If you’re like many homeowners, space is at a premium. If you love your current London home or don’t want the hassle of moving, a loft conversion is an excellent way to get more valuable space in your home. But before you call your builder or start knocking down walls, you’ll want to have a good idea of the types and styles available to get the best conversion for your space and budget. From dormer to mansard and everything in between, in this article, we’ll be exploring different types of loft conversions.
Skylight conversions
Skylight or Velux loft conversions, offer one of the most cost-effective and low-impact loft conversions available. As long as you have enough space in your loft, all you need to do is lay down a proper floor, add a staircase, insulation, and skylights: conversion done. One of the handiest benefits of skylight conversions is that they can provide extra space without the trouble of applying for planning permission in most areas. Easy on the budget and far less intrusive than some other conversions, skylight loft conversions offer an affordable option that can be completed in as little as a few weeks. Unfortunately, skylight conversions aren’t the right fit in every home. If you don’t already have ample space in your loft, this type of conversion can be more restricting.
Hip to gable loft conversion
If you’re looking for a loft conversion that blends style and plenty of space, look no further than a hip to gable loft conversion. In this type of conversion the sloping side, or the hip, of the roof is converted into a vertical or upright wall, known as the gable, and joined by the roof, which has been extended to fill the gap. The finished product results in a volume of usable space that looks as good inside as it does out.
Hip to gable loft conversions are often found on semi-detached or end-of-terrace properties, but may also be suitable for detached properties with a hipped roof on either side. This type of conversion is more intrusive and may require planning permission, depending on the area.
Dormer conversion
Dormer loft conversions are a cost-effective option that offers plenty of additional space. Adaptable for almost any home with a sloping roof, dormer loft conversions allow for additional floor space as well as headroom. Built from the existing slope of the roof, dormer conversions are minimally invasive in terms of construction. In many cases construction is completed in weeks rather than months. If you’re looking to keep costs down while adding maximum space, dormer loft conversions make a fantastic option.
Two-window dormer
Windows are the eyes of the house. Never is this more apparent than with two-window dormer loft conversions. This style of conversion has been around for centuries, and can still be found on some homes built over +100 years ago. You may also see this style sometimes requested by planning officers to keep conversions in line with local architectural heritage. Two-window dormer loft conversions can provide an unexpected amount of extra space and make a stylish addition your home.
Hip to gable and rear dormer
As the title states, combines hip to gable and dormer conversions. The hip, or side sloping roof, is extended vertically from the roofline to form a gable and a dormer is constructed on the rear of the property. One of the most popular styles of conversion, it maximises floor space as well as head height.
L-shaped dormer
To create the distinct “L” shape of this type of conversion, two dormer conversions are built and joined together. By combining the space as well as utilising a rear addition, L-shaped dormer conversions offer significantly more space than other styles. But along with the additional space will come an additional price tag. Due to the nature of this type of conversion, it can be moderately invasive and take more time to construct than other types of conversion. If you’re looking for your conversion that will provide the space for an additional bedroom suite or terrace to the rear of your property, you won’t go wrong with an L-shaped dormer conversion.
Mansard conversion
Mansard conversions take their name from their inventor, 17th Century architect Francois Mansart. This elegant conversion can easily add a whole extra storey to your home. By changing the sloping side of the roof and extending along the length of your home, this type of conversion results in a significant amount of extra space. But the sleek construction and plethora of space will come at a cost. Mansard loft conversions usually require planning permission, are more invasive than other styles, and tend to be the most expensive type of conversion. The timeless style of a Mansard loft conversion makes them a favourite for homes in urban areas like London due to their ability to provide much-needed extra space.
L-shaped mansard
As with the other L-Shape conversions, an L-shape mansard conversion will add a substantial amount of space. By using the roof to the rear of the property, this style of conversion offers various design options. This style of conversion is particularly suited to Juliet balconies or sheltered terraces. Due to the larger scale of this type of loft conversion, planning permission is usually required for this type of work. Like other styles of Mansard conversions, L-shaped Mansard conversions are usually the most expensive of all the conversion styles. While L-shaped Mansard conversions have the biggest price tag, they also add the most space and aesthetic appeal. If you’re looking for a loft conversion that makes a conversation piece as well as a quality usable space, an L-shaped Mansard loft conversion may be the perfect solution.
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