How Much Does It Cost To Do A Loft Conversion

How much does a loft conversion cost UK?

Transforming your loft into a livable space can breathe new life into your home, adding both functionality and value. However, before diving into this exciting project, it’s essential to grasp the potential costs involved.

This guide aims to demystify loft conversion pricing, providing you with the insights needed to budget effectively and plan wisely.

In the UK, the most popular, budget-friendly option for adding some extra room and value to a dwelling is by loft conversion. Be it another bedroom, a home office, or a hideaway, all can be excellent options where you are deemed investing wisely by making a loft conversion. You just have to learn the cost to start with in order to plan and budget appropriately.
Below is a detailed overview of the cost involved in loft conversions, what determines the cost, and how Yoop Architects can make that dream space for you.

What factors affect the cost of a loft conversion?

A loft conversion is a significant investment, and various factors can affect the final cost. Understanding these can help you make informed decisions. Here’s what you need to consider:

• Type of Conversion: The type of loft conversion you choose—be it a dormer, hip-to-gable, or mansard conversion—affects the overall cost. Each type varies in complexity and required materials.
• Structural Work: The extent of structural changes required can significantly impact costs. This includes reinforcing floors, adding new stairs, and modifying roof structures.
• Materials and Finishes: The quality of materials and finishes you select will influence the final price. Opting for high-end materials can enhance aesthetics but will increase expenses.
• Labour Costs: Labour costs vary based on location and the complexity of the work. In North London, for instance, prices might be higher compared to other areas.
• Planning Permissions: Securing necessary planning permissions and complying with building regulations can also add to the cost.

By understanding these factors, you can better estimate the financial commitment required for your loft conversion. Planning ahead and setting a realistic budget will help ensure that your dream transformation becomes a rewarding reality.

What type of roof structures are there?

• Trussed Roof
  A trussed roof is a more modern way of making a roof. It uses smaller timbers manufactured into a truss (structural component). If you have this you will have to cut out the timber members that will be in the room.
• Traditional Cut Roof
  A traditional cut roof is the typical roof that gets loft conversion. It has a more open loft space with rafters.

Other Cost Factors

• Reinforcement of the floor
• Insulation as the loft will now be a habitable room
• Electrics and heating
• Large windows/skylights with blinds and automated controls
• Adding a staircase
• Do you need to move the water tank?
• Are you having an ensuite installed? This will add further complexity of plumbing
• Do you want air conditioning installed? This is also becoming more popular these days, with typical costs of £2,000-£3,000 for a loft conversion.

A room loft conversion is where you board out the loft and add a staircase. Maybe add a few skylight windows in the slope of the roof. You would require a good sized loft with good head height.
Prices start at around £15,000

– Yoop Architects

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What types of loft conversion are there?

Room Loft Conversion
A room loft conversion is where you board out the loft and add a staircase. Maybe add a few skylight windows in the slope of the roof. You would require a good sized loft with good head height.
Prices start from £15,000

Dormer Loft Extension

A dormer loft extension is where a big box is typically added to the rear of the roof. This gives lots more space. Typically created via permitted development.
Prices start from £20,000 or from £35,000 with the inclusion of an en suite

‘Raising the Roof’ or Changing the Roof Structure

If the head height is not enough, altering the roof can be achieved via planning but can be difficult. The planners may suggest it will be incongruous to the original house as it may look different to the adjacent housing. Where it maybe possible is when houses are on a sloping street and ridge heights are not related to each other. Can be costly as it required a new roof.
Prices start from £40,000

Hip to Gable Roof Extension

A hipped roof is when all four sides of the roof slope in towards the middle. The loft space for conversion is not very good. A gabled roof is like a roof of a terraced house – two sides of the roof slope and the other two sides have a wall which go all the way up to the ridge (top of the roof). The gable roof is good for loft extensions.

There is a permitted development where you can do a hip to gable extension – usually on a semi detached property. Councils do not like this type of development as it will unbalance a semi detached pair but if done correctly at permitted development, the council can not stop it.
Prices start from £25,000

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Do I need insurance for a loft conversion?

If you are carrying out conversion/extension works you should arrange specialist insurance to cover the new works and the existing structure as most home insurers won’t cover works if contracts exceed £50,000.

It is important to sort insurance in good time as most insurers will not insure when works have already started. GPS Insurance Brokers can provide specialist insurance cover for conversion/extension works and the insurance will last for the duration of the building project. Insurance should be arranged as soon as you know works will commence.

You should also inform your home insurer as an extra room could result in a higher buildings insurance premium. Failing to inform your insurer of any changes to your property could invalidate your home insurance policy.

For expert advise on this and any other insurance exposures, please contact Gary Philip at GPS Insurance Brokers on 020 8207 7385. GPS Insurance

The Bottom Line: Balancing Budget and Dreams

While the exact cost can vary depending on your project’s size and complexity, expect a range of £15,000 for a simple room conversion to £40,000 or more for a more elaborate one. Remember to obtain multiple quotes from reputable contractors before making a decision.

By carefully considering these factors and exploring cost-saving options like comparing quotes, opting for simpler designs, or completing some tasks yourself, you can transform your loft into a beautiful and functional space that aligns with your budget and vision.

What Yoop Architects Can Do for You

By all that you need to know, Yoop and Loft Extension specialists create well-executed, functional, and aesthetic loft space about by construction for you an elegant design within your own home.

If you wish to explore further how we can add value to your project, here are some options:

1. Professional Consultation: Understand our range of offers and get an onsite evaluation of your loft space. We shall then advise you on the appropriate type of conversion that you can get within your particular tastes and requirements and also how you can manage this within your budget.
2. Imaginative and bespoke Designs: Our team produces innovative and unique designs that are always feasible within the given space, complementing the style and history of a structure.
3. Compliance: Make sure the new loft connection is in conformity with all relevant building control and planning rules in the UK.
4. Accreditation/Insurance Policy: Trained and real time project managers to keep the project on the right track from start to finish.
5. Cost Transparency: Items inside are assessed to be easily identifiable, and therefore, should costs overrun or clerical miscalculations be made, disputes would never occur.

Conclusion

A loft conversion does indeed increase the space and value of your home, but the eventual outlay comes down mostly to the type and scope of your project. Good planning and the right people can then see your dream come true for space without exceeding your budget.

Sounds right? Get in touch with Yoop Architects now and let’s show you some loft conversion possibilities, with your personal cost estimate.