How Do I Begin a Loft Conversion?
Wondering where to start when converting your loft? Ask yourself these questions to ensure you plan well
A loft conversion can add much-needed space and value to your home. The key to making the renovation of this room a success is clear planning, both in terms of establishing what you want from the space and knowing what to ask your professional.
Read the first part of our Loft Planning guide to find out where to start and click through for articles covering all aspects of your project.
Read the first part of our Loft Planning guide to find out where to start and click through for articles covering all aspects of your project.
What are the different loft conversion options?
There are two main types of loft conversion: those that build within the existing roofline of a property (a rooflight conversion) and those that enlarge the loft space with the addition of a dormer or mansard.
A dormer loft conversion is an external, box-like construction that forms an addition to the existing roof. Different versions of dormers include gable, hipped, flat roof and shed. Fully glazed (rather than tiled) box dormers are also possible.
A mansard is built by raising the walls either side of a property and building the roof in between. L-shaped mansards and L-shaped dormers are possible on Victorian and Edwardian properties that have rear additions or outriggers.
More: What You Need to Know About Rooflight Loft Conversions
What You Need to Know About Dormer Loft Conversions
There are two main types of loft conversion: those that build within the existing roofline of a property (a rooflight conversion) and those that enlarge the loft space with the addition of a dormer or mansard.
A dormer loft conversion is an external, box-like construction that forms an addition to the existing roof. Different versions of dormers include gable, hipped, flat roof and shed. Fully glazed (rather than tiled) box dormers are also possible.
A mansard is built by raising the walls either side of a property and building the roof in between. L-shaped mansards and L-shaped dormers are possible on Victorian and Edwardian properties that have rear additions or outriggers.
More: What You Need to Know About Rooflight Loft Conversions
What You Need to Know About Dormer Loft Conversions
What will a loft conversion cost?
Rooflight extensions tend to be cheaper than dormer equivalents, as they don’t involve extending the space externally, while mansard conversions are usually the most expensive.
As a ballpark figure, you should expect to pay £65,000 to £75,000 for a finished rear dormer loft conversion that includes a bedroom and bathroom (shell only), with two small skylights and two uPVC windows.
If you’re having a bathroom installed, you should budget £5,000 to £12,000 on top of the conversion to cover the cost of the suite, tiles, finished flooring and decorating.
Other costs to consider include approval from your local council’s Building Control department, which will set you back between £500 and £1,250. Planning Permission, if required, should be around £300.
More: How Much Does a Loft Conversion Cost?
Rooflight extensions tend to be cheaper than dormer equivalents, as they don’t involve extending the space externally, while mansard conversions are usually the most expensive.
As a ballpark figure, you should expect to pay £65,000 to £75,000 for a finished rear dormer loft conversion that includes a bedroom and bathroom (shell only), with two small skylights and two uPVC windows.
If you’re having a bathroom installed, you should budget £5,000 to £12,000 on top of the conversion to cover the cost of the suite, tiles, finished flooring and decorating.
Other costs to consider include approval from your local council’s Building Control department, which will set you back between £500 and £1,250. Planning Permission, if required, should be around £300.
More: How Much Does a Loft Conversion Cost?
Who do I hire for my loft conversion?
You could work with a range of professionals on your loft conversion, from an architect or general builder to a loft conversion specialist.
If your extension is part of a larger home renovation, you might want to work with the same architect or building team for the whole project. If you’re doing a loft conversion as a standalone project, you could choose to hire a loft conversion specialist.
Many loft conversion specialist companies offer a number of options, depending on how much help you need. For example, you might choose architectural only, where they produce drawings ready for you to hand to a contractor; build only, if you already have your own drawings and want someone to build it for you, or design and build, which is an all-round service, from concept to completion.
More: What Happens When You Hire Loft Conversion Specialist
You could work with a range of professionals on your loft conversion, from an architect or general builder to a loft conversion specialist.
If your extension is part of a larger home renovation, you might want to work with the same architect or building team for the whole project. If you’re doing a loft conversion as a standalone project, you could choose to hire a loft conversion specialist.
Many loft conversion specialist companies offer a number of options, depending on how much help you need. For example, you might choose architectural only, where they produce drawings ready for you to hand to a contractor; build only, if you already have your own drawings and want someone to build it for you, or design and build, which is an all-round service, from concept to completion.
More: What Happens When You Hire Loft Conversion Specialist
How long will a loft conversion take?
Loft conversions can vary hugely, depending on the type and era of the property and what the space will be used for. However, there is some common ground when it comes timescales.
