10 Considerations When Planning a Loft Conversion

Research and Planning Permissions

First of all, it’s important to work out whether your loft space is suitable for converting. Most homes come with permitted development allowance, which means that you do not need to get planning permission to go ahead. However, this might not be the case if you live in a conservation area or do not have a tall enough roof space. Get your home checked out by a professional for a sure answer and look for similar properties on your street with loft conversions to get a sense of whether or not this will be something that you can do.

Quotes

It’s a good idea to get several quotes for your loft conversion before making a solid choice. Most homeowners like to start with recommendations from family and friends when getting a quote from a tradesperson. You can also ask neighbours who have had loft conversions to give you the details of who did it. Try to get at least three quotes and ask to see examples of previous work.

Budgets

Your budget will determine which kind of loft conversion you get for your home. Roof light conversions tend to be the cheapest option, while you will pay more for the extra work and materials necessary for dormer, mansard, and hip-to-gable conversions. It’s also important to budget for plumbing if you want an en-suite or are turning the loft into an extra bathroom.

Design

Spend some time choosing the right design for your loft conversion. The common options include:

• Dormer: A type of loft conversion with an extension protruding from the existing sloping roof. 
• Hip to Gable: A loft conversion that extends the peak of the sloping roof at the property’s side to create a vertical wall and more internal space. 
• Mansard: A conversion that runs along the length of the roof and changes the roof slope’s angle to make it almost vertical. 
• Velux: A simple conversion that involves just fitting Velux roof lights to the existing loft. 

Any PWAs

You will also need to find out if you need a party wall agreement to have your loft conversion completed. A Party Wall Agreement will usually be necessary if you plan to have any work done that impacts the wall shared with a neighbouring home and are usually needed for terraced and semi-detached properties. 

Timeline and Process

How long a loft conversion will take depends on several factors including the type of loft conversion you want. A roof light conversion will usually be the quickest option and takes around four weeks. Dormer conversions take around five weeks, hip-to-gable conversions will take around seven weeks, and mansard conversions are the longest, taking around eight weeks to finish. The first couple of weeks are usually spent preparing your home, before work starts on your property from the outside then moving inside.

Disruption

Be sure to plan for any disruption for the period of time that contractors will be in your home. Loft conversions can be noisy and messy. Some homeowners plan alternative accommodation during this time. 

Getting Started

Once you have considered all of the above, it’s time to get started with your loft conversion process. 

At Simply Easy Refurbs, we are always happy to talk about loft conversion plans. Get in touch today with any questions or concerns that you might have, or any ideas for your loft that you want to discuss.