Planning a Loft Conversion? Here’s What You Need to Know

A loft conversion can significantly increase the value of a property but up to 20%, it is believed. Taking this into consideration, lots of families opt to transform their loft into an area which can be utilised as a means of obtaining more space without having to endure the costly and stressful process of moving house. With more of us working from home at the moment as well, it's becoming increasingly popular to convert a loft into a separate study or work area. What's more, work taking place in the loft can also be less disruptive than, say, a major extension to an existing living area.



Be careful not to dive straight in and tackle this alone - to get this job done right you will require the guidance and support of an experienced architect who has previously carried out domestic services.

Moreover, here in this blog, we outline to you the key things you need to know concerning getting a loft conversion; this is to help you make an informed decision before getting started.

Loft conversion options

What type of loft conversion is most suitable for your home will be influenced by three key factors:

●     The kind of roof you have

●     What you want to use your loft for

●     Your price range

There are three types of loft conversions to consider. These are internal loft conversions, dormer loft conversions or a loft conversion which require a full removal and build.

Internal loft conversions are often the most cost-effective and take minimum building intervention. Although, dormer loft conversions are the most common type of loft conversions due to 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 costly.

Is my loft a usable area?

You’ll want to start by assessing whether your roof space is suitable for conversion. Most are, but there are three main things to oversee:

●     Internal height. Measure from the top of the ceiling joist to underneath the ridge board in the apex.

●     Roof pitch. Measure the angle of the roof. The higher the pitch angle, the higher the central head height is going to be.

●     Footprint. As a minimum rule of thumb, internal rules should measure 5,500mm side to side. 

How to make the most of the space?

Once you have figured out if your home is suitable for a loft conversion, you need to consider how you would like to use it; perhaps an extra bedroom with en-suite bathroom, or maybe a study or playroom for your kids. How about a space to relax and unwind away from the rest of the house?

It could even be a neutral multi-purpose space with a combination of uses, such as an extra living area which doubles as a guest room. If you are going to include a bathroom, will it be a shower room or will there need be extra space to include a bath? When you are thinking about planning a bathroom in a loft, remember to leave plenty of headroom.

Also consider the storage in your room, as built-in areas can often be included, particularly in the eaves. When going over a floor plan with an architect, don’t overestimate the space you will get. You might have angled ceilings which restrict movement and the kinds of furniture you can have. By necessity, most domestic loft conversions offer usable space of cosy dimensions, best suited to sleeping, play or office space.

Can I convert a loft alone?

The installation of a loft conversion is a complex process, which may involve extensive planning and require Building Regulations. While it is possible to try for a DIY conversion, with expert help, the large amount of work involved often results in many people choosing to contract a specialist company to undertake the job - and understandably so.

There are a couple of considerations:

Appoint an architect, technician or building surveyor

An architect will be able to prepare drawings and designs for your specific proposal, also getting the necessary approvals and if they need to they will also be able to support you in

overseeing the project.

Does the company you are opting to use offer loft conversions?

The design department will prepare the necessary drawings and obtain the necessary approvals and their construction departments will translate the designs into reality.

Use an experienced civil engineering company

Some companies will have experience of loft conversions and may well be able to help you a package similar to the loft conversion companies.

Do I need planning permission, building regulations or party wall agreement?

Building regulations often apply to loft conversions to make sure, for example, that the structural strength of the new floor is safe, the stability of the existing structure is not endangered, there are safely designed stairs to the new floor and reasonable sound insulation exists between the conversion and the rooms below. There are also fire safety regulations with which you may need to comply with.

You will also need to think about whether your loft conversion project is subject to The Party Wall Act 1996 in which you must give adjoining owners notice. 

Planning permission isn’t normally required, however, there are a few situations that you may need it. Such as, if you are extending the roof space beyond specific requirements, if the dormer is higher than the highest part of the roof or if you live in a conservation area you. Building regulations are applicable to loft conversions to make sure that the structural strength of the new floor is efficient. There are also some fire safety regulations which need to be factored in. you’ll also need to consider if your loft project is subject to The Party Wall Act 1996, which involves giving adjoining house owners notice.   

Integrated Designs & Associates - Our Professional Architects Can Support You With Any Domestic Project 

Are you planning for a project to be carried out on your home and require a project management service to assist you with the build? Well, if you are based in Birmingham, look no further than Integrated Designs & Associates Ltd.

Whether you’re working on a large commercial project or a residential project, we have a wide range of domestic services in Birmingham to suit your requirements. Whether you are a homeowner wanting to extend your property with a loft conversion or a large-scale and complex kitchen extension, we can assist you with your project, helping you to bring your vision to life, we are the domestic services home architecture company for you.

Our team is very capable and highly-skilled in a wide range of services, such as domestic property design, even down to the most simple of tasks such as modest home extensions. To find out more about the work that we carry out, please visit our website or contact us today. We’d be delighted to help with any enquiries you may have.