Experts suggest a minimum of three months for the actual building work, unless you’re just boarding out an existing space with a floor. Building dormers or any major extension that adds to the physical volume of the space can take a bit longer – up to six months.
You will also need to factor in time for planning and prep work before the project starts. For example, you should allow three months for Planning Permission, if required.
To make the project run as smoothly as possible, experts suggest making sure you’re completely happy with your layout and floor plans before you start. If you don’t get this stage finalised and you start to make changes down the line, these can create more issues and reworking may be necessary, which can cause delays.
More: How Long Does a loft Conversion Take?
Loft conversions can vary hugely, depending on the type and era of the property and what the space will be used for. However, there is some common ground when it comes timescales.
Experts suggest a minimum of three months for the actual building work, unless you’re just boarding out an existing space with a floor. Building dormers or any major extension that adds to the physical volume of the space can take a bit longer – up to six months.
You will also need to factor in time for planning and prep work before the project starts. For example, you should allow three months for Planning Permission, if required.
To make the project run as smoothly as possible, experts suggest making sure you’re completely happy with your layout and floor plans before you start. If you don’t get this stage finalised and you start to make changes down the line, these can create more issues and reworking may be necessary, which can cause delays.
More: How Long Does a loft Conversion Take?
Can I have a bathroom in my loft conversion?
Many loft conversions contain a bathroom or en suite, but the type and size of bathroom you could have in your loft will depend on a few key issues.
Here are some of the main considerations to discuss with your professional:
Many loft conversions contain a bathroom or en suite, but the type and size of bathroom you could have in your loft will depend on a few key issues.
Here are some of the main considerations to discuss with your professional:
- Ceiling height You can counteract a low ceiling with roof windows, placing them strategically where more head room is required. By placing a roof window above a toilet or basin, for example, you’ll gain 10cm to 15cm of head height.
- A sloping ceiling Successful loft conversions will work with, not against, a sloping ceiling. For example, you could use ‘dead’ space under the eaves to conceal the cistern for a wall-hung toilet.
- Plumbing The location of the bathroom works will need to be as close as possible to the position of the existing waste drainage. Longer drainage runs are possible with showers and basins, but less so with toilets.
- Water pressure Adequate water pressure is vital if you want to install a bathroom in your loft, so talk to your professional about ways to boost yours if required.
Do I need Planning Permission for a loft conversion?
Most properties benefit from Permitted Development Rights, so, if correctly designed, many may not need a planning application.
Loft extensions that solely use the space within the existing roof (a rooflight extension) do not normally require a planning application, as long as Building Regulations approval has been obtained.
It’s also possible to extend your loft space under Permitted Development if you keep within certain limitations, such as a volume of up to 40 cubic metres for terraced houses and 50 cubic metres for semi-detached or detached houses.
However, it’s still recommended you contact your local planning authority to check the proposed work is lawful and you don’t need Planning Permission. To be certain, consider applying for a Lawful Development Certificate.
Some examples of things that may require Planning Permission are street-facing conversions, side windows, and work that might impact any protected wildlife species, as well being in a conservation area or listed building, and local council guidelines.
More: Can I Extend My House or Loft Without Planning Permission?
Do I Need Planning Permission for My Loft Conversion?
Most properties benefit from Permitted Development Rights, so, if correctly designed, many may not need a planning application.
Loft extensions that solely use the space within the existing roof (a rooflight extension) do not normally require a planning application, as long as Building Regulations approval has been obtained.
It’s also possible to extend your loft space under Permitted Development if you keep within certain limitations, such as a volume of up to 40 cubic metres for terraced houses and 50 cubic metres for semi-detached or detached houses.
However, it’s still recommended you contact your local planning authority to check the proposed work is lawful and you don’t need Planning Permission. To be certain, consider applying for a Lawful Development Certificate.
Some examples of things that may require Planning Permission are street-facing conversions, side windows, and work that might impact any protected wildlife species, as well being in a conservation area or listed building, and local council guidelines.
More: Can I Extend My House or Loft Without Planning Permission?
Do I Need Planning Permission for My Loft Conversion?
What stairs do you need for a loft conversion?
Poorly designed stairs are reportedly a common reason why lofts fail Building Regulations inspections, so it’s a smart idea to be aware of the rules and regulations and keep a close eye on works.
The main regulation to consider is the need for a minimum headroom of 1.9m above the pitch line [a line that, if drawn, would connect the nosings of the treads], and a maximum pitch angle of 42 degrees. If the staircase is under a sloping ceiling, the height beneath the lowest point can be 1.8m, but this must rise to 1.9m by the middle of the staircase.
