Choosing the best way to expand your house can always be tricky, as there are a lot of home extension options available. The choice you opt for should depend on various factors like the location, budget in hand, property type as well as your specific requirements. However, most of the UK population prefer loft conversions as their primary choice to add space to their property. This is because loft conversions provide ample space similar to other home extension types, the completion time is shorter, and of course, the cost is lower compared to other extension types.
Loft conversion, a type of home extension, transforms your available unused roof space into a functional space. You need to be aware of the different types of loft conversion services available in the market and choosing a type which suits your requirement is important. In Billericay, the most common loft conversions observed are Dormer lofts and Velux lofts.
So, we will help you with the necessary details about both these loft types and help you to make a final decision.
Dormer Loft Conversion
Dormer loft conversions are the most popular and requested lofts all over the UK, as dormer lofts add the maximum possible space to your roof without much disruption inside the home during the construction work. Looking at it from a structural angle, the dormer lofts extend a little from your roof, creating a vertical projection.
By creating an external projection from the wall, a well-planned dormer loft conversion idea adds valuable headroom and natural light, converting an unused or hidden space into a comfortable living or study area.
Why You Should Go for Dormer Lofts?
To understand their appeal, let us look at the major advantages of dormer loft conversions:
Substantial increase in space
The primary reason to opt for dormer lofts is their ability to provide maximum floor area and headspace in the roof. Dormer lofts also eliminate the limitations in space caused by sloppy roofs.
Design Versatility
Dormer Lofts have a wide range of options and can be customized according to your requirements. If you’re looking to go for dormer roof conversions, a few of the many types you can consider are hipped, pitched, side, false dormer, and gable dormers.
Increased property value
Any home extension project can increase your property’s value. However, if you’re looking at a maximum profit with minimal expenditure, a dormer loft conversion can be the best option. This is because the cost of building a dormer roof is recorded to be much cheaper than the traditional single and double-storey extensions. Also, you can expect a 15-25% rise in the property’s value after the dormer loft conversion process.
Added natural light and air
Your roof can be gloomy and pungent due to its limited air and light circulation. Installing a couple of windows during the dormer loft conversion can be a solution, as it gives you much-needed natural light and air circulation along with the added space.
While there are a lot of advantages to dormer lofts, it is important to know the downsides to dormer lofts too, before planning for the best dormer loft conversion design.
Complex structural engineering
Dormer loft conversion requires extensive structural planning and alterations in the roof. Dormer lofts are the most common, but complex to build as they may require proper planning permission from the local body. Renovating or expanding your home without the legal papers can lead to fines and even demolition of the property.
Higher Investment
Compared to Velux lofts, a dormer is definitely expensive due to the material requirements, the complexity of your dormer design, and higher labour charges. However, when compared to other complex loft conversions, dormer has an upper hand, as Mansard and L-shaped loft conversions are much costlier than dormer lofts.
Now, let’s look at the alternate option we used in this guide, i.e., Velux loft conversion and then, you can decide which one suits your home.
Velux Loft Conversion
Velux loft conversion is one of the easiest and least complex loft conversions. This type requires installing the Velux windows onto your property’s roof, giving it a chance to breathe some fresh air and let in natural light. Compared to dormer lofts, which extend your roof to create more room, Velux lofts retain the existing roofline and such loft conversions are ideal for roofs with sufficient height and space.
Why You Should Go for Velux Lofts?
Now you know that Velux is a basic type of loft conversion and it is more like creating an opening using a window to your already existing roof space. However, being aware of its advantages is also useful before you decide on the type of loft you want to choose for your house.
Structural integrity and minimal intervention
All the other loft conversions require high labour and a considerable amount of structural changes in the roof, which causes temporary disruption. However, Velux loft conversion does not involve intense work and it is analogous to installing a window to your roof.
Natural illumination and ventilation
The main focus of Velux loft conversion is to provide a large amount of light and ventilation to your roof space. These windows come with specialised ventilation features promoting proper air circulation and thus, creating a healthier loft space for your family.
Preserving your roofline design
Subtle roof conversions like Velux are known for protecting your roof from any kind of structural damage. As these types of loft conversions involve minimal roof modifications, there won’t be any changes in the aesthetics of the roof, unlike other loft conversions.
Cost-effective and quicker option
If you are looking to transform your loft space in a very minimal time frame, a Velux loft conversion can be the cheapest option. As these lofts involve lower material and labour costs, the Velux loft conversion process can be completed quickly and is a cost-effective option when compared to all other types of loft conversions.
Dormer vs Velux: Planning Permission
Understanding the concept of planning permission is essential before you begin planning any type of home extension to your home. There can be many instances where you may or may not require planning permission for renovating or extending your home. To learn more about planning permission for different types of home extensions, click here.
For velux loft conversions, planning permission will not be necessary, as they fall under the permitted development rights. However, it is important to check if the PD rights for your property are still valid or have been used up. Also, certain factors such as the type of Velux window, size, location of your property, and projection need to be checked for planning permission anyway.
When it comes to dormer loft conversion, you may need to submit an application and get the planning permission before you start the work, as dormer lofts require a significant amount of structural changes on your roof. The level of extension also plays a major role here. The council will assess the location, neighbourhood, size, roof height and overall aesthetic of your property and then decide on your application.
Engaging Professional Expertise
So, whether you are planning to go for any type of loft extension, having a basic idea of spatial requirements, existing loft architecture, regulatory limitations, and project timelines is necessary. However, it is not expected for all the house owners to know every detail of their property or the legal complexities, and that’s where Academy Concepts steps in, to guide you.
By adopting a professional approach to understanding every aspect of dormer and Velux loft conversions, and by collaborating with experienced contractors like Academy Concepts, you can make an informed decision that upgrades your home’s potential, enhances its value, and provides a functional living space tailored to your specific needs.
