Considering converting your loft but unsure which type is right for your home? This guide breaks down the five main types of loft conversions, as well as lesser-known options like L-shaped and shell conversions, to help you choose the best fit.
GET AN INSTANT QUOTEPowered by:
.png)
These are the five most common types of loft conversions. Below, you’ll find a quick overview of each one, with links to explore them in more detail. Use the shortcuts below to jump straight to the type that interests you.
Velux conversions (Also known as Rooflight conversions) are the simplest and most cost-effective type of loft conversion. They add Velux windows without changing the roof structure, making them perfect for bringing natural light into your loft.
Type: N/A – This conversion focuses on integrating roof light windows into the existing structure.
Best for: Properties with ample headroom where only minimal alterations are needed. Perfect for homeowners who want to enhance their space without extensive construction and keep their Velux loft conversion costs down.
Considerations:
Dormer loft conversions extend the existing roof structure to protrude from the roof's slope, typically at the rear. This conversion type effectively adds both headroom and usable floor space. People tend to add dormer windows to create much more light in the loft to make it feel spacious and bright.
Type:
Best for: Adding significant space; suitable for almost any house with a sloping roof. It's particularly effective in bungalows or houses where maximising vertical space is essential.
Considerations:
Mansard loft conversions involve altering one or both roof slopes to create an almost vertical 72-degree angle, significantly increasing the loft space.
Type: N/A – This conversion dramatically changes the roof structure to maximise living space.
Best for: Maximising loft volume. Commonly used in terraced house conversions but suitable for various property types needing a significant space increase.
Considerations:
Hip to gable loft conversions extend a roof's sloping ‘hip’ side into a gable end, increasing the usable loft space. Often, this is complemented by adding a rear dormer for even more space.
Type: N/A – This conversion transforms the roof shape to expand the space.
Best for: Detached or semi-detached homes with hip roofs needing extra lateral space. Ideal for homes where the existing loft area is too small for practical use. Small loft conversions can be the way forward.
Considerations:
Modular loft conversions (Pre-Fab) use prefabricated modules constructed off-site and installed into a prepared roof space, reducing on-site construction time and disruption.
Type: N/A – Uses off-site constructed modules tailored to fit the existing roof structure.
Best for: Properties where traditional conversion methods are not feasible or where quick installation is a priority, ideal for minimising on-site construction challenges and time.
Considerations:
In addition to the popular types of loft conversions like Velux, Dormer, Hip-to-Gable, Mansard, and Modular/Pre-Fab, there are other less common yet equally viable options to consider:
An L-shaped loft conversion variation of the dormer conversion is typically used on Victorian and Edwardian properties. It involves constructing two dormers – one on the main roof and another on the rear roof – which meet to form an 'L' shape. This type maximises available space and is particularly suited for terraced houses.
Looking to add a bathroom to your loft conversion?
Similar to Velux conversions, skylight conversions involve adding skylight windows to the roof without altering its pitch or structure.
This option is ideal for homeowners who want to add natural light without extensive structural changes. The main difference from a Velux conversion lies in the brand and style of windows used.
This type combines the mansard style with a rear dormer to maximise space. The steep sloping sides of a mansard roof are paired with a flat rear dormer, providing substantial headroom and usable space across the loft.
Side dormer conversions are useful for houses with hipped roofs where space on the sides can be utilised by adding a dormer.
This type is less common but ideal for creating additional space in more complex roof structures. We actually have a coustomer who went for this and paired it with a doubley storey extension, pretty cool setup. Worth looking into if you have the budget.
This conversion involves remodelling the roof to create a gambrel style, similar to a Mansard but with two different slopes on each side. This design allows for more space on the upper floor and is often found in rural or older homes.
A shell loft conversion completes the structural work necessary to make the loft a livable space, but leaves the finishing touches to the homeowner. This budget-friendly option allows for custom interior design.
A Piggyback conversion extends an existing loft conversion to maximise space or add features, like dormers or raised rooflines.
Ideal for homeowners needing more headroom or functional space, this type often requires planning permission and professional consultation to ensure feasibility and compliance with local building regulations.
Still unsure which loft conversion is right for your home? These common questions can help you understand the options, costs, and what to expect during the process.
Dormer and mansard conversions tend to add the most value because they create the biggest increase in usable space. Adding an extra bedroom or bathroom can significantly boost your property’s value, especially in areas where space is at a premium. The exact uplift depends on your location, house type, and the quality of the build.
A Velux conversion is usually the most affordable option. It utilises the existing roof structure and simply adds roof windows, which helps keep costs down. It’s a great choice if your loft already has good head height and you just want to make the space brighter and more usable.
Hip-to-gable conversions are a popular choice for loft conversions in semi-detached houses. They extend the sloped side of the roof to create a full gable, adding valuable headroom and floor space. When paired with a rear dormer, you can get a spacious new room or even a full suite with a bathroom.
Dormers are often the best fit for loft conversions on bungalows. They add height and floor space without changing the footprint of your home. If you want something faster and less disruptive, a modular conversion could also work well; it’s built off-site and installed quickly, which can be a big bonus.
