Converting Your Loft and Roof

Are you thinking or planning to convert your loft? Lately, the number of people undertaking loft conversions has been rising. Some do it to increase the living spaces by taking advantage of the space beneath a pitched roof whereas others do it to create extra storage space.

Whichever the reason for the conversion, it is important to ensure you do it right the first time. You don’t want to ruin your home’s appeal or functionality, or undermine its integrity. Additionally, a poorly done job may affect the roof framework and may lead to leaks. The following questions will help in choosing the best loft conversion:

1. Is the loft convertible?

Not every loft can be converted. Some will have limited space that won’t create a nice living space and the best it will serve as a storage point. The existing framing may not be able to support too much weight and the cost of reinforcing it may be too high. Also, the roof design and pitch may not provide the best design or lighting.

Talking to an expert before the conversion will help to ascertain the viability of the project. You don’t want to spend so much money and time only to never use the space. Also, you don’t want to ruin the appeal and value of the property.

2. What type of roof do you have?

Loft conversions can be undertaken on different types of roofs. These include mansard, gable, pitched and more. Nevertheless, the roof design and pitch will greatly determine the loft conversion. By looking at the framing (rafters or trusses), an experienced roofer will determine the most suitable. Rafters are much easier to work with courtesy of the triangular space they leave beneath the roof. Trusses can also be converted but will require extra reinforcements due to the design.

3. How much floor space do you have?

Many people focus more on the space beneath the roof and not so much on the floor space. However, as we know, you will need to build a staircase leading to the loft and this can take a considerable space. You also don’t want to undermine the functionality of the floor space by placing the staircase in a bad position. (Imagine a staircase right in the middle of the room?).

A competent roofer will design the best staircase that won’t interfere with the available space, functionality, movement or the aesthetic appeal. A common method is using a retractable staircase that is usually placed on the side of the room.

4. Which loft conversion do you want?

There are many kinds of loft conversions and these include roof light, hip-to-gable, dormer, and mansard. Each type has its key strengths and weaknesses and is also influenced by the roof design, house design, age of the structure and the budget.

Roof light conversions are easy to construct and don’t require lots of modification. However, you need to have lots of space already available. A dormer loft conversion is also among the affordable options and will work in most types of pitched roofs. Hip-to-gable and Mansard conversions are more expensive but add more space and value to a property.

5. Are planning permissions needed?

Generally, you can carry out a loft conversion without seeking any permission since they are already catered for by the permitted development rights. Nevertheless, if your house has a unique design or is located in a designated land, then you may require additional permission. A good roofing contractor should guide you to ensure you don’t violate any regulations.

6. Whats your budget

When planning to convert a loft, you need to have a predetermined budget. Usually, many people discover that they underestimated the budget simply because they compared it to other similar roofs or relied on incomplete information. And due to this, they are forced to look for more money or use shortcuts to finish the project.

The cost of converting a loft with trusses is usually higher than that with rafters. This is because extra support is needed to strengthen the framing. And unless you know the differences between the framing, you may use a wrong approach.

The above steps will make loft conversion not only easier but also time efficient. Nevertheless, it’s always advised to let the experts handle the job from start to finish. They will determine the available space, the best design, create something that suits your needs, use the best materials and techniques, and also ensure your needs and desires are not only met but exceeded.

Birmingham Roofers undertakes loft conversions and related roof services. Our company can handle any kind of task without a problem thanks to our many years of experience. We boast of a skilled workforce who takes extra precautions to ensure you get the best service. For more information on the service, you can call the company, visit our website at bmroofers.co.uk or send an email. Did you know that we offer a free quote on the service?

Converting your loft shouldn’t be a challenge. You also don’t need to rely on guesswork. Talk to Birmingham Roofers and enjoy the best service.