Is Your Loft Actually Worth Converting? Here’s How We Work It Out

Not every loft makes a good conversion, and it’s better to find that out in the first conversation than three weeks into the process. There are a few things we check before we get anywhere near drawings.

Head height comes first

You generally need at least 2.2 metres from the floor joists to the ridge of the roof for a loft conversion to work comfortably. Anything less and you’re looking at either lowering the ceiling below, which is a bigger job, or accepting a lower headroom conversion, which isn’t always practical depending on what you want the space for.

The type of roof changes everything

A dormer conversion is the most common option and works on most roof types, adding usable floor space by building out from the existing roof slope. A hip-to-gable conversion suits semi-detached and detached houses with a hipped roof, extending the sloped side out to a vertical gable wall. Mansard conversions are the most involved, effectively replacing most of the roof structure, and tend to suit terraced houses where you want to maximise the space.

The staircase question

People often forget that a loft conversion needs a proper staircase that meets building regulations, not just a ladder. Finding room for this without eating into the room below is usually one of the first things we work out on the drawings.

Building regulations, not just planning

Many loft conversions fall under permitted development, so you may not need planning permission at all. What you will always need is a full set of building regulations drawings, covering structure, fire safety, insulation and the staircase, because building control has to sign off the work regardless of the planning route.

If you’re in Ilford, Redbridge or East London and want to know whether your loft is worth converting, get in touch and we’ll take a proper look.