In this post, we are going to explore the best loft conversion ideas from the cheapest to most expensive.
A home extension is a great way to increase space. However, when constrained by money, a loft conversion can be the best way to get additional space on your property. A loft conversion is a process where empty space is converted into a functional room like a bedroom, gym or even an office space.
It is important to note that if your loft is currently inhabited, you’d need to step it up to meet up with the building regulations such as increasing the floor thickness and rafter depth.
Loft Conversion Ideas
Simple Loft Conversion with Roof Lights
It is the first loft conversion ideas. Securing planning permission for building dormers in a tall, narrow loft can quite be challenging. Furthermore, you might be financially constrained. Instead of undertaking such an extensive project, why not consider using the open roof space for a new room?
To achieve this conversion, all you have to do is install a staircase, insulate the roof, improve the roof lights and finally refurbish the room. The result: a well decorated and pleasing room.
A good head height is necessary for any room. Irrespective of the loft design, an adequate head height will always be available along the ridgeline in which walking will be convenient. The other space can even be used for storage to further utilize the space.
Simple loft conversions are relatively cheap since they require no external works- unless you have some serious roof repairs to do.
Roof Light Conversion with Bathroom
Imagine a bathroom where you have your privacy, large space and a properly lighted bathing space with a freestanding tub. A large roof space gives you the perfect opportunity to create this bathroom of your dreams from a simple loft conversion.
Another tip: you can even make use of the eaves by using them as low-level storage space wherever suitable.
Part-Width Dormer Conversion
Getting planning permission for a full- width dormer might be impossible. Also, they might not be desired by the homeowner or even practical. A part-width dormer conversion which is smaller (no more than the width of a window) can be the best choice for you.
Part-width dormers help create more headroom, thereby adding a full-height space across the width of your window. They are the perfect answer for more headspace when full- with a dormer is unachievable.
Even though this style will add more height to the window section, it, however, adds the least amount of additional full- height floor space.
Double-Sided Dormers
If there’s available space in the room, you can convert it also to a part- with dormer thereby forming a similar two-fold dormer room.
Loft Conversion
Usually, the space below roof lights is often empty or at best used for storing large household items or even suitcases.
You can, however, make better use of this space by finding somewhere else to keep your luggage. The large expanse of glass window makes it possible to enjoy abundant light, providing a perfect view of the surrounding.
Mezzanine Space
By opening the ceiling, the floor to roof height is extended. This makes it possible to create a double-height space. Such spaces can dramatically change the internal view of your home and even provide additional lighting.
This kind of remodeling depends on the original ceiling height. Taller rooms with easily visible eaves are much simpler to renovate compared to shorter rooms. If your room is short, you might have to remove the ceiling to create more height space- this, of course, means more money.
Mezzanine is majorly created for two reasons: having an inadequate floor to ceiling height in the roof might make loft conversion impossible- unless of course, you raise the roof (which will add more expenses) or the property is a semi-detached house or an end-of-terrace with a three-sided sloping roof.
It is very important that you check with the local authority for the building regulations before any significant renovation is started.
Small En-Suite Space
If space is limited to contain two bedrooms, the area left can be converted to a little en-suite. Adding a bathroom at higher levels can significantly increase renovation costs. This is because, at greater heights, water pressure drops. As a result, the boiler system in your property might have to be upgraded.
Rear Dormer Conversion
Rear dormers are generally one of the most common types of conversions. This is because they are easily allowed by development permits. Rear dormers drastically increase the head height and space of your loft space. Since the roof slope of the front view remains unaltered, your property actually looks the same from the street.
Rear Dormers are usually large enough for a master suite- consisting of a bedroom, en-suite, storage space and even space for a staircase. Instead of a master suite, it can also be a perfect fit for office space- or even both simultaneously.
Open-Plan Loft Conversion
If you are blessed with a very spacious loft, you can easily turn it into an open-plan dining/kitchen/living room.
Even if your loft space isn’t large space to allow such modification as is the case in most top-floor terraced flats, you can convert this space into a luxuriously large room- sounds cool enough.
Rear Dormer with Full-Height Glazing
A perfect conversion will be to do a rear extension on the ground floor and also to one of the main rear roofs. After which you incorporate full- height glazing. This will give you a perfect view of the surroundings and allow maximum light penetration.
In such remodeling, the rear dormer is usually slightly set away from the edge of the roof. This is actually a building standard so as to show that the section is an extension of the main building.
Rear Full-Width Dormer with Folding Doors and Balcony
Bifold doors were formerly only used before on the ground floor, for connecting the inner part of the rear extension and the yard. It is important to note that while installing bifold doors, the cost of a balustrade is added to the budget. A frameless glass type is preferable as it makes it practically invisible.
Double-Sided Dormer Conversion
Getting authority for a full-width double-sided dormer is like winning the lottery. This would surely expand your space giving you twice the full height of a rear-facing dormer.
Due to the complexity of constructing a double-sided dormer, the skill of a structural engineer is definitely required (make sure to include their fee when estimating the cost). This additional fee is definitely worth the additional space and value that such a conversion will add to your property.
