Loft Conversions: What You Need to Know Before You Start

Thinking about turning that dusty attic into a usable room? You’re not alone. A loft conversion can add extra bedroom space, a home office or a play area without expanding your house’s footprint. The good news is you don’t need a massive budget or a long construction timeline – just the right plan.

Four Common Loft Conversion Types

Most homeowners choose from these four styles, each suited to a different roof shape and budget.

1. Dormer Loft – A dormer adds a vertical window that sticks out from the roof slope. It creates a lot of headroom and lets in natural light. It’s perfect for sloping roofs and usually costs between £30,000‑£45,000.

2. Hip‑to‑Gable – This option extends the existing roof line up to a vertical gable on the front or side. You gain a larger floor area and a more modern look. Expect costs around £35,000‑£50,000.

3. Roof Light (Velux) Loft – If you want a simple, low‑impact upgrade, roof lights are a solid choice. You cut small openings for skylights, keep the original roof shape, and spend roughly £20,000‑£30,000.

4. Mansard Loft – The most extensive conversion, a mansard adds a new, flatter top roof to the existing one. It usually doubles the loft’s floor space but also tops the budget at £50,000‑£70,000.

Key Steps to Get Your Loft Conversion Right

Check Planning Permission – Most loft conversions fall under permitted development, but if you live in a conservation area or have a flat roof, you may need to apply for planning permission.

Survey the Structure – Have a qualified architect or structural engineer inspect the joists, roof trusses and foundations. Weak joists or damp can add extra work, but catching them early saves money later.

Set a Realistic Budget – Include not just construction costs but also insulation, plasterboard, flooring, electrics and finishing touches. Adding a bathroom or en-suite can push the price up quickly.

Choose the Right Contractor – Look for a company that specialises in loft conversions. Ask for references, view recent projects and confirm they have the right insurances.

Plan for Services – Decide where you’ll need heating, lighting, and ventilation. Running new ductwork or wiring can be tricky in a tight roof space, so plan routes early.

Think About Finishes – Light colours, good insulation and proper ventilation make the new room feel spacious. Adding skylights or dormer windows boosts natural light and resale value.

Once the construction is done, you’ll need a final building control sign‑off to confirm the work meets UK standards. After that, you can move your furniture in and start using the new space.

In short, a loft conversion can be a smart way to increase living space and property value. Pick the style that fits your roof, budget and lifestyle, get the right professionals on board, and follow the steps above. Before you know it, you’ll be enjoying a brand‑new room you didn’t even know you had.