On paper, it’s the ultimate property no-brainer. Why move house when you can add an entire new floor – and extra value – to your home, for significantly less stress, upheaval and money?
Enquiries about loft conversions have rocketed since the start of the pandemic – and it’s easy to see why. Converting your loft can can transform the space, by providing an extra bedroom (or two), or a home office, bathroom, dressing room or playroom, without eating into your garden. And the work can add to the value of your home, potentially increasing it by about 20%.
For many homeowners, though, the prospect of building upwards is quite daunting; and, as with any building work, it can be hard to know where to begin.
The good news is that loft conversions are a lot simpler than you might think, and most are surprisingly straightforward. All you need to do is take a few key factors into consideration during the planning stages:
Is your loft suitable?
First, you’ll need to know if your home is suitable for conversion. Measure the head height of your loft, from the floor joists to the highest point of the room; ideally it should be more than 2.2 metres. Another tip is to look at other similar houses on your street – if they have loft conversions, it’s likely you will be able to have one too. Ask to have a nose around – it’s a great way to get an idea of what’s possible. Other things to consider include the type and shape of your roof; and whether there’s room for the staircase to wind up from the floor below. A surveyor, builder or architect can help you with this.
The legal bit
Building into your loft is officially classed as a “minor home improvement” in the UK. As such, most conversions fall under permitted development rights, and don’t require planning permission, unless your build is particularly large or tricky. However, you will still need building regulations approval, to make sure your new loft is structurally sound, fire safe, and sufficiently insulated. If your build is going to involve a wall you share with an adjoining property, you’ll also need a party wall agreement, to let your neighbours know your plans. Ask your builder, loft conversion company or architect to advise you.
Assembling your team of tradespeople
Start with recommendations; talk to neighbours and friends or visit local online forums; and ask anyone locally with a loft conversion who they used and whether they’re happy. You can choose to work with an architect and a separate builder; or a specialist loft conversion company that will handle both the design and build. Get several detailed quotes, ask for references, check accreditation, and always get everything in writing.
Configuring the space
Deciding on the layout for your loft will depend not only on what’s structurally possible (and your budget) but also how you plan to use the space. When talking to your architect or loft company, think about what’s missing in your home – do you need a place to work, play, or an extra bedroom? Would a separate bathroom or an ensuite work better? Once your loft is converted, you’ll have less room for general storage, so plan some clever solutions for that, too.
Let there be light
Filling your loft with natural light will transform the space, making it bright and welcoming, which can bring benefits for wellbeing – and it’ll also make it look and feel bigger. Ideally, glazing should cover an area equivalent to at least 20% of your overall floor space. Choose windows carefully – with dormers, go for the largest size possible; or consider french doors with a Juliet balcony. Velux roof windows are a good choice as they let in up to twice as much light as windows on the walls. They come in many styles, including centre-pivot roof windows for easy cleaning; top-hung styles for great views; and electric roof windows that can be opened or closed at the flick of a switch or a swipe of your smartphone. What’s more, they can be fitted with a wide range of integrated blinds, for privacy, blackout, or simple good looks, as well as exterior products that include shutters and awning blinds.
Material difference
Choosing long-lasting, durable and sustainable materials will reduce your energy consumption and save time, money and stress on repairs down the line. Your roof will be exposed to our unpredictable, and at times unforgiving, climate, as will any new windows you install as part of the conversion. Velux roof windows often last more than three decades, and are built with sustainably certified wood, making them a great choice if you want to consider the environment in your build, while also minimising wear and tear down the line.
Speak to your builders about where sustainability can be improved – from recycled insulation to paints free of volatile organic compounds, most elements of the loft conversion process can be made greener with a little research.
Ventilation and insulation
Heat rises, so when you’re planning a loft conversion it makes sense to consider carefully how to keep it in – and let it out. A badly insulated home can lose a quarter of its heat through the roof, so insulating your walls and roof properly will improve the energy efficiency of your home, reduce your carbon emissions and save you money, as well as keeping you warm. However, loft spaces can get very hot during the summer; so ventilation is worth considering.
Ventilation is also important in the winter, as a means to avoid humidity in the home – humidity leads to mould, which can damage fixtures and is also bad for your health. While you can look at ventilation systems or air conditioning, the simplest way to ventilate is via your windows. Velux roof windows give you the benefit of the stack effect. If you open a facade window at the same time as a roof window, the air flow can be many times greater than just having an open facade window. Velux Integra electric roof windows even have pre-defined ventilation controls for automatic airing.
Decor decisions
Creating rooms from scratch gives you a blank canvas to work with. Search Pinterest and Instagram for ideas on colours, finishes and features; look at friends’ lofts for inspiration; and don’t rush decisions – this is the fun bit, after all, how often do you get to do out a room from scratch?
Learn more about Velux’s sustainability journey
