There are a lot of different types of conversions that can be done in lofts and it's not always easy to decide which loft conversion will be best for your property. Probably the most popular type of loft conversion that Loft London undertakes will be the dormer loft conversion. This type of loft conversion provides excellent value for money and gives good extra space but there are other options you could consider depending on the type of property you have and the age of the building and bearing in mind some may also require planning permission.
As a first step we always advise that you contact us at Loft London to book a site survey with one of our surveyors who will be able to tell you what will be possible with your property and give you some more suggestions and advice about a loft conversion and the ned for planning permission.
One of the most popular loft conversions, this type of conversion provides good headroom and has the potential to increase space by around 50 cubic metres within your property. A dormer conversion will usually be built using the slope of the roof and this means that most work can be carried out from scaffolding that has been set up outside your home. This type of conversion will not usually need planning permission.
this type of conversion is carried out on a property that has a hipped roof, in other words for sloping side. For this reason it is popular with both semi-detached and detached properties and is achieved by extending the hipped end of the roof into a Gable roof ( a vertical wall) and extending the loft space that is within the building. Planning permission will not normally be needed unless the building is listed.
This type of conversions is really a combination of two different types of conversions and will give a big and airy space. This kind of conversion might need planning permission.
This loft conversion is achieved by forming a connection between two dormer builds, one on the rear roof and the other on the main property roof. This will result in a larger space that is often used for two bedrooms and a bathroom or alternately one large bedroom and an en-suite. On period type properties this is a popular type of loft conversion and will not usually need planning permission.
To undertake a mansard loft conversion the structure of a sloping roof will need to be altered to make it a 72 degrees angle – a near straight slope. Small dormer windows will be built into the roof and it may be feasible to build a Juliette balcony. A mansard conversion will usually be built at the back of a property and is a very aesthetically pleasing loft conversion. Planning permission will usually be needed for this type of conversion.
A Velux window or skylight loft conversion is cost effective as well as being one of the most simple loft conversions as no alteration of the roof of the property is needed and only the windows will be added. This will usually mean that no planning permission is needed.
If you are looking to maximise space and considering which sort of loft conversion is going to work best for you, call us now at Loft London for a free site visit and to answer any questions that you have about planning permission requirements.
