Thinking about converting your loft into a useful, stylish space? A loft conversion can give your home more room and increase its value, without the need to move. Whether you’re considering adding a bedroom, a home office, or even a bathroom, a loft conversion offers plenty of options. In this guide, we’ll cover popular loft conversion ideas, the costs involved, and the types of conversions you can choose from.
Why a loft conversion is a great idea?
Converting your loft is a smart way to add space to your home without having to extend. Here’s why it’s such a good choice:
Increase your home’s value
A loft conversion can increase the value of your home. More space makes your home more attractive to potential buyers. Many homeowners see a good return on their investment when they add a loft conversion, especially if it’s a practical, desirable room like a bedroom or office.
Make better use of space
Your loft is often unused space just sitting there. By turning it into a functional room, you can make your home bigger and more useful, all without moving or extending. This is a cost-effective way to create the extra space you need.
A space for anything you need
One of the best things about a loft conversion is how flexible the space can be. Whether you want a bedroom, home office, or even a bathroom, a loft conversion can give you the room you need to match your lifestyle.
Popular loft conversion ideas
Here are some common ideas for converting your loft into a great new space:
Bedroom conversion
Turning your loft into a bedroom is a popular choice. It’s a quiet, private space that’s perfect for relaxing. If you need more comfort, you can add an en-suite bathroom to your new bedroom.
Home office conversion
With more people working from home, a loft can make a great home office. It’s a separate area away from the rest of the house, allowing you to focus on work without distractions.
Bathroom in the loft
Adding a bathroom to your loft can make your home more convenient. It could be a guest bathroom or part of a master suite—whatever suits your needs.
Master suite with en-suite
A loft conversion can also create a luxurious master suite with its own en-suite bathroom. This is a great way to add both comfort and value to your home.
Children’s playroom or bedroom
A loft is also ideal for turning into a playroom or a bedroom for kids. This gives them a dedicated space to play or study, without taking up room in the rest of the house.
Types of loft conversions and costs
There are different types of loft conversions to choose from, each with its own cost and benefits. Here’s a breakdown of the most common ones:
Velux loft conversion (cost-effective)
A Velux loft conversion involves adding windows to your roof without making major changes to the structure. It’s the most affordable option because it doesn’t require a lot of building work. It’s a great way to bring more light into the loft and create a simple, practical space.
Cost: Typically between £15,000 and £25,000, depending on the size of the loft and complexity of the project. (greenmatch.co.uk)
Dormer loft conversion (more space and light)
A dormer conversion adds a box-shaped structure to the roof, increasing the amount of space and headroom in your loft. This type of conversion also lets in plenty of natural light through large windows. It’s a popular choice for families who need more space in the home.
Cost: Ranges from £20,000 to £40,000, with larger conversions or those requiring more work costing more. (greenmatch.co.uk)
Hip-to-gable loft conversion
This conversion is ideal for semi-detached homes. It involves extending the sloping side of the roof to create more usable space. It’s a great option if you want to make the most of the space in a house with a slanted roof.
Cost: Typically between £30,000 and £50,000, depending on the size and roof structure of the home. (greenmatch.co.uk)
Mansard loft conversion (maximise space)
The mansard conversion is the most extensive and expensive option. It involves changing the roof structure to create a flat roof with steep sides, giving you the most space. This option is the most expensive but offers the most room, making it a great choice if you want a large loft space.
Cost: This can range from £40,000 to £70,000 or more, as it requires extensive structural work. (greenmatch.co.uk)
Shell loft conversion
A shell loft conversion involves completing the basic structure of the loft, leaving the interior work to be done later. This is a good option if you want to save money upfront and finish the inside of the loft yourself or at a later stage.
Cost: Typically between £10,000 and £20,000 for the basic structure, with additional costs for finishing. (greenmatch.co.uk)
Key cost factors for loft conversions
The cost of your loft conversion can vary based on several factors, such as:
- The type of conversion you choose
- The size of the project
- Your location (costs can vary depending on where you live)
- The quality of materials and finishes
- Whether you need planning permission or have to meet building regulations
In general, a loft conversion is a great investment that adds both space and value to your home. If you’re thinking about financing, options like second charge mortgages or homeowner loans can help you pay for your conversion.
Conclusion
A loft conversion is an excellent way to add space and value to your home. Whether you want a bedroom, home office, or playroom, there are many ways to transform your loft into something special. The costs can vary depending on the type of conversion and the features you choose, but with the right planning, you can create a functional, stylish space that suits your needs. If you’re looking at other home improvement ideas, make sure you cost everything up in advance and create a buffer budget to account for any unforeseen extra costs.
For more information on financing your loft conversion, check out our homeowner loans. Explore your options today and start planning your dream loft conversion!