Loft conversion types in worthing
Loft conversions by Oakwood Lofts
A loft conversion is an ideal way to expand your home, whether it’s to accommodate a growing family or just to repurpose otherwise unused space in your property. Unlike many home extensions, a loft conversion usually won’t require additional planning permission and there are numerous options for those looking to expand their home. If you live in a conservation area or need to significantly change the shape of your roof to accommodate the extension then planning permission will be needed. A good indicator on what is accepted aesthetically under permitted development or planning is to look for other homes in your locality that have been extended.
We at Oakwood Lofts offer a very professional and personal loft conversion service in Sussex, Worthing and surrounding Sussex areas. Our lofts can be fully tailored to your needs. If you have specific ideas of how you want your new loft space to look, or even if you don’t, we can assist you with the designs so that your loft conversion not only adds value to your home but also creates a space for your whole family to enjoy.
Which type of loft conversion should I go for?
There are three main types of loft conversion: roof light, dormer and hip-to-gable. The style of conversion you choose will be dictated by the size and age of your property, the intended purpose of your new room(s) and your budget for the project.
Dormer Loft Conversion
A dormer loft conversion is an extension to the existing roof, creating additional floor space and headroom within the loft conversion. Dormers can be built in various styles, but all extend from the roof slope, usually in a box shape. It is one of the most common types of conversions in the UK, as it works on many styles of home. Dormers are generally situated at the back of the property and the internal requires horizontal ceilings and vertical walls.
Hip To Gable Loft Conversion
An Oakwood hip to gable loft conversion involves making fairly major changes to the roof. As a general rule, houses with a hip roof tend to not have enough internal space to make a loft conversion practical, making a hip to gable conversion the perfect solution. The work will essentially extend the side roof area so that the hipped roof that formerly sloped inwards becomes a vertical wall (turning it into a gable roof), creating extra usable space inside the loft for your conversion.
Roof Light Conversion
A Velux loft conversion very rarely requires additional planning permission. Velux are the leading manufacturer of roof windows with over 60 years of experience. This type of conversion is generally very cost-effective, as you’ll just be adding in roof light windows, installing a new structural floor, new insulation the meet building regulation approval and adding a new staircase to make the room habitable. This type of conversion is suitable if you already have a large, airy attic and no modifications to the roof will be needed.
Is my loft suitable for conversion?
Not many days pass when we aren’t asked this question. The first step in any loft conversion plans is to determine whether your house is suitable for a loft conversion at all. In order for work to go ahead, you’ll ideally want a minimum head height of 2.3m. You can measure this yourself by taking a tape measure and running it from the top of the ceiling joists to the underside of the timber ridge beam. If it’s around 2.3m or more, you’re good to go! Some older houses can have a lower pitch than more modern homes, so may not have sufficient head height. It is still possible to increase the height of your loft space, either by increasing the pitch of your roof and raising the ridge height or by lowering the ceilings to the first floor. Raising the ridge height will require additional planning approval and both will increase the cost of your project.
Internally, you will have to consider loft conversion staircase solutions and how your new space will be heated, lit and ventilated – all things that our experts can help you plan.
Building Regulations for Loft Conversions
When converting a loft, you will need to secure Building Regulations approval. This involves a building control surveyor inspecting your conversion at various stages in the build. If they are satisfied with the build, they will issue a completion certificate after their final inspection. If your home is semi-detached or terraced, then you will need to notify your neighbours of your planned work if it falls under the requirements of the Party Wall Act.
