Types of Loft Conversions

Adding a dormer window to the roof of a building is a type of loft conversion known as a dormer loft conversion. A vertical expansion that extends from the roof's slope, known as a dormer, can add more headroom and floor space.

Dormer conversions come in various styles, including gable-fronted, hipped, flat, and shed dormers, to name a few. Due to the availability of diverse styles of dormers that can suit various building types, they can also boost the space and aesthetic appeal of the building in addition to raising the property's value. On the other hand, Dormer loft conversions are a little trickier to complete than some other loft conversions and usually necessitate approval for planning permission and building regulations.

A hip-to-gable loft conversion includes changing the roof's shape from a hipped roof to one with a gable roof, which can add more headroom and floor space. A gable roof has two sloping sides that come together at a ridge to form a triangular shape at either end of the top, whereas a hipped roof has sloping sides that come together at a peak.

Extending the existing roofline and adding a gable end where a hipped roof had stood increases the available area. In London, where many homes have hipped roofs, this conversion can be beneficial because these homes can be confined and sometimes challenging to convert. You can add a second bedroom or bathroom by converting a hipped roof to a gable roof because it creates more headroom and floor space.

A dormer window with two parts—one that extends from the sloping roof and the second that unfolds at a right angle to the first part—is known as an L-shaped dormer. Consequently, an L-shaped dormer loft conversion is a type of dormer loft conversion in which an L-shaped dormer window is added to a property's roof.  Another name for this style of dormer is the "dog-leg" dormer.

An L-shaped dormer-style loft conversion can be a fantastic way to increase your home's living space because it can add extra height and square footage. Additionally, it's an excellent method to give the room more ventilation and natural light. Since it can make the most of the available space, this conversion is especially appropriate for homes with a hipped or L-shaped roof. The only constraint is that only properties with an existing back or rear extension are usually suitable for this conversion type.

A "Mansion Block loft conversion" style is unique to the Mansion Blocks, or apartment buildings in London. Large apartment complexes with many units known as "Mansion Blocks" were constructed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. These structures have a regal, intimidating aspect and are frequently located on beautifully landscaped grounds. Typical locations for mansion blocks include Chelsea, Islington, and Bayswater.

Turning one of these structures' attics into residential space is known as a "Mansion Block loft conversion." A new stairway is typically built for this remodelling, and new windows or skylights are commonly installed to let in more natural light. The conversion's design may be complicated because it must be done under the building's original architecture and regulations and sometimes subject to additional restrictions if also a listed building.

A Mansard loft conversion is a style of loft conversion in which an existing pitched roof is covered with a brand-new, flat top. It was the French architect Francois Mansart, who popularised this form of roofing in the 17th century and is honoured by the name of this conversion.

When a loft is converted into a mansard, the roof's slope is raised, and a flat top floor is constructed to add more living space and is typically accomplished by raising and expanding the current roof to build a new, vertical wall. In London, this conversion is common, especially in Victorian and Edwardian homes when the roof space is not ideal for a dormer conversion but may still be used to enhance living space. Although this type of loft conversion can be a little costlier, some London borough planning departments favour this form of loft conversion as it helps to blend in well, keeping within the original style of other nearby homes.