Types Of Loft Conversion

A dormer loft conversion is an extension to the existing roof that projects vertically from a sloping roof, creating additional floor space and headroom within the property. Internally, a dormer has vertical walls and a horizontal ceiling. It is the most common type of loft conversion, as the flat roof dormers often add the maximum amount of additional space.

A pitched-roof dormer may suit a larger roof or a scheme where a smaller, more traditional roof addition is preferred. The roof shape, position and materials affect the planning route. Front-facing dormers generally need a planning application; a rear dormer may qualify for permitted development only when the property and proposal meet all relevant conditions.

Velux Loft Conversions are also known as rooflight loft conversions. Velux is the leading manufacturer of roof windows, hence the name. With this type of project, the roof line is unaltered because the Velux windows are installed fitting flush to the existing roof line. A Velux type loft conversion works very well for lofts where there is a good amount of headroom or if there are constraints on planning.

An L-shaped dormer can join a rear roof extension to the roof over a back addition, a form found on some period terraced houses. It may create space for more than one room, but the layout depends on the existing roof, stairs, structure and planning constraints.

A hip-to-gable conversion replaces the sloping side of a hipped roof with a vertical gable wall and extends the ridge to meet it. This creates more full-height usable space and can be combined with a rear dormer. It depends on the existing roof and the property's planning position.

A mansard loft conversion, named after the 17th-century French Architect Francois Mansard, is situated to the rear of the property. This type of conversion has a flat roof with the back wall sloping inwards at an angle of 72 degrees. Windows are usually housed within small dormers. Mansard loft conversions normally require planning permissions due to large changes to the roof shape and structure.