In addition, to meet Building Regulations, stair risers should be equal, with a minimum height of 150mm and a maximum of 220mm. They should be adequately designed for safety, which means a suitable handrail needs to be installed and they must meet current fire safety rules, with all materials being resistant to fire for at least 30 minutes.
As for style, the most common stair material is traditional timber, which is generally chosen to match existing staircases. If the area for stairs is tight, you might need to opt for a space-saving design, such as alternating treads or a spiral staircase.
More: How to Choose the Right Staircase for Your Loft Conversion
Poorly designed stairs are reportedly a common reason why lofts fail Building Regulations inspections, so it’s a smart idea to be aware of the rules and regulations and keep a close eye on works.
The main regulation to consider is the need for a minimum headroom of 1.9m above the pitch line [a line that, if drawn, would connect the nosings of the treads], and a maximum pitch angle of 42 degrees. If the staircase is under a sloping ceiling, the height beneath the lowest point can be 1.8m, but this must rise to 1.9m by the middle of the staircase.
In addition, to meet Building Regulations, stair risers should be equal, with a minimum height of 150mm and a maximum of 220mm. They should be adequately designed for safety, which means a suitable handrail needs to be installed and they must meet current fire safety rules, with all materials being resistant to fire for at least 30 minutes.
As for style, the most common stair material is traditional timber, which is generally chosen to match existing staircases. If the area for stairs is tight, you might need to opt for a space-saving design, such as alternating treads or a spiral staircase.
More: How to Choose the Right Staircase for Your Loft Conversion
How do I insulate my loft conversion?
Around 25% of heat in an uninsulated home is lost via the roof, according to the Energy Saving Trust, so good insulation is essential in both hot and cold seasons, keeping the loft warm in winter and cool in summer. The main types of insulation to consider are:
Blanket or batt insulation This is usually the cheapest option, and can simply be laid between floor joists or rafters.
Polyisocyanurate (PIR) boards These are rigid insulation boards made from plastic that’s been set into foam. They can be very practical in loft conversions, as they can be cut to fit along a flat or pitched roof.
Insulated cork boards These are lightweight and easy to saw, and can be used for roofs and floors. Cork is a renewable resource and is also naturally damp-proof and resistant to rot.
Spray foam This is simply sprayed in place, so it’s quick and easy. However, it shouldn’t be used in listed buildings or houses with thatched roofs, and it can affect the value of a property. It can also release harmful fumes.
Multifoil solutions This kind of insulation is made of numerous layers of foil interspersed with layers of insulating foam and wadding – look for the trademark shiny silver rolls in stores.
More: Which Type of Loft Insulation Should I Choose?
How to Keep Your Loft at a Comfortable Temperature
Tell us…
Do you have any other helpful tips for starting a loft conversion project? Please share them in the Comments.
Around 25% of heat in an uninsulated home is lost via the roof, according to the Energy Saving Trust, so good insulation is essential in both hot and cold seasons, keeping the loft warm in winter and cool in summer. The main types of insulation to consider are:
Blanket or batt insulation This is usually the cheapest option, and can simply be laid between floor joists or rafters.
Polyisocyanurate (PIR) boards These are rigid insulation boards made from plastic that’s been set into foam. They can be very practical in loft conversions, as they can be cut to fit along a flat or pitched roof.
Insulated cork boards These are lightweight and easy to saw, and can be used for roofs and floors. Cork is a renewable resource and is also naturally damp-proof and resistant to rot.
Spray foam This is simply sprayed in place, so it’s quick and easy. However, it shouldn’t be used in listed buildings or houses with thatched roofs, and it can affect the value of a property. It can also release harmful fumes.
Multifoil solutions This kind of insulation is made of numerous layers of foil interspersed with layers of insulating foam and wadding – look for the trademark shiny silver rolls in stores.
More: Which Type of Loft Insulation Should I Choose?
How to Keep Your Loft at a Comfortable Temperature
Tell us…
Do you have any other helpful tips for starting a loft conversion project? Please share them in the Comments.
Technically, a loft conversion is where the space above bedroom ceilings and beneath a pitched roof is converted from a non-habitable, often uninsulated area for storing suitcases into a habitable space.
To do this, typically both the roof and floor will need additional structural strength, insulation will have to be added, some daylight will need to be allowed in (typically with a roof window) and a new staircase will be required.
If your loft space has enough height (often a critical factor), then this can really be a fairly straightforward building operation and can add valuable extra space to your home.
More: A Beginners Guide to Loft Conversions