Types of Loft Conversions: A Guide for Homeowners

1. Dormer Loft Conversion

The dormer loft conversion is one of the most common types. It involves extending the existing roof to create additional headroom and floor space. A dormer is usually built at the rear or side of the property, and it can be designed in various styles, from flat-roofed to gabled or hipped.

Advantages:

• Adds a significant amount of space, ideal for a bedroom or office.
• Provides good headroom throughout the room.
• Usually doesn’t require planning permission, making it a straightforward option.

Best suited for: Terraced or semi-detached homes with limited loft space.

Read more: What is a Dormer Loft Conversion?

2. Hip to Gable Loft Conversion

If your property has a hipped roof (where all sides slope downwards), a hip to gable conversion is a great way to maximise space. This type of conversion straightens one side of the sloping roof, effectively turning the “hip” into a vertical “gable” wall. This gives you more usable floor space and height.

Advantages:

• Creates a large, open area suitable for various uses.
• Blends well with the existing structure of your home, especially in detached or semi-detached properties.

Best suited for: Homes with hipped roofs, such as detached or semi-detached houses.

Read more: What is a Hip to Gable Loft Conversion?

3. Mansard Loft Conversion

A mansard conversion involves altering the entire slope of the roof, usually at the rear of the house, to make the slope almost vertical. This style often requires more construction work but results in a much larger living area with plenty of headroom.

Advantages:

• Maximises space, providing a spacious room with straight walls.
• Ideal for creating a full suite, including a bedroom, bathroom, and living area.
• Can significantly increase the value of your home.

Best suited for: Older terraced houses or properties in urban areas.

Considerations:

• It often requires planning permission due to the significant changes to the roof structure.

Read more: What is a Mansard Loft Conversion?

4. Velux (Rooflight) Loft Conversion

A Velux loft conversion is the simplest type, as it involves installing roof windows without changing the shape or structure of the existing roof. This option is ideal if you want to keep costs down and avoid extensive building work.

Advantages:

• The most cost-effective and quickest option.
• Doesn’t usually require planning permission.
• Lets in lots of natural light.

Best suited for: Homes with enough existing headroom in the loft, especially in conservation areas where external changes to the roof are restricted.

Considerations:

• The amount of usable floor space remains the same, so it’s best suited for smaller lofts.

Read more: What is a Velux Loft Conversion?

5. Shell Loft Conversion

A shell loft conversion is where the basic structure is built, but the interior work, such as insulation, electrics, and plumbing, is left for you to complete. This option is great for those who want to take on some DIY work or manage the project in stages.

Advantages:

• Gives you control over the interior finish, allowing for flexibility in design.
• Typically cheaper as you can manage part of the work yourself.

Best suited for: Homeowners who are confident with DIY or want to spread out the cost of the conversion over time.

Considerations:

• Requires more time and effort to complete compared to a full conversion.

Read more: What is a Shell Loft Conversion?

6. L-Shaped Dormer Loft Conversion

An L-shaped dormer loft conversion is an extension of the dormer style, but it’s designed specifically for homes with an existing rear extension. It creates an L-shape by extending both the main roof and the back roof, providing a large open space.

Advantages:

• Creates the maximum amount of space, often used to create multiple rooms or a large suite.
• Ideal for homes with back extensions, as it blends seamlessly with the existing structure.

Best suited for: Victorian and Edwardian terraced houses with a rear extension.

Considerations:

• Likely requires planning permission due to the size of the conversion.

Read more: What is an L-shaped Dormer Loft Conversion?

Choosing the Right Loft Conversion for Your Home

When considering a loft conversion, think about your current and future needs. If you’re simply looking for an extra bedroom or office, a dormer or Velux conversion may be the right fit. On the other hand, if you’re after something larger, such as a new living area or multiple rooms, a hip to gable, mansard, or L-shaped dormer conversion might be more suitable.

It’s also important to take into account the shape and size of your existing roof, as well as your budget. While some conversions, like the Velux, are more affordable, others, like the mansard, can be more expensive but add more value to your property in the long term.

Still, wondering which types of loft conversions may be the right ones for you? Perhaps these articles may help!

• What is a Loft Conversion?
• Pros and Cons of Different Loft Conversions
• Dormer vs Mansard — Which is right for you?

Final Thoughts: Types of Loft Conversions

Loft conversions offer an excellent way to make the most of unused space in your home. Whether you’re looking for a cost-effective solution or want to create a luxury living area, there’s a type of loft conversion to suit every need. At Simply Easy Refurbs, we specialise in all types of loft conversions, from simple Velux conversions to more complex L-shaped dormers.

If you’re considering a loft conversion for your home, get in touch with our team today. We’ll guide you through the process, helping you choose the best option to suit your space, style, and budget.