Loft Conversion Specialists in GU23 (211)

Many homeowners use their lofts for storing everything from Christmas decorations to suitcases. However, this isn't always the best use for your loft space. What if you could transform your loft into extra living space? The good news is that a loft conversion can do exactly that.

Loft conversions involve taking a small unused space at the top of your home and turning it into a practical living space. During a loft conversion, the ceiling, walls and floor of your loft will be replaced with insulated, strong materials to make the space safe to use.

Electrics, plumbing and heating are then added to your loft to make it a functional, comfortable room. In addition, access in the form of stairs will also be fitted to make it easy to enter your new loft conversion.

If you’re considering a loft conversion, it’s important to note that not every loft can be converted. You’ll need to look at the space available, the type of roof you have and whether it’s possible to add access to your loft.

For example, modern trussed roofs may need to be replaced before converting your loft. In addition you need enough head height, the right roof angle and sufficient floor space for your conversion. You can learn if your house is suitable for a loft conversion in our handy guide.

Below are the most common types of loft conversion:

• Dormer

• Hip to gable

• Bungalow

• Mansard

• Velux

• Terraced house

• Detached house

• Semi-detached house

You can find further information about each of these types of loft conversion in our loft conversion cost guide.

You won't always need planning permission for your loft conversion as some cases are classed as permitted development. This means you can build your loft conversion without planning permission.

However, in the following scenarios you will need loft conversion planning permission:

• You live in a listed building

• You live in a conservation area

• You’re planning to change the shape or height of your roof

There are a range of key building regulations for loft conversions. The best way to ensure you are following building regulations is to work with an experienced loft conversion company. They’ll be able to ensure your project complies with building regulations.

You’ll usually also need a building control surveyor to inspect your conversion.

Although loft conversions may have similarities, every project is unique. This makes it hard to accurately say how much loft conversions are. In order to calculate the average cost of a loft conversion, we need to consider the following factors:

• Type of loft conversion

• The size of your loft

• The condition of your roof and loft

• Your roof structure

• Your location

• The room’s intended function

Average cost of a loft conversion

One of the factors that has the highest impact on the average cost of a loft conversion is the type of conversion. Prices vary a lot between the different options. For example, a dormer loft conversion costs an average of £45,000, while a velux loft conversion costs an average of £27,500. Generally the average loft conversion cost in the UK is £40,000.

Other loft conversion costs

In addition to the average cost of a loft conversion, you also need to budget for extra costs. Examples of additional expenses include:

• Electrics

• Architect drawings

• Underfloor heating

• Flooring

• Bathroom

• Storage

The list goes on. If you’d like to learn more about additional costs, visit our loft conversion cost guide. There you’ll learn more about the different types of loft conversion, average prices for every stage of your conversion and finding the right worker for your job.

Every loft conversion is different which makes it hard to estimate timescales. As a rough guide, you can expect your project to take between 4 and 12 weeks depending on the type of loft conversion you choose. Below are a few example timescales:

• Dormer loft conversion - 10-12 weeks

• Velux loft conversion - 4-6 weeks

• Mansard loft conversion - 8-10 weeks

You can find further information about the advantages of loft conversions and average timescales in our guide on how long does a loft conversion take.

If you’re planning a loft conversion, you’ll be working closely with a range of professionals over several weeks. It’s really important you hire the right loft conversion company for your job. Keep an eye out for:

• A willingness to explain the process

• Clear answers to your questions

• A tradesperson with examples of past work

• Positive reviews on Checkatrade

• A friendly and professional manner

Running out of space in your home can be frustrating. It’s often a lot simpler to pay for a loft conversion or an extension than looking for a new property. If you’re struggling to decide whether an extension or loft conversion is the right choice for you, consider the following points:

• What will the purpose of the new space be?

• What’s your budget?

• How much disruption are you willing to deal with?

• How much value do you want to add to your home?

Still unsure which option is right for you? Take a look at our loft conversion or extension guide for more details and information to help you make a decision.

Is a loft conversion cheaper than an extension?

Yes. In general, a loft conversion is far cheaper than an extension. This will, however, depend on the level of complexity of the project.

With a loft conversion, you are using existing space, whereas with an extension you are creating more space. This requires far more building materials and time to complete.

Adding electrics and plumbing will increase the cost of both projects. Have a read of our loft conversion cost guide and extension cost guide to directly compare the two projects.

Planning is an important part of any loft conversion project. Before you commit to a loft conversion project, you should consider the following points.

• Budget

• Available space

• Building regulations

• Conversion type

• Design

• Lighting

• Insulation

• Storage

• Eaves space

• Future use

• Plumbing

• Stairs

• Windows

• Electrics

• Energy efficiency

• Heating

The best way to check if your loft is suitable for conversion is to measure the highest point of the ceiling. If the highest point from floor to ceiling is 2.2 metres or more, then it is suitable for conversion.

If your loft’s roof space is not high enough, you will need to apply for planning permission to raise your roof. Unfortunately, many local councils often refuse this particular request.

• Extra living space

• An additional bedroom

• No impact on garden space (like with an extension)

• Increased property value and desirability

• Cost-effective way to increase living space

• Planning permission is not usually needed

• Additional insulation can improve a home’s overall energy efficiency