Loft Conversions
A loft conversion is a process of turning a storage space above a house into living accommodation. Essex Conversions are experts in this field and have decades of experience. Loft conversions can be used to help you achieve your dream home, or even just create more living space for you and your family. This blog post will answer all of the questions that people typically ask about loft conversions, including what they are, how much they cost, who should consider them, and what type of roof light is best suited to various types of homes.
Types of loft conversions and their benefits
Dormer loft conversion
In a dormer loft conversion, the roof is extended and a dormer window is placed at the front of the house. This provides an extra bedroom or living space in your loft conversion, as well as light from two windows on either side of the room.
Hip to gable loft conversion
In a hip to gable type of loft conversion, Essex Conversions can create more space where you need it most. For example, Essex Conversions have built a loft conversion to provide an extra bedroom on the first floor of this property, which is adjacent to your existing master bedroom.
Mansard loft conversion
A Mansard style extension to an existing home will give you more space inside while also adding value to your property both internally and externally (taking into account that Essex Conversions provide bespoke design options). The height can be adjusted by up to seven feet, which could mean extending over part of your garden if desired. This would not only create another useful area, but it would help keep down costs for building work due to fewer materials needed to be installed.
Roof light loft conversion
A roof light type of loft extension will always be narrower than other types, but Essex Conversions are experts at making your new room feel spacious and larger than life! This funky style typically has no staircase installed as there’s only one storey being converted by Essex Conversions; instead, they use a ladder or stairs from the ground level (this may not suit everyone).
Limitations of the different types of loft conversion
Dormer loft conversion
The limitations on dormer loft conversions are the same as any other conversion Essex Conversions will undertake. The limitations are the space and access to your loft. This can prevent Essex Conversions from being able to use a dormer window style of conversion. Essex Conversions may have to convert one side of the room for you to get up onto it, or we might need an opening cut through that wall with more headroom.
Mansard Loft Conversion
One limitation on Mansard Loft Conversion is that there have to be at least three meters between our new part of the roof and another building or else planning permission would be needed. This sometimes means extending the house upwards if possible, which isn’t always feasible.
Hip To Gable Loft Conversion
This type of conversion doesn’t require as much headroom or the ability to be able to get up onto it, so Essex Conversions might suggest this style of loft conversion which has fewer limitations.
Roof Light Loft Conversion
A Roof Light Loft Conversion is one that Essex Conversions recommends for those without a lot of headspaces and having trouble getting on top of things. This type will require Essex Conversions to build an opening in your roof with more headroom than usual through which you can go into the new room.
What is involved in each type of loft conversion?
The kind of extension will depend on what particular features are desired by our clients, such as how much natural light they want or if it needs to be disabled-friendly, for example. In every case, Essex Conversions always work hard with clients so that any loft conversion matches the client’s requirements to create a bespoke loft.
Dormer loft conversion
The process we use for a dormer loft conversion is as follows: Essex Conversions will make a hole in the roof. Essex Conversions will then build an internal staircase on one side of your property up to the new room and Essex Conversions will add dormer windows for light.
Mansard loft conversion
The process we use for mansard loft conversions is as follows: Essex Conversions construct two roofs above your old flat there’s no need to go through the ceiling as you would with a hip-to-gable conversion, but Essex Conversions still have to demolish some walls around the periphery of the home.
Hip to gable loft conversion
In a hip to a gable loft conversion, we first extend the roof to make a dormer loft conversion. Essex Conversions then added an external staircase and Essex Conversions created a brand new fascia line.
Roof light Loft Conversion
A roof-light type of loft conversion is easy! Essex Conversions construct two roofs above your old flat; there’s no need to go through the ceiling as you would with a hip-to-gable conversion, but Essex Conversions still have to demolish some walls around the periphery of your home.
Frequently asked questions
Where will the staircase go?
As for the staircases, Essex Conversions will always try to make sure they sit on the inside of the home.
Will Essex Conversions build a new staircase or use existing stairs?
We typically advise on using your current staircases for loft conversions, which allows Essex Conversions to focus more on what you are after: an extension! However, if there is no need for planning permission and building regulations (i.e., this conversion takes place in-house), Essex Conversions would be happy to construct bespoke stairs from scratch-just ask us about it when we come out to site visit with you!
Does Essex Conversions obtain planning permission and building regulations?
We apply for a permit from our local council where necessary, and will always ensure that all work is carried out following building regulations-it’s part of being an established business!
How long will this take?
Provided there isn’t any need for additional consent (i.e., Planning Permission), Essex Conversions standard installation period is around six to eight weeks.
Are loft conversions built during the winter as well as summer months?
No, because it’s too cold! Essex Conversions installs lofts when it suits our customers’ needs best-not just for heating reasons… though installing in warmer weather does make sense if possible! If there are other factors or sensitivities involved (e.g., children), then Essex Conversions will always consider these.
Will the loft require planning permission?
It will depend on the type of loft conversion you are undertaking. Essex Conversions can advise you once we have come out to site visit with you, but typically, dormer and hip-to-gable conversions don’t require planning permission because they involve a less structural change to your property than roof lights or mansard lofts, which do.