Loft conversions are one of the best ways to expand your home and increase the value of your property. The overall costs can even be cheaper than moving home, which is why they’re so popular in areas such as Hertfordshire, London, and Essex where average stamp duty is highest.
There are a number of different loft conversion types that all have different benefits and drawbacks. It’s important to build a loft conversion that’s in keeping with your local requirements as well as one that works well with your home’s architecture. Loft Guru will always provide guidance so that you can choose a loft conversion type that fits your home, style, and budget.
Velux Loft Conversions
Velux loft conversions make very minimal changes to the roof itself – so much so, that you can rarely tell that someone’s had a Velux conversion from the front of the building. The only visible changes to the roof are Velux roofline windows that let light into the new rooms. On the interior, the room has a triangular cross-section due to the shape of the roof. This means that you won’t have as much head space as the other conversion types, but these are the cheapest loft conversions and the fastest to build.
Dormer Loft Conversions
Dormer loft conversions often include Velux roof windows as well, but the majority of the light comes from Dormers built onto the roof. These change the external appearance of your home but the Dormers can be built in a variety of styles and materials to make sure that they are in keeping with your existing home and do not look like an obvious addition.
Hip to Gable Loft Conversions
Hip to Gable loft conversions make much more extensive changes to the roof shape than Velux and Dormer conversions but can only be built on detached or semi-detached houses. When you have a hipped roof, you can increase the head room and usable floor space by changing the angles of the roof ends so that they are completely vertical rather than angled. These loft conversions sometimes require planning permission and are often built with Dormers as an addition.
Mansard Loft Conversions
Mansard loft conversions offer most spacious loft rooms. A Mansard conversion involves building a large addition to the roof that turns the cross-section of the interior into more of a square shape (like a normal room anywhere else in the house). This means that you don’t have any of the awkward angles or ceilings associated with loft conversions, but you will need to gain planning permission before proceeding with the project.
If you would like to discuss loft conversion types and find out what’s suitable, just get in touch. We offer free evaluations to make sure you’re fully informed and have the right quote for your project.
