How to Plan a Loft Conversion: A Handy Guide

Extra space is often top of the list for homeowners, but not everyone has the resources to move house or add an extension. If you’re looking for an alternative, a loft conversion is a great way to add additional space to your property without an extension and it can even increase the overall value of your home.

Loft conversions are a smart way to make the most of existing space in your property, but the process can feel daunting. You might be wondering where to start and there’s lots to consider, including the type of loft conversion, choosing an architect and whether you’ll require planning permission. If you’ve been thinking about converting your loft and need some more information, see below for our handy guide.

Can my loft be converted?

Not all lofts are suitable for conversion, so working out whether your loft can be converted is the vital first step. Most houses include an allowance for permitted development, unless you live in a listed building or conservation area, for example. If so, you may need planning permission but we’ll discuss that in more detail later.

You can get a good idea of your property’s suitability by looking at similar houses on your street; are there any with existing loft conversions? If there are, then it’s likely that your property will be suitable but you can carry out a few more checks to make sure. The minimum height required for a loft conversion is 2.2 metres, so take a tape measure and run it from floor to ceiling at the tallest point of your loft.

You’ll also need to think about the roof - does it have trusses or rafters? Both roof types are suitable for conversion but converting a loft with trusses is likely to cost more. Think about the floor below too; is there room for a staircase? How will it affect the space below? If you’re still unsure, ask a builder, architect or surveyor to assess your property’s suitability for a loft conversion.

Which type of loft conversion should I choose?

There are several different methods of loft conversion available and the type you choose will depend on the age and shape of your house, the amount of space you have and your budget. We’ll discuss the four main types of loft conversion in more detail below.

Roof light conversions

This type of conversion is usually the most affordable and the least disruptive, providing you have enough roof space. Roof light conversions simply involve adding skylights, laying down a floor and adding a staircase from the floor below. You’ll also need to add insulation and think about lighting placement.

Dormer conversions

Dormer loft conversions work by adding an extension that protrudes from the slope of the roof. They’re usually added to the rear of a property, but you may be able to use the side or front of your roof in some cases. Dormer conversions are a highly popular option as they’re suitable for almost any property with a sloping roof and they provide a decent amount of floor space and headroom.

Hip to gable conversions

This type of conversion is only suitable for houses that are detached or semi-detached. They work by extending the sloping ‘hip’ roof at the side of a property, which creates a vertical ‘gable’ wall. Hip to gable conversions can add a large amount of space to a property, especially if your home is fully detached.

Mansard conversions

This type of conversion is usually the most expensive but it offers a significant amount of extra space. Mansards conversions extend along the entire length of your property’s roof and they’ll alter the angle of the roof slope so that it’s almost vertical. This type of conversion is also suitable for many different property types, including terraced houses and semi-detached.

Choosing an architect

Choosing a trustworthy architect is key when planning a loft conversion, so where do you start? Start by asking for recommendations from family and friends, especially if they’ve had a loft conversion or extension done recently. You could also look for houses with loft conversions in your area and ask your neighbours who did their work if you feel comfortable doing so.

You can also get a good idea of an architect’s reputation by reading online reviews or asking to see examples of their previous work. Try to gather at least three quotes before making a final decision and beware of anything that seems ‘too good to be true’. The price will be a big factor in your decision but beware of any rates that seem suspiciously cheap.

Will I need planning permission?

In the majority of cases, no, as most loft conversions are covered by permitted development rights. However, if you live on designated land like a conservation area or World Heritage Site, then you may need planning permission before going ahead.

You may also need planning permission if the extension exceeds the highest part of the roof, if you want to add a balcony, or if you plan on using materials that don’t match the rest of the property. A full survey from an architect or surveyor will be able to inform you on whether you’re likely to need planning permission or not.

Do I need to inform my neighbours?

Yes, if the loft conversion affects a wall joining your house to your neighbour’s. If so, you’ll need a Party Wall Agreement before any building work can go ahead. Start by filling out a Party Wall Notice to give to your neighbours (you can find templates online). This sets out the proposed work and you should include a copy of your plans.

If your neighbours have any concerns about the proposed work, they may request a party wall survey. An independent surveyor can be appointed by either you or your neighbour and they’ll come to assess the plans and any potential disruption it might cause. You’ll need to cover the costs of a party wall survey, even if the surveyor is chosen by your neighbour.

The conversion process

You can expect a loft conversion to take roughly eight weeks, although this can vary depending on the size of your project and how complicated it is. The process and schedule will also vary depending on the type of loft conversion you’ve chosen, but you can expect it to follow this rough outline:

●     Planning - your chosen builder or architect will draw up a plan after they’ve assessed your space for suitability.

●     Prepping the loft - once plans have been approved, the loft can be cleared and prepped for the work to begin. This may involve removing chimney stacks or roof beams to create more space.

●     Rewiring - any electrical wiring attached to joists and binders must be removed and rerouted. If the wiring is old this offers a good opportunity to replace it with a new system.

●     Floor work - new floor joists are then fitted and any new wiring or plumbing is installed. Floors can then be insulated and new floorboards laid down.

●     Dormers and rooflights - dormers are then added (if applicable), or rooflights to allow natural light into the space. Dormers will need to be tiled and fully weatherproofed.

●     Staircase - the staircase can be added at several different stages of the project, depending on what is most convenient. It’s usually best to add the staircase sooner rather than later, to give easier access to the loft.

●     Roof insulation - this is placed between the rafters and you’ll need to arrange a Building Control Inspection before the insulation is covered.

●     Walls - any partition walls can now be erected and plaster boarded as required.

●     Finishing touches - these will depend on the purpose of your loft, but they might include additional plumbing for a bathroom, electric sockets, lighting, installing radiators, access panels or an extractor fan.

Professional architectural design services in Birmingham and the West Midlands - From Integrated Designs & Associates Ltd

If you’re in need of professional help with your loft conversion project, get in touch with the experts at Integrated Designs & Associates Ltd. We’re proud to offer comprehensive architectural services for projects both large and small, including loft conversions, extensions and new developments.

Our highly experienced team of designers offer complete project management and work in full compliance with any planning regulations. We’ll take care of your project from start to finish and bring your design ideas to life, so give us a call today or contact us online to find out more.