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If the house you live in has a loft, perhaps the time is right to consider a conversion. Extending the living space by including the loft area is a common way of improving your home and many people go for loft conversions due to the possibilities that such a project promises. 

However, before you continue with what is essentially a hefty investment, you need to consider a few things. In this guide, we will draw the attention to a few aspects of loft conversion that you ought not to forget about. 

• You can convert pretty much any loft – if you are doubtful about such project because you think the area is too small, you needn’t worry. Loft conversions are possible for almost any size of the room. You need a minimum head height of 2m, although you can also get away with less headroom. It only means you need to consider more complex building work and possibly higher expenses for it. A good company and architect to design the work is all you need to get the project going. 

• You may not need planning permission – the majority of loft conversion projects are in the permitted development category, meaning that you don’t require planning permission. However, there may be different rules if your house falls under a Conservation area, World Heritage Site or National Park. If the building is Listed, you will have to obtain Listed Building Consent, before moving any such project forward. Needless to say, if you lack any experience on the matter, you have to work with a loft conversion company so that they can prepare the needed paperwork ahead of time. 

• Consider the type of loft conversion you want to do – lofts vary in shape and size, and there is no one universal approach to such a project. You have to talk with your architect on the possible type of conversion you want to do, depending on what the area is like. There are 4 main types: 

• Hip to gable – if your house is semi-detached or terrace, this is the kind of loft conversion that you have to do. It aims to make the most out of a hipped roof. It involves removing the sloping side and constructing a new vertical gable. 

• Dormer conversion – by far the easiest way to introduce more light and space by reshaping the roof at the side/rear of the house. 

• Rooflight conversion – this conversion requires the least structural work and is the cheapest option. It is good for higher roofs with sufficient headroom. The roof remains the same and only windows are added. 

• Roof lift conversion – if your loft space doesn’t have enough standing room, then raising the roof is the way to go. It involves removing the existing roof and adjusting the ridgeline. Planning permission is required for this kind of project. 

• You have to think about the interior design – it is a good idea to be clear on what you want the result to look like and spend some time to consider what goes where. This means you should have an idea about room layout, windows, doors and stairs. You can appoint a designer to draw a plan, and use that as a basis for your ideas. 

• It involves upheaval – there are no two ways about it – loft conversions will cause a disturbance to your daily life. There will be a scaffolding erected around, people will be coming and going, there will be noise. It is a construction project taking place in your home, so you need to be ready. 

Now that you know more about these factors concerning loft conversions, you can better plan ahead for such a project. 

© D&T Property Development