When it comes to renovating and refreshing your house’s look, there are always various projects that should be done. The ‘to do’ list is neverending, as some of the home renovation projects are minor and can be done throughout the weekend, like repainting your exterior walls. In contrast, some of the projects are pretty big, and you will need to spend more time planning them and set a decent budget on the side to get the task finished.

Loft guest bedroom by Iguana Architects ↑

Loft conversions are one of the most typical ‘big’ projects you can go with, especially if you want to open more space and add value to your home. It’s a project where you ought to hire professionals and watch from the side how your house gains a new perspective over a month or two of work.

Loft conversion – an excellent way to increase the space

In most cases, lofts represent just another dusty room in the house. It’s a place where people keep their old books and clothes when they run out of regular space. Loft conversions are an excellent way to gain that extra bedroom or a place where your kids can have their daytime activities. It’s a way to gain extra space, and add some value to the house if you are thinking about hitting the market.

Original wooden beams preserved in this bedroom in a loft ↑

According to a Nationwide study, a loft conversion that adds an extra bedroom and en-suite bathroom would add an average of 21% to the value of a property. According to another study, the increase in value was likely to be even higher in London at 24.5%.

Although the average cost of loft conversion is around £30,000, which is probably more than other home projects, the investment return will eventually payout. The price will vary a lot, depending on the type of loft you choose and the size you are looking at. In the following paragraphs, we will discuss the three most famous loft conversion types: Dormer, Velux, and Mansard.

Dormer Loft Conversions

The most typical thing about dormer lofts is their box-shaped structure that creates a 90-degree angle on the floor’s walls. This makes them one of the most used types because apart from expanding the headspace, the floor space can be used to the fullest. This way, you can use the loft’s actual size, including the corners where you can add a closet, working desk, or whatever you want.

Dormer loft conversion by Amos Goldreich Architecture ↑

When it comes to the project’s overall costs, dormer loft conversion prices vary depending on the location, size, and quality you are looking for. However, the average price for a dormer loft conversion is somewhere around £30,000.

Depending on the style you are going for, there are few dormer loft types, such as:

• Flat roof dormers – these types have a flat roof and are positioned horizontally
• Shed dormers – these types also have a flat roof, but it slopes down
• Dog-house dormers – these types have a top with two pitched sides
• L-shaped dormers – these types consist of two parts which form the letter L
• Hipped roof dormers, which are very similar to dog-house dormers, except they have three sides instead of two.

Loft conversion to a shower ↑

Velux Loft Conversions

These lofts are known for their large amount of light and are also called roof light lofts. They got their name ‘Velux loft’ from the leading manufacturer of roof windows. The main difference between the dormer loft and the Velux loft is that with these lofts, the roofline is unaltered, meaning that Velux windows get installed under a certain angle that aligns with the line of the roof.

This type of loft is also widely used because it creates a cozy atmosphere, and, most importantly, it is the least expensive loft conversion out of the three different types. Again, depending on the location in question and the number of windows used, Velux lofts come with an average price of around £20,000.

An extra bedroom in the loft space ↑

The main downside of Velux lofts is that they might be a bit smaller in size, and probably some space will be left unused. However, it can still be a beautiful guest room or a lawyer’s home office.

Maybe they are smaller than the other types, but with the proper design and accessorizing, these lofts can certainly look breathtaking as well. Most people who think about selling and adding value to their home go for the Velux loft conversion. That’s mainly because of its price and the large amount of light that the house gains.

Mansard Loft Conversions

The mansard loft conversions date back to the 17th century when they first got their name after the French architect Francois Mansard. What sets this type of loft apart from the others is that they come with a flat roof, and the back walls are sloping inwards at a 72-degree angle.

Mansard loft conversion by Note Design Studio ↑

Simply put, this conversion goes through replacing one entire side of the roof to form a whole new story. Also, you would certainly need planning permission since it is considered as a significant renovation.

These loft conversions are suitable for most types of properties, including mid-terraces. They can be finished in a variety of ways to match your property. These lofts are the most expensive, and their average price is around  £50,000. That’s why they are not always the first choice among people even though they look incredible and somewhat luxurious.

They are more expensive than the other types, but they are still an excellent choice for people who want to expand their house and add two new bedrooms, or a living room and a bedroom.

Final Thoughts

Another example of a beautiful loft conversion to an extra bedroom ↑

Depending on your needs, your preferences, and the money you plan to invest, you are free to choose your favorite loft conversion type from the options mentioned above. Make sure to hire experienced professionals. They‘ll advise you on heating, ventilation, and all of the essential things that go along with the loft conversion. Whether it is an extra space you need, a spacier home office, or just using the dusty loft to add value to your home, a loft conversion is the right choice.