Happy At Home: Making The Most Out Of Your Space

When people think about adding space to their homes, a loft conversion is a great option that should not be overlooked. Loft conversions add extra space that is livable, flexible and versatile. You can use it as a secluded home office, your children’s playroom or an extra bedroom.

Whatever use you make out of it, it is the best way to make the most out of your home without the complications and hassle of getting development planning permission. Depending on the size and type of your loft conversion, the costs of doing this vary although they typically cost between £30,000 and £50,000.

Not all loft conversions are the same. There are a variety of types that can be tailored to fit your specific needs, home structure and budget. Types of loft conversion depend on the style of your property, the height of your roof, the available space, the conversion area, your local planning regulations and your budget.

It's also important to choose the best professionals for the job to guarantee that the conversion proceeds with no hitches. You will need to come up with a budget, so ensure that you factor in the cost of hiring a Dayton roofing contractor or one more relevant to your location to ensure a smooth and efficient conversion process.

If you are looking to do a loft conversion in your home, but are unsure about what type works best for you, here is a guide which will help you decide.

Dormer And L-Shaped Dormer

This type of conversion is simply an extension of the roof. It protrudes vertically from a sloping roof and creates additional floor space and headspace. This type of loft conversion typically has vertical walls and horizontal ceilings on the inside. You can construct this conversion without having to get planning permission.

Within this type of conversion, there are many different styles: flat-roof, gable-fronted, hipped-roof and shed. A flat-roof dormer is considered the most common because it provides the maximum amount of additional space while gable-front and hipped-roof dormers do not provide as much internal space even though it may be more attractive.

Mansard And L-Shaped Mansard

This type of loft conversion is typically situated near the back of the house and has a flat roof with a back wall that slopes inward at a 72-degree angle. The windows in this conversion are usually housed within small dormers that extend from the room, creating more space. Unlike the dormers, a mansard loft conversion usually requires planning permissions because of the major changes to the roof shape and structure of the house.

Double Mansard

A double mansard loft conversion is very similar to a normal mansard but with an additional mansard to the front. These are constructed by raising the part of the wall shared with your neighbors and are typically found at the back of the house. These are typically impossible in most areas of London because of planning restrictions.

Velux

Velux loft conversions, also known as rooflight loft conversions, because the Velux windows are installed flush to the roofline. This leaves the original roof structure untouched, therefore planning permission is not required to do this type of conversion. The cost of doing this type of loft conversion may also be low because of the lack of large alterations that need to be made.

Hip-To-Gable And L-Shaped Hip-To-Gable

The hip-to-gable loft conversion changes the sloping side of your property to a flat gable end, increasing the size of the loft space. This type of conversion alters the outline of your roof, so you may need planning permission to do this. Because there is more loft space there is also more room for the staircase.

Full Back Addition

This is achieved by building over the main part of the house and over the back addition, if possible. It allows you to replicate your first floor in regards of space and design, giving you the possibility of having an extra three or more rooms. A full back addition conversion gives you the most additional space, but it may be impossible in some regions in London.

Pod Room

Pod rooms are built out over half of the back of the house and are typically used as a spare bedroom, home office or a luxury bathroom. These are usually more expensive to build on their own, which is why most people use this option as an add-on to their already converted loft area. Planning requirements for this option are newer because this option is relatively new.

Roof Terrace

Loft conversion with a roof terrace is absolutely divine. They are most popular in areas with large number of houses that have been converted into flats in which space is a premium and gardens are small and dark. They almost always require planning permission.

*Collaborative post