Loft conversion: the complete guide

Before work can begin, first assess whether it is practically possible to convert your loft.

Answering this question requires a detailed inspection of your roof structure and ceiling height, as well as the floor area and its strength.

To turn your attic into a living space you need a solid structure and sufficient floor area. If you plan to add a bath, for example, you must check that your floor can meet its load-bearing requirements.

Other elements, such as furniture, heating and cooling systems will also add weight to your loft.

Your architect or structural engineer should perform load-bearing calculations to ensure your attic is safe and capable of supporting your design.  They will also be able to work out the best position for your stairs and which loft conversion types are best suited to your home.

Loft conversions must meet building regulations and other safety standards and, if your home is listed or in a conservation area, there may be further restrictions on what you can do.

If your home is adjoining another property or properties, you will also have to issue your neighbours with whom you share a wall, a Party Wall Notice, your architect or building surveyor can help you with this.  

Contact your local authority to inquire about any necessary planning permissions and to review the guidelines for permitted development in your area.

You are more likely to require planning permission if you:

• Live in a conservation area
• Your home is listed
• Plan to make exterior changes, such as increasing the height or width of your home, adding windows or making other noticeable cosmetic changes

In general, lofts conversions fall under permitted development when they have:

• Adequate ceiling height required by building regulations
• A floor that is supportive of the weight and movement associated with human activity
• Structural elements that allow safe movement through the available space (for example, there are no beams or roof supports that prevent standing or electrical hazards from wiring or heating and cooling equipment).

Converting your loft changes the structure of your home, increases your living space (by increasing the habitable square metres) and increases your home's value.

Before starting your loft conversion, you must tell your home insurance provider that you’re about to undertake structural work on your home so that they can review your home insurance policy. You want to make sure your new setup is fully covered in the event of a claim. 

How can you match how you want your loft to look and work with the technical and architectural constraints of your home?

Here, we look at some common loft conversion features and designs to help you decide what will be best for your home:

1. Dormers, roof windows, or roof balconies?
   

   If you have the room, a mix of dormers and roof windows or roof balconies, will really optimise your space. Dormers will increase the headroom and usable space in your loft. They create a new roofline and form an area of flat roof that replaces the sloping roof with vertical walls and windows, allowing you to stand comfortably and enjoy the view. They will make your loft feel significantly larger and brighten up your room, but, because they allow light to enter horizontally, they limit the depth of light filling your space. Typically, dormers are placed at the rear or side of a property, it is harder to get them approved at the front of the house as they change the street scene

   The VELUX dormer offers a lighter, brighter alternative to the traditional dormer. As it brings in light and air from the side and above, you get up to two and a half times more daylight compared to a traditional dormer with the same glazing area.

   When it comes to windows in your loft, VELUX roof windows are the least expensive option and they maximise the flow of light coming in. They follow the slope of your roofline and offer an expanded view of the sky, so you can gaze up at the stars at night.

   VELUX top-hung roof windows are particularly suited to window openings that are easy to reach. They have a handle at the base and open outwards up to 45 degrees to provide uninterrupted views of your outside area. They maximise the flow of air into your room and help to make it feel larger. Plus, they rotate 180 degrees so they’re super easy to clean. 

   For added wow factor, VELUX roof balconies open up your VELUX roof windows to create a small veranda without altering your floor plan. Here, natural light enters from horizontal and vertical angles, further increasing the light coming in. This additional light illuminates and warms your space, reducing your energy consumption and energy costs¹.

   Roof balconies offer some of the advantages of dormers and roof windows. They create a more spacious and open feel, maximise light penetration and enhance the overall functionality of your space. Unlike traditional balconies, they often don’t require planning permission.   

2. Converting a hipped roof to a gable roof
   

   Modifying the structure of your roof can optimise your loft space.

   Switching from a hipped roof, which has four slopes, to a gable roof, which has two slopes and two vertical walls, simplifies your roof structure and increases your living space. Where all sides used to slope, the new room has two straight and two sloping walls, increasing headroom and usable wall space.

   This change is complicated, but your architect will tell you whether it’s feasible and what will need to be done to comply with building regulations. 

3. Raising your roof
   

   When you raise your roof, you increase your loft’s ceiling height.

   This is a great solution when your existing loft height makes it impossible to convert your loft as it is, or when the space under the roof is too limited for your needs.

   Again, your architect or structural engineer can advise you on whether this is possible and cost effective. It will most likely require planning permission.

Once you’re satisfied that you can convert your loft the way you want and the regulatory procedures are in place, it’s time to tackle the most exciting part of a loft conversion: the design.

You can really have fun with this unique space and its sloped roofs and nooks.

