on your needs. With a number of convenient payment options, paying for your new loft conversion has never been easier. Payment plans are subject to application and are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
Find out more about our finance options or chat with us about a payment plan via the phone, message, or a visit to our showroom.
What planning permissions and rules do I need to follow for a loft conversion?
Every type of loft conversion is different. In many cases, the work will be covered by Permitted Development rights, meaning you won’t need planning permission; however, there are a variety of parameters your intended design should follow:
- Your property mustn’t have already used it’s Permitted Development rights.
- The loft conversion does not exceed a specific volume allowance (40 cubic meters for terraced houses or 50 cubic meters for all others).
- The extension does not exceed the existing roof height or alter the roof slope where it faces onto a main road.
- The materials used are similar in appearance to the existing house.
It’s important to note that Permitted Development doesn’t apply for specific loft conversions, such as within areas of outstanding natural beauty or when incorporating a veranda or balcony with an elevated platform.
We highly recommend consulting with our loft conversion specialists at Allerton Windows, who have the trade knowledge and loft conversion experience you’ll need to ensure your plans fully comply with UK building regulations. Together, we can determine your property’s specific requirements, available options and local regulations.
How long does a loft conversion take?
This can vary entirely on your property, the living space you have in mind and additional requirements. We guarantee after a consultation with our conversion specialists, that we’ll be able to provide more details on delivering your planned project on time, and on budget. The average time from consultation to completion is between 4 to 7 weeks.
Does a loft conversion increase my home’s value?
Yes is the simple answer. Adding more square footage and living space can increase your property’s value and future buyer appeal, especially for families, hobby enthusiasts and homebodies. A loft conversion can add a whopping 10-20% more to the overall value of your home, but you should also factor in the ceiling price of your area’s properties too.
Do you need an architect for a loft conversion?
While you don’t need an architect, we recommend having a specialist onboard to prevent any headaches that could appear in the long run. As with any alterations to your property, you want to have the best, most trusted people on the job. That’s why we’ll guide you on the right architect or structural engineer (depending on the degree of property alteration) for the loft conversion you have in mind.
The steps and intricacies of your project can be discussed with our friendly Allerton Windows specialist at our showroom or conveniently at your home.
What else do I need to think about for a loft conversion?
- You won’t always need planning permission, but if and when you do, applications can begin at around £250 mark, depending on where you live and your property type.
- Cover your legal bases. If you go down the Permitted Development route, we advise obtaining a Lawful Development Certificate to avoid issues with a future sale.
- Consider your neighbours. If your property shares a wall with another building, you may need to apply for a Party Wall Agreement.
- Roof age and construction. It may sound obvious, but roofs haven’t always been built the same way. From the 1960s onwards, roofs have typically less space available for possible conversions due to changing architectural and construction styles.
- Existing tanks and stacks. You may have to contend with a remaining water tank that may have been stored in your loft or even a redundant chimney stack. In both instances, it may be possible to move things around for a small yet worthwhile cost.
- Materials and species. You may need to budget for a survey to identify harmful materials or protected species, which can add time and money to your project.
- Space for stairs. Having the right amount of room to ensure loft headspace and staircase space below is crucial to a functional loft conversion.
source:www.flickr.com/photos/84063900@N02/7697174534/
Let’s plan your dream loft conversion today!
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Discuss and plan your loft transformation with us today by contacting Allerton Windows or filling in our contact form.