Loft conversions are very popular amongst homeowners and they are often chosen over single-storey extensions. This type of renovation enables you to make the most of the existing space in your home and you might not even require planning permission for a loft conversion project. You can use your loft space in so many different ways once converted too and whether you want another bedroom or a home office, there’s a loft conversion design for you.
There are several different types of loft conversions to explore when planning a renovation project and some may be better suited to your property, needs and budget than others. To help you get started with your loft conversion project, below we have looked into some of the most common types of loft conversions.
Velux Loft Conversion
This is the most straightforward way to convert your loft space into a usable room and typically, this type of conversion falls under ‘permitted development’. A Velux loft conversion, also known as a rooflight loft conversion, simply involves adding some windows to your loft space and you don’t need to change the shape of the roof. This renovation requires the least amount of building work and is, therefore, the least expensive option. However, depending on the size of your roof space, this type of loft conversion might not be big enough for your intended use.
Dormer Loft Conversion
When converting their loft, many homeowners will opt for a dormer loft conversion. This type of conversion is a favoured choice and there are a few different dormer designs to choose from, including; single dormers, gabled dormers and full-width dormers.
Unlike Velux loft conversions, dormer loft conversions provide you with additional head height by adding an extension, so to speak, that projects out vertically from the existing roof slope. This type of conversion provides you with more usable floor space and it’s ideal for smaller roof spaces or properties with high pitched roofs and minimal headspace. Due to the building work required, dormer loft conversions are more expensive than Velux loft conversions though.
L-Shaped Loft Conversion
If a property already has a rear extension, an L-shaped loft conversion is a great option to consider. This type of conversion is designed to provide you with much more floor space than a traditional dormer loft conversion and it essentially involves adding two vertical extensions that connect together in an L-shape, one on the main roof and one on the roof of the extension. Commonly, homeowners will use an L-shaped loft conversion to create a master bedroom with an en-suite bathroom or a walk-in wardrobe, and this type of conversion provides you with a considerable amount of floor space to play with.
Hip-to-Gable Loft Conversion
When a property has a hipped roof, rather than a gable roof, this type of conversion can work well. A hip-to-gable loft conversion is designed to turn one side of your sloping roof into a vertical wall. Commonly, homeowners will have a hip-to-gable loft conversion at the rear of their property and it will run the full width of their property. By converting the sloping roof into a vertical wall, you will have much more head height in the loft space, making the room more suitable for a variety of uses.
Mansard Loft Conversion
A mansard loft conversion is slightly different from the other conversion options mentioned above in the sense that it essentially adds a whole new storey to your home. This conversion involves replacing the traditional sloped roof with almost vertical walls and a new flat roof. Similarly to hip-to-gable loft conversions, mansard conversions will run from one gable end to another and they’re popular for terraced houses. This is one of the most expensive types of conversions, yet it provides the most amount of space, transforming a small loft into a spacious, habitable floor that can be used in several ways.
Getting Loft Conversion Plans
Hopefully, now you know a little bit more about the different types of loft conversions, you will find it easier to decide which is best for your property. If you’re interested in getting some loft conversion plans drawn up, our team at Arkiplan will be happy to help. Our expert team can provide you with building regulation plans, planning drawings and permitted development drawings, and we pride ourselves on our cost-effective service.
Whether you need dormer loft conversion plans or hip-to-gable loft conversion plans, we will work closely with you to go through the finer details of your project and continue to make amendments to your plans for free until you are 100% happy. Explore our website today to find out more about our online service for loft conversion plans and how it works.