Do you need extra space in your home? It's an age-old problem, as families continue to grow and it seems impossible to fit everyone in, along with all the furniture and all that other 'stuff' accumulated over time!
It's a problem that we know and understand well at Loft Crew. We also sympathise with those who don't want to move house, either because of the stress and hassle or the fact that they love where they are. For those people, Loft Crew has an excellent solution: a mansard loft conversion.
A Mansard Loft Conversion is a specific type of loft conversion named after the 17th-century French architect Francois Mansart (or Francois Mansard), who designed the distinctive Mansard roof*. It involves altering the sloping side of your roof to create a significant amount of usable living space. Typically built at the rear of your property, it features a flat roof with a near-vertical back wall (usually at a 72-degree angle). This design maximises headroom and floor space, making it feel more like an extension than just a converted attic.
It's a fantastic way of creating extra living space, like a master bedroom, guest room or bathroom.
Key features:
See why hundreds have trusted us with their loft conversions. Minimal disruption, maximum satisfaction.
Unlike some other types of loft conversions, the Mansard loft extension can be fitted to almost any type of property, whether they're detached or semi-detached homes, terraced houses or bungalows!
However, we would need to perform an assessment and inspection to ensure that the roof structure is robust enough to take the extra weight and increased wind load.
We also take into account the other properties nearby to determine how practical the project is and whether access to the site would be a problem.
We cover this in more detail in our post “how do you know if you can have a loft conversion”.
While it's impossible to give an exact average cost without knowing your specific project details, here's a general overview of the average cost of a Mansard loft conversion in the UK:
Bear in mind that these costs don't include VAT, which adds 20% to the final bill. We cover costs in more detail in our post “how much does a loft conversion cost”.
Owing to the major structural changes involved, planning permission is necessary in the majority of cases.
Mansard loft conversions alter the existing roof significantly, effectively creating another storey by raising the pitch of one side to near-vertical and adding a flat roof section. This often exceeds the limits of the Permitted Development rights for "enlargement of a dwellinghouse consisting of an addition or alteration to its roof."
They often exceed permitted development volume limits, which are 40 cubic metres for terraced houses and 50 cubic metres for detached and semi-detached houses.
The conversion's visibility and potential impact on neighbouring properties will also be considered during the application.
Finally, if you are in a conservation area or own a listed building, the rules are stricter, and there is a chance that permission will be denied.
In a handful of cases, you might avoid the need for planning permission:
In most cases, however, you need to be prepared for the possibility that your Mansard roof extension will require planning permission.
While the planning process can be a nightmare, Loft Crew will be on hand to smooth the way; all it takes is some careful preparation, and it helps if you have knowledge and experience of dealing with local council procedures.
We cover this in more detail in our post “do you need planning permission for loft conversions”.
If you share a wall with a neighbour in your attic space, it's likely that you'll need a party wall agreement before construction work begins. This legal document spells out what work is taking place, acceptable working hours, how the wall will be accessed, and other such details.
A Party Wall Notice must be delivered to your neighbour at least fourteen days before the work starts. Your neighbour can refuse to sign, or ignore it, in which case, a surveyor has to be engaged to mediate.
Hopefully, the neighbour (or neighbours, if you are in a terraced house) will agree, and work can begin.
Fees for a PWA are usually between £800 and £1,000.
We cover this in more detail in our post “do I need a party wall agreement for a loft conversion”.
A Mansard extension will transform your existing property in ways you can only imagine!
Here are some examples that highlight how it could improve your standard of living:
Extending upwards is a sensible option for those in urban areas who cherish their outdoor spaces. This makes a Mansard loft conversion perfect for many homeowners who need more space but don't want to reduce the size of their gardens.
Loft Crew can help you achieve this by designing and building a stylish Mansard loft conversion.
Call us today to have a friendly chat about your ideas, and we'll transform your living space to be proud of.
A mansard loft conversion involves altering the structure of a sloping roof to a steeper angle, typically to the rear of the property, creating additional living space with vertical walls and a flat roof.
The cost of a mansard loft conversion in the UK varies, generally ranging from £40,000 to £70,000, depending on the size, design, and finishes.
Mansard loft conversions often require planning permission due to the significant changes to the roof's shape and structure, especially in conservation areas or listed buildings.
Mansard loft conversions offer substantial benefits, including maximising living space, increasing property value, and enhancing the aesthetic appeal of a home.
Yes, a mansard loft conversion can significantly increase the value of a property, often by up to 20%, by adding additional liveable space and improving the home's overall functionality.
Mansard loft conversions are suitable for a wide range of properties, including terraced, semi-detached, and detached houses, especially in urban areas where maximising space is crucial.
