Many kinds of loft conversion exist in the UK, and the choice you make will depend on a variety of factors. A loft conversion company like ours can advise you on what will be suitable for your home, but if, like many of our clients, you want to find out more and do some of your own research, this guide will be ideal for you. It is designed to give you a brief overview of the types of loft conversion that are available, helping you understand what you like aesthetically and what might be practical for you.
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If you would like to talk to us about loft conversions, ask any questions and gain a better understanding of them, please call us on 020 3633 7955, email or fill in our contact form. We will be happy to help you and we can book in your free quote if required.
THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF
LOFT CONVERSIONS EXPLAINED
There are five main types of loft conversion that you will find: dormer loft conversions, L-shaped dormer loft conversions, mansard loft conversions, hip to gable loft conversions and Velux loft conversions. Each type will come with its own merits as well as its own drawbacks and limitations, so it’s important you make the choice that is right for you, your home and your lifestyle.
DORMER
LOFT CONVERSIONS
Dormer loft conversions look like a box on the outside of a roof, creating a space that has vertical walls and flat ceilings. The sloping section of roof will be removed and studwork will be put in place, then the dormer will be built around this. Usually, a dormer will be clad in tiles so that it looks similar to its surroundings.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?
- A popular, versatile type of loft conversion suitable for most homes
- Lots of natural light and ventilation from the large dormer windows
- Simple and affordable, using the same materials as your existing roof
L-SHAPED DORMER LOFT CONVERSIONS
This is very similar to a dormer loft conversion but it is usually built onto a house that already has an extension at the back. The use of the L shape has the potential to give you a significant amount of space, and some people will build several new rooms. Again, the conversion will feature flat walls and ceilings.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?
- Significant amounts of space, perfect for homeowners creating new bedrooms or bathrooms
- Plenty of natural light and ventilation thanks to large dormer windows being fitted
- The ability to mix the conversion with extensions to create more space upwards and downwards
L-SHAPED DORMER LOFT CONVERSIONS
This is very similar to a dormer loft conversion but it is usually built onto a house that already has an extension at the back. The use of the L shape has the potential to give you a significant amount of space, and some people will build several new rooms. Again, the conversion will feature flat walls and ceilings.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?
- Significant amounts of space, perfect for homeowners creating new bedrooms or bathrooms
- Plenty of natural light and ventilation thanks to large dormer windows being fitted
- The ability to mix the conversion with extensions to create more space upwards and downwards
MANSARD LOFT CONVERSIONS
A mansard loft conversion will involve structural reworking to raise either the party wall or the gable wall on either side of the property. It will give you lots of headroom with high ceilings and is perfect for a terraced home or townhouse, but do be aware that you will need planning permission. Don’t worry though, we can help you secure it.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?
- Good headroom with high ceilings
- Light and airy feeling inside
- Aesthetically pleasing and blends into the existing architecture
HIP TO GABLE
LOFT CONVERSIONS
The hip to gable style has many similarities to a dormer loft conversion but it is usually built onto an end-of-terrace house. The sloping part of the roof will be removed to create a horizontal wall, making it blend in with the rest of the property and giving you a good ceiling height inside as well.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?
- Plenty of headroom inside where the sloping part of the roof is removed
- Can be combined with a dormer conversion to create additional space
- Aesthetically pleasing, blending into the rest of the property very sympathetically
HIP TO GABLE
LOFT CONVERSIONS
The hip to gable style has many similarities to a dormer loft conversion but it is usually built onto an end-of-terrace house. The sloping part of the roof will be removed to create a horizontal wall, making it blend in with the rest of the property and giving you a good ceiling height inside as well.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?
- Plenty of headroom inside where the sloping part of the roof is removed
- Can be combined with a dormer conversion to create additional space
- Aesthetically pleasing, blending into the rest of the property very sympathetically
VELUX
LOFT CONVERSIONS
Velux conversions are built entirely within the existing roof space so there is no need for additional building work to extend it. This makes use of your existing space in an incredibly simple way, with the addition of Velux rooflights to open up the space and make it feel bigger.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?
- A quick and simple project to complete
- Lower price point than other type of conversion
- Lots of natural light thanks to the rooflights
ASK US FOR A FREE QUOTE
You might be starting to consider the type of loft conversion that is going to be right for you, however, it’s still beneficial to have professional advice. This will ensure you select a conversion that is suitable for your property, and that will make the best possible use of the space you have available.
We are the perfect loft conversion company to contact because we offer a full, free quotation for your project. Our surveyor will begin by visiting your property so that we can understand your requirements and talk to you in detail about what you would like to get out of your loft conversion. We can then carry out a survey to see what will be realistic, translating this into a full, free quotation that will detail all the costs and all the work required to create your beautiful new space.
GET IN TOUCH
Contact Highview Building Services if you would like to ask any questions about loft conversions and the type that will suit your home. We know loft conversions inside out and look forward to assisting you.
