It's widely acknowledged in the property industry that a loft conversion is one of the best methods of upgrading your home. They add value, they provide extra living space, and they generally improve your life in many ways.
One of the biggest advantages is that you don't have to go through the costly and stressful process of relocating, with all the hassle of dealing with estate agents, solicitors, mortgage lenders, banks, etc.
At Loft Crew, we understand the appeal of loft conversions, along with all the benefits they offer. However, they are only successful if the job is done properly, and that means meticulous planning and design from the outset.
The very best way to ensure this is by using a professional loft conversion architect. These highly skilled architects are trained to examine the project from every angle. They will think of aspects you never imagined, and suggest ideas that probably never crossed your mind! This means that you make the very most of the space available and get more for your money.
This is why we always engage a loft conversion architect in our projects at Loft Crew, so you can be confident of the best possible results.
Getting the architect involved at an early stage is always the best approach. In fact, it's wise to include them in the whole project from start to finish, as it can make a huge difference to the finished result. Most loft conversions will require architectural design along with the services of structural engineers and other professionals. This is to ensure that the existing structure can take the extra weight and the increased wind load and that every safety consideration is taken into account.
All good loft conversion companies either employ or consult loft conversion architects to ensure that the planned loft extension is perfect and meets the needs and requirements of the customer.
Here are some examples of how a Loft Crew loft conversion architect will be involved:
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You are welcome to, if you plan to undertake the project yourself, but you need to be prepared to pay the architect's fees on top of other costs.
The average cost of hiring a loft conversion architect in the UK can vary depending on several factors, such as:
Larger and more complex loft conversions will naturally require more architect involvement and expertise, leading to higher fees.
Architects with more experience and specialised qualifications in loft conversions may charge more than those with less experience.
Architect fees can vary depending on the region you live in, with costs typically being higher in London and the South East.
Some architects may offer a full range of services from initial design to project management, while others may offer more limited services like design consultations or planning permission applications. The more comprehensive the services, the higher the fee will likely be.
Based on these factors, the average cost of hiring a loft conversion architect in the UK typically falls between £2,000 and £8,000. However, it's important to remember that this is just an average, and your actual costs could be higher or lower depending on the specific circumstances of your project.
When you engage Loft Crew to do the job, these fees are included in the overall loft conversion cost.
Now you know more about the architect's role, we'll explore the different types of loft conversion project ideas they may be involved in. We'll also explain the role of the architect in more detail to illustrate how important it is to engage their services.
There are several ways to upgrade your existing loft space, and we'll check some of these loft conversion ideas now...
A dormer conversion is a popular choice that creates a protruding extension from your existing roof, increasing headroom and space. Whether you choose a front, rear, side, or even multiple dormers, this option offers flexibility and good value for most houses.
For single-story bungalows with sufficient roof height, this conversion transforms the unused space above, often by raising the roof to create a full new floor. This option maximises space, potentially doubling your living area.
Seeking a unique aesthetic? The Mansard conversion inclines your existing roof at a steeper angle, creating more usable space within the roof itself. This is often seen in terraced houses and allows for large windows and natural light.
If your detached or semi-detached house has a hipped roof (sloping on all sides), this conversion could be the right choice. It involves a roof extension, changing the shape to a gable roof (sloping on two sides) at the back, creating more headroom and floor space while potentially enhancing the overall aesthetics.
Ideal for smaller lofts or budget-conscious projects, this conversion utilises existing roof space by adding skylights and minimal structural changes. While it offers limited additional space compared to other options, it's a quick, affordable way to add light and create usable nooks.
At Loft Crew, we relish transforming dusty attics into vibrant living spaces, adding value and functionality to your home. To give you an idea of how this works, and further illustrate the role of the architect, here's a breakdown of what to expect:
A Loft Crew architect will be invaluable for your loft conversion, especially for projects requiring planning permission or complex structural changes. They bring expertise in:
With regard to architectural design and interior design, here are some tantalizing examples of converted lofts to inspire you!
While some types of loft conversion escape this, others will almost definitely require planning permission. This task can be fraught with difficulties and delays, with the average application taking between six and twelve weeks to be processed.
If you're new to this, it can be a nightmare; make one tiny error or omission, and the project may be rejected or delayed further. Rightly or wrongly, planning departments have a reputation for being thorough, slow, and difficult!
The trick here is to provide precise information and present it correctly, and that's what your architect will do.
We cover this in more detail in our post “do you need planning permission for a loft conversion”.
Thankfully, many loft conversions are covered by Permitted Development rights. As long as your project doesn't exceed the limits set out in the PD rights rules, you will avoid the need for planning permission.
Your architect will be aware of all the details, as they are responsible for the architectural design, and will advise you whether you need to submit a planning application or not.
Planning permission aside, you'll still need to make sure that you meet the required building regulations covering structural integrity, fire safety, ventilation, insulation, accessibility, and energy efficiency. A building control officer will visit the site at key stages to check that the work meets the required standards.
If your loft conversion project is to go ahead in a terraced property or semi-detached house, there's a chance that it will affect a shared wall. In this case, you'll need to seek the approval of your neighbour at least six weeks before building work begins.
A party wall agreement is a legal document that clearly sets out the work schedule, details of the construction work to be done, and who is responsible for any damage or repairs.
We cover this in more detail in our post “do I need a party wall agreement for loft conversions”.
In certain situations, obtaining an LDC can offer valuable peace of mind.
This is an official document from your local council confirming that your loft conversion complies with Permitted Development regulations. It acts as formal confirmation that your build doesn't require planning permission.
While not mandatory, here are some instances where an LDC is wise:
Precise architectural drawings, accurate plans, and structural calculations will play a major role in all of the above processes, ensuring that your new loft conversion meets the specified standards.
As a specialist loft conversion company, Loft Crew always relies on skilled architects for all of our projects. When their expertise is combined with the rest of our amazing team, you are guaranteed a perfect finish every time!
We're always asked, will a loft conversion add value to my home?
The answer is definitely YES! ...But it will also add value to your life, and that's well worth any investment.
When you need more space, call Loft Crew, and we will engage a professional loft conversion architect to bring your dreams and ideas to life.
Think of us as the one-stop shop for perfect loft conversions!
A loft conversion involves transforming your home's attic space into a functional room, such as a bedroom, office, or entertainment area. This addition not only provides extra living space without the need to sacrifice garden or external area but can also significantly increase the value of your property.
The cost of a loft conversion in the UK varies widely, typically ranging from £20,000 to £60,000. This variation depends on the size, type of conversion, and finish level. Investing in a loft conversion can offer a substantial return in terms of added property value.
Most loft conversions in the UK fall under "permitted development" and do not require planning permission, provided they meet specific conditions and limitations. However, it's always advisable to check with your local planning authority before proceeding.
A loft conversion project typically takes between 8 to 12 weeks to complete, depending on the complexity and type of conversion. Planning and design stages might add additional time to the overall timeline.
Not all lofts are suitable for conversion. Factors such as available head height, roof pitch, and structure, as well as local planning restrictions, can affect feasibility. An assessment by a loft conversion specialist or architect can determine if your loft can be converted.
The most popular types of loft conversions are dormer, hip-to-gable, mansard, and Velux. The best type depends on your property's structure, planning constraints, and your personal needs.