Are you thinking or planning to convert your loft?
The purpose of people undertaking loft conversions is to increase or expand their living spaces by taking advantage of the space beneath a pitched roof. Others simply do it to create extra storage space.
Whatever you have the need for converting your loft is one major roofing project. However, it is always important to ensure to have it built correctly because you don’t want to disrupt your home’s appeal or functionality and undermine its integrity.
A poorly done job may affect the roof framework and can lead to leaks.
Check the following questions as your guide in your loft project.
1. Can you expand your loft?
Not every loft can be converted. There are homes with limited space and creating a space is not ideal but it is best if the space will serve as a storage room instead. The existing framing may not be able to support additional weight, and it could be more costly than you can think of. Additionally, the roof design and pitch may not provide the best design or lighting.
Talking to an expert before the conversion will help you with the viability of the loft project. You don’t want to spend so much money and time only to make the space useless. And ruining your home’s aesthetics could be the last thing you have in mind.
2. What is your home’s current roof type?
You can build a loft with any kind of roof. These include mansard, gable, or pitched. However, the roof design and pitch will greatly determine the loft conversion. By looking at the framing (rafters or trusses), an experienced roofer can determine what’s best. Rafters are easier to work on in relation to the triangular shape of the space under the roof. Trusses, on the other hand, have a design that will require extra reinforcements in the loft conversion.
3. How large is your floor space?
Many people focus more on the space under the roof and not so much on above the ceiling, which is the floor space. You will need to build a staircase leading to the loft, and this is another space requirement. You also don’t want to undermine the functionality of the floor space by placing the staircase in a bad position. (Imagine a staircase right in the middle of the room.)
An experienced roofer can design the proper staircase that will not eat up the available space or the structural appeal of the room. A retractable staircase that is usually placed on the side of the room is ideal compared to a traditional staircase.
4. Which loft conversion do you want?
There are many kinds of loft conversions and these include roof light, hip-to-gable, dormer, and mansard. Each type has its pros and cons and is also affected by the current roof and house design, age of the structure, and budget.
Roof light conversions are easy to construct and don’t require heavy modifications. But you need to have lots of space readily available.
A dormer loft conversion is also among the affordable options and will work in most types of pitched roofs.
Hip-to-gable and mansard conversions are more expensive but add more space and value to a property.
5. Planning permission is dependent on your loft style
Generally, you can build a loft conversion without seeking any permission since they are already catered for by the permitted development rights. But if your house has a unique design or is located in a designated land, then you may require additional permission. A good roofing contractor should guide you to ensure you don’t violate any regulations.
6. Define your budget
When planning to convert a loft, you need to have a predetermined budget. People realised that they underestimate the budget because they rely on incomplete information. And due to this, they are forced to look for more money or use shortcuts to finish the project.
The cost of converting a loft with trusses is usually higher than that with rafters. This is because extra support is needed to strengthen the framing. And unless you know the differences between the framing, you may use the wrong approach.
Final thoughts
The above steps will make loft conversion not only easier but also time-efficient. And it’s always advisable to let experts handle the job from start to finish.
Loft converters like the Plymouth Roofers will determine the available space and the best design and will create something that suits your needs while using the best materials and techniques. These roof fitters will ensure your needs and desires are not only met but exceeded.
Plymouth Roofers handle any kind of task without a problem thanks to our many years of experience.
For more information on our roofing and loft service, visit our website or call us. We also offer a free quote if you want one so you can have an estimate of your future loft project.
