Resize your home with a loft conversion

Do you wish you had a bigger home but don’t want to move? Well, the answer may lie in your roof. Loft conversions can be a cost-effective, simple way of creating space and adding value to your home.

A loft conversion adds space and
could increase the value of your home

In the current economic climate, it seems that people are opting to improve their home rather than move. According to the Halifax Home Improvement Survey, 28% of those who added space to their home during the last 12 months chose to do so with a loft conversion.

Andrew Shepherd, of Shepherd and Dixon Ltd in Croydon, has noticed this trend: “Loft conversions have become more popular in the last seven years, due to high house prices. Kids are having to live with their parents for longer,” he points out. “Eight times out of ten loft conversions are cheaper than extensions and don’t need planning permission,” Andrew adds.

Most people are using their loft conversions to create an extra bedroom, says the Halifax survey and loft conversion specialist Mr Anscombe, of Rooms in your Roof, Brighton. He explains: “Most houses we work on are terraced two or three-bedroom houses. Normally the family is expanding and they need another bedroom and perhaps bathroom.”

Having your loft converted can also increase the value of your home by up to 15%, says The Federation of Master Builders. “A conversion will generally add the same value onto your home as it cost to build,” says Mr Anscombe. “So if it cost £20,000, it will add £20,000 to the value of the house.”

Is your loft suitable for conversion?

A converted loft can be used for many things, such as a bedroom, bathroom, office, playroom, lounge or home cinema. Before you get too excited, you need to check that your loft is suitable to be converted. You need at least 2.3 metres height in a loft for a conversion: “This means that the stairs usually have to come up into the middle of the room, which can lose space in the room below,” points out Mr Anscombe.

The general loft structure will need to be sound, which is something a loft conversion specialist can check for. If you want a bathroom then you will need to consider plumbing and whether your boiler is capable of heating the extra space and supplying water; electric heating is a good alternative. You should also think about extra sockets, lighting and storage space. Plans can be drawn up and revised with an architect or conversion expert.

Most lofts are suitable for conversion and will
not require planning permission

Types of loft conversion

Dormer conversion - dormers are a cost-effective and simple way to increase space. Mr Anscombe says that: “A straight square dormer conversion is the most popular type of conversion for a terraced house.” Dormer conversions extend outwards from the loft in a box shape and are sometimes called kennel extensions. They are usually applied to the back of a property as building a dormer at the front or side of the house may require planning permission.

Mansard conversion - this type of conversion alters the whole side of the loft structure, increasing the roof slant to around 72 degrees. This is a more expensive procedure which may require planning permission. Andrew says: “Mansards are used in places where the council want to preserve the look of the area.”

Adding rooflights – the simplest type of conversion involves simply strengthening the roof if necessary and adding windows which will not require planning permission. Velux rooflights are the most common make.

Hip to Gable – “A hip to gable conversion combined with a dormer is the most popular conversion for a semi-detached home,” says loft expert Andrew. Properties which have a hip (sloped) side, are converted into a flat gable edge, which increases the space inside cheaply and efficiently.

Do I need planning permission for my loft conversion?

Some instances where you will need planning permission for a loft conversion include: if you live in a listed building, if you want to build dormers facing a road or overlooking another property or if any part of the conversion is higher than the original roof height. A loft conversion company can advise you on this and possibly apply for permission for you.

Building regulations, which include insulation guidelines and fire safety standards, need to be adhered to. Professional contractors will have up to date knowledge of the regulations and will ensure the work meets legal standards. If you share a wall with another property you will need to draw up a party wall agreement with your neighbour.

How much does a loft conversion cost?

The Halifax survey finds that the average cost of a loft conversion is £15,800, but you should check costings with a professional. As a guide, Mr Anscombe suggests that a terraced house dormer conversion may cost around £24,000 plus VAT. Andrew says: “I would advise getting three quotes and choosing the middle one.”

AB