Loft conversions can be an easy and cheap way to get an extra room into your home, the space is already there. Master bedrooms with en-suite and dressing rooms, cinema, children’s rooms can be achieved with good architectural design. Adding a dormer roof extension give you even more space with better headroom. There are no special planning restrictions in Bristol city council or the West Yorkshire. Almost all houses can benefit from a Loft Conversion with a bit of basic Planning
Can my Loft Be Converted?
Before you do anything else, you need to work out whether your loft space is actually suitable for a conversion. The main factors that determine if your loft can be converted is the available head height, the pitch and the type of structure. Other considerations will be position of the chimney breast, water tanks etc. With a simple inspection of the roof space we will be able to let you know if your roof can be converted. Most homes in the UK do have available space in the loft for conversion.
Different type of Loft Conversions
Dormer conversions – A dormer loft conversion is an extension that protrudes from the slope of the roof. Dormer conversion are the most popular type of loft conversion. Dormer conversions are less expensive than mansard or hip-to-gable conversions, but will still add a good deal of extra headroom and floor space. Most houses with a sloping roof will be suitable for a dormer conversion.
Roof light conversions – These conversions are by far the cheapest and least disruptive option. This is because you wont have to make any changes to the pitch or the shape of the roof. To make it a habital room all you need to do is add skylight windows, lay down a proper floor and add a stair case. The only downside to this type of conversion is, you have to make sure you have enough head space already in the loft.
Hip-to-gable conversions – This type of conversion will only work on detached, semi detached or bungalows. It requires a free sloping side roof. By extending the sloping ‘hip’ roof at the side of your property outwards, it will create a vertical ‘ gable’ wall. This will make more internal head room.
A lot of roof conversions will not need planning permission and will be covered by permitted development rights (see below). However when planning is required the roof will need to fit in with the rest of the street. We will be able to advise you if you need planning permission of not. Read more about the Planning Process here.
What is Permitted Development?
Most loft conversion will be classed as permitted development. This mean you will not need to apply for Planning Permission, Subject to the following limits and conditions:A volume allowance of 40 cubic metres additional roof space for terraced housesA volume allowance of 50 cubic metres additional roof space for detached and semi-detached housesNo extension beyond the plane of the existing roof slope of the principal elevation that fronts the highwayNo extension to be higher than the highest part of the roofMaterials to be similar in appearance to the existing houseNo verandas, balconies or raised platforms.
