Choosing the Right Type of Loft Conversion for Your Home

It’s no secret that a loft conversion is a great way to add value to your home, but in order to make the most of your investment it’s important to choose the right type of conversion. There are five main types of loft conversion: roof light/ Velux, dormer, hip-to-gable, mansard and L-shaped. The best type for your home will depend on the shape and height of your roof, whether your home is detached or not, your budget and any local planning restrictions or requirements.

Roof Light Conversion

Adding roof lights is the cheapest way to convert a loft, provided that your existing roof space is big enough and you have sufficient head height. They cost less than other types of loft conversion because there’s no need to make any changes to the pitch or shape of the roof. All that’s required to create valuable extra living space is the addition of skylight windows, a proper floor and a staircase. As roof light conversions don’t require much work, this type of project usually takes around a month to complete (depending on whether you decide to have any additional work done).

Dormer Loft Conversion

Although more expensive than a roof light conversion, a dormer loft is an effective way of creating space as it provides generous amounts of floor space and headroom. There’s generally a dormer out there to suit all types of home: from Georgian and Victorian, all the way through to pre-war and contemporary. However, they don’t necessarily have the same aesthetic appeal as other types of conversion.

Hip to Gable Conversion

Hip-to-gable conversions are generally only suitable for properties with a free sloping side roof. They provide plenty of space by extending the sloping ‘hip’ at the side of a house outwards and upwards to create a ‘gable’ side wall. Hip-to-gables often get built in conjunction with a rear dormer to maximise the space. This type of conversion is ideal for detached or semi-detached homes and bungalows.

L-Shaped Conversions

L-shaped conversions have the potential to provide a significant amount of additional space and headroom. They also frequently offer plenty of configuration options, such as multiple rooms. L-shaped conversions involve the creation of two dormers which connect: one end is built into the main roof, whilst the other end is built into the roof of an existing rear extension. This means that they are only suitable for properties that have already been extended.

Mansard Conversion

Mansard conversions alter the entire shape of a roof, making the structure almost appear vertical. Although this type of conversion is the most expensive because of the amount of work involved, they create huge, versatile spaces that are guaranteed to add significant value to your home. They are suitable for most types of property. The side walls of mansard conversions are usually constructed out of bricks to blend in with the existing walls, with the rear facade finished with slates or tiles. They do, however, often require planning permission.

Where do I start?

If you’re based in Birmingham, the best way to start planning your loft conversion is by contacting Integrated Designs & Associates. We’re happy to offer advice and guidance on the best type of conversion for your property. To find out more, get in touch with us today.