Choosing the Best Type of Loft Conversion

Planning a loft conversion is a big step, and choosing the best type requires a lot of thought and planning. Whether you have grand designs on getting a king-sized bedroom with an ensuite bathroom or your very own gym, it is important to realise that the size and layout of your loft may differ compared to friends or family who have had a similar project completed. 

The reality is that you may have less or even more space available in your loft than you expect. Depending on what you want to achieve, your loft builder will have to decide what type of conversion will meet your needs. There are a number of different types of loft conversions, some of which are more common and popular than others.

Below is a brief guide to the different types of Loft Conversions:

Rooflight Loft Conversion

A rooflight loft conversion is among the easiest to do as well as the cheapest in terms of loft conversion costs. It’s great for smaller spaces, like one extra bedroom or a new home office. The loft space that is already there is kept, but roof lights are added. In some cases, the existing floor may also need to be strengthened, and of course, new stairs will be required. Additional necessary utilities (electric, plumbing, and insulation) can also be installed.
 

Dormer Loft Conversions

In a dormer loft conversion, dormer windows are added to make the roof space bigger while keeping the ceiling height the same. Dormers are most commonly added to the rear part, though they can be put to the front or side with the right planning.

After a loft is converted, the extra space can serve as an extra bedroom, an office, a nursery, or even a full bathroom. You could also think about building a bathroom or dressing room right next to the master bedroom.

There are many different kinds of Dormer Loft Conversions:

• Single Dormer

  It’s basically the same as a rooflight loft conversion, but with an added dormer to make the ceilings taller. French doors and a balcony are sometimes added for good measure.
• Double or Full-Width Dormer Loft Conversions

  These often have a flat roof and extend the full length of the building. Full-height glazing and other contemporary cladding materials are sometimes used.
• Flat-Roofed Dormer Loft Conversion

  These loft conversions aren’t too expensive, and they can add a lot of usable space to a home. It works wonderfully for those who live in terraced houses without access to a loft.
• Gabled Dormer Loft Conversion

  These are more appealing to the eye than their flat-roofed rivals. With Gabled (or pitched) dormers, both the rear and the side of the house can have full-height glazing. They are typically more expensive than a flat-roofed dormer.
• Modular Loft Conversion
  Most modular loft conversions, also called prefabricated loft conversions, are built in a factory and are ready to use. They usually have a steel frame. Once the roof has been taken off the house, the modular loft conversion is brought to the site and put in place with a crane. This is a fast and easy way to turn your loft into something else.

L-shaped Loft Conversion

When a home has already been extended in the rear, an L-shaped loft conversion is the best option. They are formed by a dormer that is L-shaped, with the wider end extending from the main roof; the two sections of the dormer meet in a corner. If you want to turn your attic into a bedroom with a private bathroom and plenty of extra storage space, this is the loft conversion for you.
 

Bungalow loft conversion

The trend of bungalow loft conversions is on the rise, and there are a wide variety of designs from which to choose. The easiest and least expensive option is to use an existing loft space of a good size and add rooflights and floor reinforcement. But adding dormers will increase the amount of space that can be used. When a new owner buys a bungalow that needs to be updated, they often take off the entire roof structure before adding a second floor. The new floor is usually made of a wooden or steel frame.

There are other different types of loft conversions, such as hip-to-gable conversions, which are just as common as the conversions described above. The only way you will know what your options are and what best type fits into your home is by talking to a local loft conversion company for expert advice.

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