5 things you need to know
before converting your loft
Loft conversions are ideal when space is at
a premium, but while they’ll free up space in
your home, they can be financially draining.
An attic transformation means a lot of work,
so the Lighting Superstore is here to walk
you through the key considerations to ensure
your conversion goes smoothly.
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The lofty logistics
A loft conversion means more than just
knocking down beams, with planning
permission, building regulations and shared
walls among the considerations.
Firstly, you need a minimum ceiling height of
2.2m to accommodate your conversion.
If your ceiling doesn’t measure up, you’ll need
to lower the floor or heighten the roof, which
can be costly and messy work.
Most residential homes aren’t detached, so
you’ll need a party wall agreement. If you’re
making structural changes to a shared party
wall, you’ll need to get written permission
from a neighbour between 2–12 months
before work begins.
Loft conversions typically don’t require
planning permission if you meet certain
criteria. However, large changes are required
to meet building regulations to ensure the
structure is stable and safe. If you’re unsure,
your architect or surveyor should be on hand
to guide you.
Choosing the right conversion
The most common loft conversion is a
dormer conversion – an additional space
built onto an existing roof. They create more
room than other conversions and avoid the
slanted walls typical of many conversions.
Dormer conversions typically cost upwards
of £20,000 but benefit from not requiring
planning permission.
If you have a sloped or ‘hipped’ roof, a single
or double hip to gable conversion is likely the
best option. This type of conversion extends
outwards from the sloped side of the roof,
adding a vertical wall, and can cost upwards
of £30,000.