Loft Conversions: The Key Considerations

Loft conversions can be one of the most straightforward ways to add valuable new living space to your home. Our complete step-by-step guide to converting your attic will help you make a success of your project.

A Nationwide Building Society survey found that a well-planned loft conversion could add 22% to the market value of a property. According to another study by Abbey Lofts, in London the increase in value is likely to be even higher, at almost 25%.

That’s the same level of added value as you’d get with a conventional extension, and all without having to grab any of your garden. It’s no surprise, then, that creating a habitable loft space is a hugely popular investment.

Project inspiration: Bennerley Road Loft Conversion

Just how much of an uplift you’ll see depends on a variety of factors – from location (urban areas tend to offer the best returns) through to settling on a loft conversion budget and spec that will deliver on your lifestyle requirements.

You’ll also need to assess your current attic zone’s potential, secure planning permission and other consents, spend time getting the design right and appoint the best partners for your project.

This step-by-step guide reveals what you need to know to enjoy a successful loft conversion.

Loft conversion ideas

If you’re searching for loft conversion ideas, then look no further. There are four main styles of attic conversion. Which one best suits you will depend on your roof type, budget and how much space you want to create.

Rooflight loft conversion

Overhead windows are very effective at bringing in daylight and are uncontentious from a planning point of view (conservation versions are available for heritage projects).

If you have a clear loft void with plenty of headroom, a room-in-roof conversion could be a simple and cost-effective route to adding more living space.

With the exception of the overhead windows, all the core changes (strengthening floors, insulating, fitting stairs etc) will be internal. For this reason, planning permission isn’t usually needed for a rooflight conversion.

Dormer loft conversion

This cottage-style dormer provides a light source and extra headroom

A popular, affordable option where the loft space might initially seem smaller than ideal, dormer windows create useful head height and daylight above stairwells, shower fittings etc.

They can be installed either as individual units (in which case they’re usually tile-hung and have their own pitched roofs to match the existing roof) or as wider versions that span across a significant amount of the elevation (typically flat-roofed).

Rear dormers can often be inserted into an attic space under permitted development rights. Full planning permission will be needed if you wish to add them at the front elevation.