How to Start a Loft Conversion

Loft conversions are the latest thing in the property world and are fast becoming a common theme in contemporary properties, so what creative loft ideas can help your property stand out?

With loft conversions being the new 'black' in the property market, imagination and innovation are key for developing creative loft conversion ideas in such a competitive housing market.

Over the last decade, property investment has reached a new level of popularity around the world, and respectively we have seen a soaring number of property-based television programmes feeding the public with loft conversion ideas galore. Despite the recession, the popularity of property programmes means that ratings are still impressive.

Can my loft be converted?

The viability of a loft conversion depends on varying factors, but in most cases there is no obstruction. I will organise all aspects that are required to go ahead with your new conversion, but a few initial guidelines to keep in mind are:
 

The rights you own to your property

Your permitted development allowance

Your local councils terms of development

The height of your existing loft (too low may require a complete roof rebuild)

Do I need to apply for planning permission?

In most cases, this will not be an issue, but it will depend on the type of your accommodation, the surrounding area and your permitted development allowance. If you are unsure, you can contact your local council or book an initial consultation with myself. In the event of requirement, I will be able to sort all neccessary agreements on your behalf, inclusive of the contract price.

Examples of loft conversions

There are two predominant forms of loft conversions; the dormer and the velux.

Velux conversions, appropriately named after the window used in such conversions, makes use of the existing loft space with no external additions or alterations. Typical work involves insulating the roof, inserting Velux windows and reinforcing the floor to accommodate people safely. This has the advantage of significantly less work than a Dormer, and so costs and timescale are smaller too.

Dormer conversions involve extending the roof with vertical projections, to increase the loft space and recreate a more typical room. Dormer conversions will need significantly more work compared to velux conversions, but have the resulting advantage of greater space and, at places, head-height ceilings.
Dormer conversions can be constructed on any side of the roof, either the side, rear or front. Dormer conversions can be as large or small as required. Other smaller dormers, also known as dormer windows, are small extensions to the roof with a pitched roof of its own.

Hip to gable conversions reconstruct a sloping end of a roof into a vertical triangular wall to add volume to the loft, typically to incorporate the new stair case (see roof styles below).

Roof styles

Gable ends are the vertical triangular portions of a roof, most usually found on mid-terrace properties. Hip ends are different from gable ends, in that they slope from the roof tip to the wall. These are more common in detached properties, as well as bungalows and cottages.

Top tips for lofts

Do contact your local authority building control and your local planning department to get a full understanding of the rules and regulations

Do get in the professionals - you will need an architect and structural engineer, plumbing and heating advice and at least three quotes from reputable builders.

Do consider a warranty, like the FMB's MasterBond, to protect your investment

Do make sure your builder and designer explain any changes necessary to your existing house to upgrade its fire precautions

Do be flexible - you may need to compromise on the position of roof windows and dormers, for example.

Don't ignore a party wall - you may need an agreement with your neighbours if you are affecting it in anyway.

Don't rush your decisions, plan carefully this is an important investment.

Don't expect this to be over within a week or two - however good your builder is - this is a major job and it will inevitably be disruptive for a while.

Contact the Production Manager at Sterling Home Improvements for free advice on how to go about your loft conversion.