Considerations for loft conversions
If you have decided that loft conversion is the best for you to add extra living space then it is time for you to learn more about Loft Conversion Hackney. The information presented in this article is not exhaustive.
But will provide you with a lot of useful information about loft conversions. The first consideration any household has when carrying out loft conversions is the design. You may have an entirely different design in your mind than what is practical. You need to consider the following before you hire someone to do this job.
- Building regulations (Apply to all types of loft conversions)
- Planning permission (Apply to some types of loft conversions)
- Ceiling height
- Lighting Issues
- Utilities to be installed
- Access
- Usage/purpose of the loft conversion (Which room(s) do you want to build?)
We will briefly discuss some of the above points in this article but you can search and read about all of them in detail on the web. Despite the above design considerations and any challenges, the conversion might face, loft conversions are worth the effort and the cost.
Is your loft convertible?
Wether you are looking for a loft conversion in London or a Loft Conversion Hackney, the first thing you need to learn is whether your loft can even be converted. There is substantial information about this on the internet or you can call in the experts who will guide you better. You can however check the following:
- Roof structure —You need to know if your roof is trussed or purlin type.
- Height — A loft conversion will be next to useless if the headroom is not enough. You can check the height of your roof.
- For traditional roofs, the suitable height should be at least 2.2 metres and 2.4 meters. For a trussed roof, this should be at least between 2.4 and 2.6 metres.
- Loft Space — Just like the loft will be useless without sufficient height, it will also be unwise to carry out a conversion if the space is not sufficient. If you cannot use it for a room then there is no point in a loft conversion.
Remember, letting an expert assess your house is way better than doing it yourself. An experienced construction company knows more than you about loft conversions and they can always find a way around it.
Options for Loft Conversions
Three primary factors which will influence your choice of loft conversion are:
- Your existing roof type.
- The purpose of the conversion.
- Budgetary considerations.
Although construction companies are now coming up with all sorts of ideas for loft conversions, there are primarily three most common types.
- Internal loft conversion such as rooflight conversion
- Dormer loft conversion
- Mansard Conversion
Internal loft /Roof Light conversion
The cheapest and the simplest of all, roof light conversions just make your existing loft usable by adding flooring, utilities, a staircase for access, and roof light windows. They can provide you with a nice little room with a view. They do not require planning permission.
Dormer Conversions
In dormer conversions, the volume of your roof is enhanced to provide full headroom. Dormer is added usually at the rear. They can also be added to either the front or the side of your house but that usually requires planning permission.
The space created as a result of this enhancement can be used for one or two bedrooms, a study room, an office, or a bathroom. Dormer conversions can be of several types. These include the below mentioned.
Single Dormer extension
These are mostly carried out in conservation areas as the chances of planning permission approval are higher. If allows, you can add symmetry and space by carrying out two single dormer extensions.
Side Dormer extension
Often carried for increasing head height for homes which have hipped roofs.
Hip-to-Gable
Hip to gable conversion is often considered a separate type of extension but it is categorized as a dormer type conversion. It involves the replacement of hips with gable walls. This type of conversion creates full headroom and considerable space.
L-Shape Extensions
This type of dormer extension can be carried out only for specific properties like victorian era houses. Usually carried out at the rear, The L-Shape extension provides a considerable amount of extra space.
Mansard conversions
This conversion involves building a new structure to replace the sloping roof of your house. The new structure has an incredibly steep slope, making them look like vertical walls.
A highly flat roof is then installed over the top. Mansard conversions are carried out for homes with roofs which have no or little headroom. They require planning permission.
Building Regulations
All Loft Conversion Newham require building regulations approval. Although you have the choice of applying for building regulations approval before you hire a construction company. Because we will advise finding a company which can prepare the application for you.
The construction company can communicate with the building control officer throughout the process for compliance. Once the process is complete, you will receive a completion certificate from the control officer.
