Clapham Construction Service explains how to choose the right type of loft conversion for your home
I have written about our plans for a loft conversion a number of times now (you can read the posts here). We live in a small two-bedroom flat which we absolutely adore. It is almost perfect for us, except that we now have two children so we need more space. We really don’t want to move as we love the area, the magnificent views, our garden and we don’t really want the hassle and expense of moving. So the plan is to do a loft conversion to gain an extra room.
Whilst I have a pretty clear idea of how I want our new room to look, I have to admit I am pretty clueless when it comes to the technical side of creating a loft conversion. I have no idea about positioning stairs or weight-bearing beams or window positioning and in fact, I didn’t even realise there were multiple different types of loft conversion.
As I always do in these situations, I consulted the experts to get the inside information for myself you guys. The team at Clapham Construction Services have over 20 years of experience and specialise in loft conversions in and around the London area. So once you read this post you will know what the options are regarding the different types of loft conversion.
There are actually four main types of loft conversions with variants on each of those. The type of loft conversion you opt for will depend greatly on the type of property you have, the aesthetic you want and of course what you’re aiming to achieve with your loft space.
So let’s take a look at some of the loft conversions that have been carried out in London homes by Clapham Construction Services.
Dormer Loft Conversion
The Dormer loft conversion is one of the most common types of loft conversion out there. It’s a simple flat roof dormer. This type of loft conversion projects vertically from the slope of your existing roof and creates a box-like shape.
This type of loft conversion requires very little in the way of dramatic changes and uses conventional windows. Dormer loft conversions are great in that they add a great amount of headroom in an otherwise cramped space and leave straight walls and flat ceilings like the rest of your home.
You’ll also enjoy great light and ventilation as well as a lot of extra additional space. These can often fall under permitted development too which means far less hassle for most homeowners.
Some people don’t find them particularly appealing to look at, but when done right, they can be a beautiful addition.
Mansard Loft Conversion
The Mansard loft conversion is created using the party wall which is shared with your neighbours. The roof remains flat but will slope inwards. These are more often than not found at the rear of the property and are mostly utilised in terraced houses.
Mansard Loft Conversions are considered more pleasing to the eye as they tend to blend in with the rest of the properties and offer more headroom. However, they do require planning permission and in terms of construction time, generally take the longest. They can also be one of the most expensive types of loft conversion too.
Hip To Gable Loft Conversion
Hip to Gable loft conversions are generally used on end-of-terrace properties or detached homes. They straighten an inwardly slanting end roof and instead create a vertical wall. This small change can make a huge difference in terms of the living space available and are most certainly on the rise in terms of popularity.
Hip to Gable are very nice to look at too so can help with kerb appeal. These can also be combined with a dormer loft conversion to create a huge amount of space on top of your home. They can’t be used on mid terrace homes however and are often more expensive than the regular dormer conversion.
Roof Light Loft Conversion
Roof Light loft conversions are often utilised for those who want minimal construction and are on a much tighter budget. This type of loft conversion doesn’t expand your existing space, it’s simply a matter of adding in windows to your existing loft space and making the existing space more comfortable to live in.
These can be anywhere up to 25% cheaper and are often more likely approved by local councils, however they do require a certain amount of headroom, 2.25m to be precise and unlike other loft conversions provide you with little extra space. Despite not expanding the space, you may still require planning permission.
If you live in London and would like more information on loft conversions and what type of loft conversion you should go for, contact Clapham Construction Service for their expert advice.
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