Understanding Your Loft When Considering a Loft Conversion

One thing that homeowners don't realise is that, down the line, you'll notice that you need to expand your space along with your lifestyle. With that said, many homeowners opt to get loft conversions to optimise and add new space to their homes. Seeing as you’re here on our website, perhaps you're considering doing this too, right?

If you're planning to sweep off all the dust, wipe all the cobwebs. and convert this extra space into a loft, you first need to know if this is a possible option for your home’s structure. So before exploring inspiration and getting deep into the design process, it's best to obtain local architectural services to see if your house is fit for the change. 

Once your house is ready for this much-needed makeover, you can now garner inspiration from different designs and explore extension types that will best suit your property.

One of the things you need to consider before converting your loft space is the already existing architecture. If you have a traditional roof, it means that the rafters form an M shape, which meets in the middle of your loft and would have a measurement of 2.2 metres at its highest point.

On the other hand, modern trussed roofs have a W shape rafter, and their highest point would be at 2.4 metres. However, this type of roof is much more challenging to convert than traditional roofs because of their W shape that takes up most of the loft. If you have this roof, you may need to replace the whole frame, which could be incredibly costly.

Besides the type of roof you have, you also need to know if you have enough room in your area. For example, your floor area should be able to expand across 7.5 metres from the front to the back and 5.5 metres on each side. But don't feel disheartened because if you work with an expert architecture firm, they will try to work with a smaller loft as well.

Next is you want to consider your roof angle, and it should be above 30 degrees. Ideally, from the floor to its highest point, it should measure 2.2 metres so you have sufficient headspace and would have proper insulation. If you happen to live in a terraced house and are considering to increase your floor space with a loft conversion on terraced house. You might find our blog helpful in making your final decision.

Now that you have your dimensions in hand and everything meets the guidelines, you can now transform your existing structure into a new living space. Here are some ideas you could go for:

Flat Roof or Box Dormer: This is one of the most popular types of loft conversions and is an extension that projects vertically from the slope to create a box. Many homeowners love this because it provides them with more floor space and headroom.

Mansard Loft Conversion: With this type of loft, you raise the wall shared with your neighbour, and the roof remains flat as the wall slopes gently inward. This is often found at the rear of houses. You can also have a mansard loft conversion terraced house.

Hip to Gable: This is suitable for the end of terrace and detached homes. With this type of conversion, you get to have an extra floor within the space and have more head height.

The Bottom Line: Get Expert Local residential architectural services to Help You With Your Loft Conversion Dreams.

It's always a good idea to maximise the space you have available in your home, and if you're planning to have a loft conversion, it's best to speak to the experts. Local architectural services can help create a plan that will help convert an existing space to an optimised area that you can use, providing you with an additional living space perfect for your needs.

An alternative option to a loft conversion can be steel frame extensions, which are another fantastic way of extending home space.

Are you thinking of expanding your space? If so, you've come to the right place. Architecture 365 are an expert architecture firm based in Harrogate, York. With over a decade of experience, We'll help you create the home of your dreams.