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Converting your loft is not something to take lightly. There are a lot of factors to consider:
To help you answer these questions and figure out which type of loft conversion is right for you, we’ve put together a section of this website dedicated to the different types of loft conversion.
Of course, if you still have questions, please get in touch.
When you’re converting your loft, often the one of the main considerations is, “how long does it take for a loft conversion?”
To help you answer this question, we’ve put together a timeline that lets you see the process from start to finish.
Please click here to visit the Loft Conversion Timeline!
Last time out, we looked at home extensions. In this article we will look at Loft Conversions specifically as a way to add space to your home.
According to a Guardian survey, on average, a loft conversion costs £10,000 and adds £20,000 to the value of your home.
Considering this, you might be surprised to learn that of the 60% of homes with a loft, only 2% have loft conversions.
So with some planning, design and high-quality carpentry, you can create excellent space in your loft which will add value to your home.
This type of conversion is probably one of the cheapest to use, it’s main purpose is to create as much light as possible to come into your loft space. You use the Velux windows on your existing roof, opening a hole and fixing the window directly to your roofs rafters, and then the window is weathered in. It is also beneficial to the structure of your roof as not many structural changes are needed to add a Velux window to your loft conversion.
A dorma conversion is a popular and excellent way to increase walking space to your loft conversion by extending out your existing roof. It is built out further to your outer walls, thus creating more room in your loft. This style of conversion is suited to a total loft conversion where as you would be putting extra rooms in your home with a complete finish to maximise usage of space in your property.
Mansard conversions are one of the largest loft conversions you can have on your property. It totally maximises the space in your loft from one gable wall to the other gable. Mansard conversions have two slopes, one slope comes down at a shallow angle from the ridge line of the roof, and next slopes down virtually in line with the outside wall of the house, thus maximising space. It has the same effect of a dorma conversion except that it usually carries across your whole roof.
A hip to gable conversion literally means that you convert a hip end of a house into a gable end, which means you can maximise the space of that part of your loft conversion. This type of conversion usually needs a fairly big change to the structure of the roof as you are removing one style of roof, and replacing it with another style. But in doing this you can create enough space to add extra rooms if need be.
To begin with its a good idea to see if your property is able to have a loft conversion installed. A good check of this is to see how much head height you have in your loft, the general rule is that you must have a finished floor to ceiling height of 2.3 metres, allowing for the floor joists to be installed and to take into account that your ceiling may well be dropped.
One of the main considerations for loft conversions is the fire regulations. With this in mind a loft conversion must have escape windows set in place in case of an emergency. And as alot of loft conversions nowdays have dormas set in them, the dormas themselves must at least hold a half an hour fire restraint on it. Livable spaces in conversions tend to have fire doors, the only places where a fire door is not needed are wet rooms, such as bathrooms and toilets.
Loft conversions can be handy for many applications: adding bedrooms, studies, playrooms, etc.
Any professional carpenter, experienced in loft conversions, will help you figure out the best application of space for your property. For example, you may have a two bedroom bungalow and need another bedroom to accommodate a new addition to the family. Your first thought might be to move to a 3 bedroom house. But have you considered, it will probably be cheaper and easier to add an addition room to your existing home by converting the loft?
If you’re currently having similar thoughts about your home, please get in touch. Loft conversions are second nature to us, and we’d love to discuss our ideas with you.
Loft conversions are a great way to add value to your home. And many homes throughout West Sussex have done just that.
But how do you make your loft conversion just that little bit more unique, more interesting?
An effective way to improve the aesthetics (and the value) of your loft conversion is roof windows.
Not only is a roof window a great way to let much needed light into a loft conversion, with a bit of thought, they can also become a design feature.
For example, arranging 4 or 6 windows can look quite stunning. See this example.
As you can see, the room is lit and the roof windows add quite a bit of character to the loft conversion.
For all loft conversion work, our preferred supplier of roof windows is Velux. We’ve found their products to be built to a high standard, energy efficient and versatile.
As a local carpenter, specialising in loft conversions, the quality of the products and equipment we use is vital.
Because Velux have 60 years experience and an extensive range of roof window products, you can be sure there’ll be a window to suit your loft conversion.
Above all else, safety comes first. With current fire regulations and emergency escape and access requirements, you may have to install an escape window. Velux have a special escape window for exactly these circumstances.
Many people believe that roof windows can only used on pitch roofs. They can also be used on flat roofs to create a stunning atrium effect roof.
If you have a dull and dark flat roof extension or you’re worried that you’re new proposed flat roof extension is not going to let in enough natural light then this is the perfect solution, Velux have developed a window to be used at a shallow pitch. By installing 4, 6 or 8 centre-pivot windows you can create an atrium effect ceiling to give your home extension that real “wow” factor. The results of creating such an atrium are astounding, with the room being flooded with natural daylight.
Velux also make a range of coloured and designer blinds to match any décor. Whether you require venetian, roller, pleated or awning blinds, Velux make them, they also make black out blinds, fly screens and energy blinds which hold in 20% more heat.
With energy costs soaring it’s good to know that the standard glass panel provided with a Velux window reflects in 60% of the heat in winter and in summer reflects out 60% of the heat to keep your room from over-heating, there are 4 other glass panels you can choose from, which provide better thermal efficiency, noise reduction and obscure glassing for use in bathrooms and en-suites.
Of course a loft conversion isn’t the only place where Velux windows are used. Home extensions, new builds and also sun rooms are great examples of where Velux windows are commonly utilized to their full potential. It’s not just the windows that are versatile, the various flashing kits made by Velux ensure that no matter what kind of roof tile you have, the windows can be weathered in so no leaks or drafts occur.
So which ever building project you decide to undertake you can rest assured knowing that by using Cooper Lewis Ltd to carry out the works they will be using grade A products for a grade A finish. You can call today for a free quotation or just to run through ideas or questions you may have.
Howdens Joinery supplies over 400,000 inspirational kitchens each year to UK homes. What makes us different is our culture and our people. We are a British business that prides itself on a sense of local community, traditional values and long-established relationships that thrive in each of our 500 trade depots.
