Loft conversions can be used to add useful space to your existing home. They are one of the most affordable and convenient methods for adding extra storage, rooms, bathrooms, bedrooms, etc.
They are even more useful when planning permission approval is unlikely for house extensions. However, before you decide to carry out a loft conversion, you have to answer the most important question.
Is your loft convertible?
Some lofts can be easily converted compared to others. Many conversions can be tricky as well as costly. Therefore, it should be ensured that the final space will be sufficient to justify all the hard work and the associated cost. Ideally.
You should hire contractors who are well acquainted with all these pre-requisites. If you are located in Effingham, hire a professional and experienced Loft Conversions Specialist In London who can guide you through the process. Some of the most important factors which determine the suitability of your loft for conversion include:Â
Existing head height
Building regulations allow head heights to measure 2.2 m but a more suitable height after the construction of the new floor and finishing of the ceiling is 2.4m. The height should be measured from your ridge beam’s bottom to your floor joist’s top.
Roof pitch
Carrying out loft conversions for roofs that have a steeper pitch is much more convenient. The most suitable angle for a loft conversion is 30 degrees or more. It should also be noted that the higher the steepness of the roof pitch, the larger the head height you will get.
Roof structure
Two of the most common roof structures in the UK are trussed roofs or cut roofs. You can identify it by taking a quick look at your loft. Most of the houses which date back to the 1960s or older have cut roofs.
While houses built after that typically have a trussed roof. Both can be converted but require different methods. Be sure to always hire the right people, if you reside in London, look for a Loft Conversions Specialist in London.
Staircase
While having sufficient headspace is beneficial for a loft conversion but you also need sufficient space for installing a staircase that leads to your loft.
Building regulations need a headroom of at least 1.9m at the center and 1.8 m when it comes to edges.
Dormer conversion
Dormer conversions are the most common and popular type of loft conversion. They are relatively simple to construct and also highly affordable. A dormer conversion protrudes out vertically through your roof slope.
Standard windows are installed in a dormer conversion. Dormer conversions are an ideal way for adding headroom, it provides a box-shaped structure with flat walls and ceilings. In most cases, they do not require planning permission.Â
Mansard conversion
A mansard conversion is similar to adding an entirely new floor to your house. It is highly suitable for period houses and terraced houses.
Mansard conversions involve the alteration of the roof structure for sloped roofs to give it almost vertical walls with an angle of 72 degrees. Mansard conversions are mostly carried out at the rear of your house, but you can also add them to the front and the side. Double mansard conversions can also be carried out and involve carrying out conversion to the rear as well as the front of your house. In most instances, mansard conversions require planning permission. If you want a mansard conversion in London, hire a Loft Conversions Specialist In London.
Roof light conversion
Roof light conversions are the cheapest and the simplest loft conversions.
They do not involve the creation of additional space but bring your otherwise wasted loft space underuse. The floor is reinforced and a staircase is added to your loft.
Utilities such as insulation, plumbing, and electrics are added to make the loft habitable. Roof light windows are added for allowing sunlight and for ventilation. These conversions seldom require planning permission.
Hip to gable conversion
Hip to gable conversions is suitable for semi-detached houses and bungalows. In simple words, this conversion involves straightening the hipped end of your roof for creating vertical/gable walls.
Your existing roof is pushed back while the end wall is built to form a new gable. This provides considerable space with sufficient headroom. Standard windows are added for sunlight.
The need for planning permission
If your building is a listed one, you will need Listed Building Consent. If you are residing in designated areas, including a Conservation Area you will require planning permission. Building regulations and planning permission for loft conversions may be different in different areas. Builders In Effingham may have to go through a very different approval process than in Cambridge. Loft conversions in England typically do not need planning permission provided:
- When it comes to terraced houses, your new roof does not add increase the space by more than 40m3.
- If you have a semi-detached or detached house, your new roof does not add space of more than 50m3.
- Any previous extension will be included in the above allowance.
- The extension should not be carried out ahead of your roof slope which faces the highway.
- The extension is not higher than your existing roof.
- The extension includes no balconies or raised platforms.
- Roofing materials match or are close to the existing one.
Other regulations
While all loft conversions may not require planning permission but they all always require building regulations approval. If you are living in London, Hire a Loft Conversions Specialist London who knows about building regulations and can get approval for you. They should also be aware of all fire regulations.
