A loft conversion is a great way to increase the value of your home, and this feature makes London homes highly marketable in the long run. However, the process does require a lot of planning and preparation. You will also need to keep the budget in mind ahead of time so that the project doesn’t eat away at your wallet.
When considering the cost of your conversion, you need to consider the following things:
- The type of roof
- Type and number of windows
- The size of the project
- Type of exterior
- Additional features
- And of course, the location
Once you have your budget figured out, you can start browsing for roof choices! Listed below are six of the best styles to consider when doing a loft conversion.
Table of Contents
1) Mansard
Named after the French architect Francois Mansard, these lofts are constructed at the back of the home to maximize the attic space. This style also usually features dormer windows, so not only do you get increased space in your floor plan, but you’re also making use of the extension of the roof.
Keep in mind that the majority of Mansard loft conversions do require planning permission from the City of London since it involves structural work and changes the overall roof shape.
2) Hip to Gable
This type of conversation is common in houses that have a small internal space, but a reasonable amount of roof space to work with. Ultimately, this loft increases the attic space by changing the sloping side of the house into a flat gable end, which allows space for a staircase.
Similar to the mansard style, hip to gable usually requires planning permissions.
3) Gambrel
The gambrel style is two-sided and symmetrical. Each side has two slopes with vertical gable ends. Of those two slopes, the lower is at a steep angle while the upper is shallow. With the gambrel style, you get the advantage of a sloped roof while also being able to maximize the headroom inside of your loft.
4) Dormer
The dormer style of loft is perhaps the best option for any homeowner in terms of costs. Because it is built vertically on top of a sloping roof, the building process is relatively simple.
Because of the horizontal ceiling, vertical walls, and dormer windows, this style provides great additional floor space as well as headroom. The dormer windows also let in fabulous sunlight, so the loft is light and airy.
5) Velux
This style is also known as a “roof light” loft conversion. The Velux term comes from the leading window brand manufacturer for the types of windows used in this loft, and that’s why the name stuck.
One of the most effective ways to convert a loft, it involves a roof with sloping windows that point towards the sky. These new windows are fitting to the roofline, leaving the original structure of the roof untouched.
This is a great option for a simple and cost-effective conversion since planning permission is not usually required, and no large alterations need to be made.
6) Loft Conversion with Roof Terrace
Adding a roof terrace to your loft conversion is also a great option, especially if you don’t have space for a terrace around your property. If you do happen to have one, this conversion can serve as an upgrade.
This style is popular in crowded and dense areas of London, where space is scarce or where the gardens that do exist end up being dark and small. You will need planning permission for this as well, but due to this type of conversion being so popular, regulations have become more relaxed over time.
