Types of Loft Conversions

Insulation a loft is the most effective way to improve a house EPC rating, decrease impact on the There are three main types of loft conversions to consider. These are internal loft conversions, dormer loft conversions and loft conversions that require a full removal and build. Internal loft conversions are usually the cheapest and require minimum building intervention. However, dormer loft conversions are the most common type of loft conversions because of the additional space they can provide with relatively simple building works. Full removal and build loft conversions will give you the most flexibility but they are the most complex and most expensive.

Velux Loft Conversion

Velux roof windows are the most cost effective loft conversion as they involve converting the existing loft space. Very little alterations to the roof space are needed. Additions include velux windows set into the existing roof slope, insulation and strengthening of the floor.

Hip To Gable Loft Conversion

Involves one or more of the hips being replaced with a gable wall (where the roof slopes in from the side(s) as well as the front and back). The roof is then extended over these gables to add extra space with full headroom.

Mansard Loft Conversion

This type of loft conversion involves one or both slopes of the roof being replaced with a new structure with very steep sloping sides (almost as steep as the walls). An almost flat roof is placed over the top. This design is used where the original roof had little or no headroom and creates sufficient volume for an additional storey. Mansard conversions normally require planning permission.

Single Dormer Loft Conversion

The full dormer loft conversion tends to be the most popular kind in the UK, adding a simple extension to your existing roof where the loft conversion will be created. It is easy and quick to build and you will rarely need planning permission, making the construction of your dormer loft simple from beginning to end.

Full Dormer Loft Conversion

L-Shaped Dormer Loft Conversion

These are only suitable on certain properties such as Victorian properties with an addition to the rear. The L-Shape Dormer provides a signifcant amount of additional space.

Which type of loft conversion is best?

It all depends on how much roof space you have at the moment, how much extra head space you desire and on the available budget. L-shaped Dormers and Mansard lofts will often give the most amount of living space, where velux window lofts are the least intrusive and quickest projects. Velux lofts can work well if there is at least 2.5m of standing space. This is why dormer loft conversions are still the most common loft conversion in the UK as they give just that extra bit of standing space to make a loft a more livable space.

Getting advice from one of our consultant can make the process a lot less daunting as they can quickly explain and show you what every option will look like and what it could cost.