Lofts can present a challenge in terms of the amount of available space, but with clever planning and ingenious design solutions, you can turn these constraints into assets.

Consider bespoke furniture that fits the slopes of your loft and integrate storage solutions into the alcoves.

The idea is to create a space that is beautiful and functional, where there is a place for everything.

By using a mixture of natural and artificial light, you can transform your loft into a bright and welcoming space whatever the time of day or night.

Integrating VELUX roof windows, VELUX balconies and dormer windows will provide a constant flow of natural light, as well as stunning views of your surroundings.

At the same time, a well-thought-out artificial lighting plan, which combines general, ambient and functional lighting, will optimise your space and let you create different moods to suit the different ways you use it. With the latest smart lighting, you can be really creative with colour and light intensity and design lighting schemes that change the atmosphere in your room at the touch of a button. 

And, when you’re ready for bed and want the room pitch black, incorporating VELUX blackout blinds will help ensure a good night’s sleep.

Attic insulation  is key to making your new living space comfortable all year round. It minimises heat loss from your loft in winter and keeps it cool in summer.

Similarly, adequate ventilation ensures fresh air continually circulates in your loft space and prevents issues with humidity. Strategically placed roof windows allow you to ventilate your loft and avoid the humidity associated with unventilated spaces. Cross ventilation, where fresh air enters through one window and exits through an opposite door or window  is particularly effective for bringing fresh air into your loft space and keeping it cool. 

Make sure you carefully consider insulation and the placement of your windows and doors at the design phase  to ensure that your loft room is always a healthy and comfortable place to hang out in.

These key points will be evaluated to determine whether your loft’s existing structure is suitable for a conversion or if modifications are necessary.

1. Structural integrity: Is the structure (the wooden or metal frame) of your loft in good condition and able to support the additional weight of a loft conversion?
2. Floor load capacity: Can your loft floor safely support the weight of furniture, fixtures, fittings and people?
3. Condition of brackets: Do your loft’s load-bearing walls and beams show any signs of weakness, rot or structural damage that could compromise the safety of the project?
4. Need for reinforcement: Are any structural reinforcements required to ensure the safety and compliance of the loft conversion project? If the project involves adding heavy structures – such as rows of concrete blocks if the roof is raised – works on the foundations may be necessary. 

Expert advice: entrust the assessment of your loft to professional architects, surveyors and structural engineers. They can identify specific reinforcement needs and recommend appropriate solutions.

Depending on the results of the assessment, reinforcement work may be necessary to ensure the safety of your converted loft.

This may include adding beams, modifying the structure, reinforcing the floor or reinforcing the foundations of the house.

Once again, these interventions must comply with building regulations and be carried out by qualified tradespeople with expert knowledge of loft conversions.

Designing convenient and safe access to your new loft space is crucial for your project. A beautiful staircase contributes to the overall look and feel of your scheme.

Adding a staircase to your loft space can be challenging, as the original architect likely optimised the attic for its original purpose – keeping the rest of the house warm and dry – without considering alternative options.

Building regulations in the UK stipulate that you must have a permanent staircase to a habitable attic. 

There are four main types of staircases to consider:

1. A straight staircase, these are simple and the cheapest option, but they require a significant amount of space and a strong support and can be quite steep, which may make them not as safe or as accessible as other options.
2. A quarter-turn staircase, which requires quite a long supporting wall
3. A two-quarter turn staircase, which requires a slightly shorter supporting wall than a quarter turn staircase
4. A spiral staircase, which is ideal for small spaces, but not great for frequent use or for those with reduced mobility, such as young children or older people. 

Check with your local building control to determine the appropriate size, gradient and handrails required for your staircase.

It is advisable to get your architect to draw up the plans for your staircase and to hire a professional to build and install it.

Integrating electrics and pipework into your converted loft is essential from the design phase .

Electrical installation in your loft must be planned precisely to meet your needs for the space with respect to lighting, heating and power for electronic devices.

This may mean upgrading your existing electrical system to ensure it remains safe and complies with current standards. Always use a certified professional for safe and proper installati.

And, while you’re working on your roof, you may want to take the opportunity to add solar panels to your home to make it more energy efficient and cheaper to run. 

If you plan to use your loft only as an office or bedroom, you may only need pipework for the heating system and if you’re going for electric heating no plumbing will be required up there.

If your project includes the installation of a bathroom or kitchenette, you will need a more extensive plumbing system to connect taps and sanitaryware to your hot and cold running water and drainage network. The complexity of this will vary depending on your home’s configuration. This will need careful planning and the expertise of a qualified plumber.

Ensuring a pleasant indoor climate in your converted loft is essential if you are to enjoy it across all seasons. And, you can take this opportunity to upgrade the insulation and ventilation in your loft, to make your whole home more environmentally friendly and cheaper to run. 

