Loft conversions are a great way to add space and value to your home, but at what cost? This price will depend on the structure of your roof, the available space you have in your loft, and alterations that may need to be made for the staircase. On top of this, you have the added cost of interior design.
With so many variables involved, it can be difficult to give an exact estimate for a loft conversion. The biggest deciding factor for your budget will be what type of conversion you opt for, as this will define both the size of your project and its complexity.
Another big factor in the cost of your project will be your location. It’ll probably come as no surprise but projects in and around London come with a higher price tag (although they do bring in greater returns due to housing demands here).
To help you decode the price of your dream loft transformation, here's where to start...
Types of loft conversions
One of the biggest decisions you’re going to have to make is which type of loft conversion you want to pursue. They come in all shapes and sizes, not to mention budgets, giving you plenty of options to choose from.
Here are the main ones you'll likely need to consider...
Skylight loft conversion: involves leaving the basic roof structure intact and simply adding in windows, along with reinforcement to the floor. If the existing shape of your roof is big enough, this is the easiest way to create new space in your home.
Flat roof (‘Box’) dormer: is a structural extension which projects vertically from the slope of the existing roof, creating a box shape. Homeowners love this addition, as it creates plenty of new floorspace, brings in headroom, and allows you to install conventional windows.
Mansard loft conversion: is constructed by raising the party wall (the wall shared with your neighbours). The roof remains flat, while one outer wall slopes gently inwards. Mansards are typically found at the rear of the house and are suitable for many property types, especially homes in conservation areas where mansard roofs are seen as more traditional.
Hip to gable: straightens an inwardly slanted end roof to create a vertical wall. By changing the structure in this way, you add not only extra floor space within the room, but also create more room within the staircase area. This is ideal if your current stairs lack the appropriate head height to make it through modern building regulations.