Take natural ventilation  into account to air out your loft and remove humidity. All VELUX  roof windows are designed to keep your home draught free and well-insulated when closed and to maximise the flow of air into the space when open. 

The heating system you choose should take the insulation used into account, as well as energy efficiency.

Options range from electric radiators to integrated central heating systems, as well as more modern solutions, such as underfloor heating.

Look for a system that combines comfort and energy savings.

Heat rises and in summer months loft spaces can feel stuffy.

As mentioned earlier, insulation will help keep your loft space cool in the summer and warm in the winter Insulating your roof from the inside  and/or the outside  will help you limit heat loss between the interior and the exterior.

If you have roof windows, invest in anti-heat shutters or blinds, specifically designed to offer heat protection and light blocking. 

The finishing phase is where you can personalise your new space and inject it with character and style.

The materials and finishes you choose for your walls and ceilings will impact the look and feel of your entire loft area.

Light paints will help visually enlarge the space, while darker shades will give it a more intimate feel.

Wooden elements or exposed beams will add charm and warmth.

The room in your loft should look and feel inviting and practical all year round.

Popular flooring options include wood for its warmth and elegance or laminate for its durability and ease of maintenance, while carpet always feels lovely underfoot and helps to minimise draughts and keep your home warm, so you can turn your heating down a notch. 

Choose flooring that best suits the function of your space and the look you’re after.

And, remember to insulate the floor of your loft to keep it warm and cosy in the winter and cool in the summer.

A loft conversion is the perfect opportunity to think about clever storage solutions and furniture that can be adapted to fit unusual spaces and unique shapes.

Don’t waste the space under your eaves and in the corners of your loft, opt for bespoke storage options built to perfectly fit these areas.

• Custom shelves: Adapt shelves to the angles and slopes of your roof so that you can display books, ornaments or attractive storage boxes in an organised manner and maximise the use of available vertical space.
• Under eaves cabinets: use the space under the slopes of your roof to install wardrobes or smaller cabinets. With sliding or hinged doors, these units can accommodate clothes, linen and other bulky items, such as suitcases, while remaining discreet and accessible.
• Hidden drawers: integrate drawers into your staircase or under low areas of your loft for concealed storage. This is a clever way to take advantage of every nook and cranny without visually cluttering the room.
• Wall niches: create custom niches in walls to display or store objects. These do not impact the living space and add a unique design element to your loft.

Choose furniture that complements the functionality of your space and your interior design.

Choose modular or multifunctional furniture to maximise the use of the space without overloading it. Free-standing furniture can be adjusted or moved according to your needs.

A bed with integrated storage, a folding desk or a sofa bed are all sensible choices for a multi-use loft space.

You want to be pretty clear about your loft conversion cost before you start. Careful financial planning is the key to a loft conversion with limited unexpected expenses.

To assess the overall cost of a loft conversion, break down your project into a list of expenses that covers everything from the professional fees to the construction, insulation, electricity, plumbing, heating, finishing, etc. Your architect and building company should provide you with detailed quotes covering all of this before you commit, from these quotes you should be able to get an understanding of the average cost of each element of your scheme.

Compare quotes carefully and ensure you understand the scope of services offered by professionals. Research thoroughly to confirm that estimates align with average market costs. 

This approach will provide you with a clear understanding of the overall expense. Don’t forget to include a contingency margin of at least 20% above the average costs to account for unexpected expenses.

Take the time to look for cheaper alternatives that don't compromise on quality. 

Opting for reused materials, for example, or carrying out certain tasks yourself can reduce your loft conversion costs.

Good to know: certain projects may qualify for grants or discounts if they make your home more energy efficient. 

Learn more about how to improve the energy efficiency of your home.

To guarantee the quality and compliance of your project, surround yourself with competent and reliable professionals.

Choose tradespeople with proven experience of loft conversions. Some building companies only focus on lofts and offer a full service that covers drawing and submitting plans, design and build.

Ask to see examples of similar projects, check their references and make sure they have the necessary insurance (public liability insurance, employers’ liability insurance and professional liability insurance, amongst others).

A good professional will be able to advise you and adapt loft conversion costs and the project’s scope to your budget.

Tip: To find the right contractor, nothing beats word of mouth. If a friend or neighbour has had great experiences with a tradesperson, ask for their contact information. Good teams are in high demand, however, it may be difficult to get a construction date for several months. 

Good communication with your contractors is crucial to the smooth running of your loft conversion project.

Clearly define your expectations, milestones, completion date and budget from the start.

Regularly monitoring of the work will allow you to adjust your course if necessary and ensure that the project is progressing as planned.