Converting Your Loft and Its Impact on Your Roof
Do you need an extra bedroom? A home office? Do you want to add a bathroom or an art room?
Whatever is your need for having extra space, extending your indoor living using your loft is a valuable home improvement project. But you need to list things that will affect your loft conversion. Depending on how large or small you need, you have to assess the integrity of the space to use and the expansion of the roof on that space.
The purpose of people undertaking loft conversions is to increase or expand their living spaces by taking advantage of the space beneath a pitched roof. Others simply do it to create extra storage space for headroom adjustment.
Whatever you have the need for converting your loft is one major roofing project. However, it is always important to ensure to have it built correctly because you don’t want to disrupt your home’s appeal or functionality and undermine its integrity.
A poorly done job may affect the roof framework and can lead to leaks.
Check the following questions as your guide in your loft project and make your room expansion built through cost-effective means.
Is Your Loft Expandable?
Not every loft can be converted. There are homes with limited space, and creating a space is not ideal but it is best if the space will serve as a storage room instead. The existing structure and framing may not be strong enough to bear the additional weight. Also, there are certain adjustments that will affect the roof’s current build.
Consult with an engineer if you wish to build a loft so he can assess and help you understand if it is viable or not extend your loft vertically. You don’t want to spend so much money and time only to make the space useless.
2. What is your home’s current roof type?
You can build a loft with any kind of roof. These include mansard, gable, or pitched. The current roof design and pitch will greatly determine the loft conversion. By looking at the framing (rafters or trusses), only an experienced roofer can determine what’s best.
Rafters are easier to work on in relation to the triangular shape of the space under the roof. Trusses, on the other hand, have a design that will require extra reinforcements in a loft conversion.
3. How large is your floor space?
Many people focus more on the space under the roof and not so much on above the ceiling. It is a common misconception that the wider the space the more it is possible to add a loft. If you are going to build a livable space in your loft, imagine where to build the staircase leading to the loft, and this is another space requirement. Mistakenly placing the staircase in a bad position will undermine the functionality beneath the loft.
An experienced roofer can design the proper staircase that will not eat up the available space or the structural appeal of the room. A retractable staircase that is usually placed on the side of the room is ideal compared to a traditional staircase.
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 pros and cons and is also affected by the current roof and house design, age of the structure, and budget.
Roof light conversions are easy to construct and don’t require heavy modifications. But you need to have lots of space readily 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 roof-type loft versions can be more costly compared to other shapes.
5. Planning permission is dependent on your loft style
Generally, you can build a loft conversion without seeking any permission since they are already catered for by the permitted development rights. But if your house has a unique design or is located in a designated land, then you may require additional permission. A reliable roofing contractor should guide you to ensure you don’t violate any regulations.
6. Define your budget
When planning to convert a loft, you need to have a predetermined budget. People realised that they underestimate the budget because they rely 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 the wrong approach.
The above steps will make loft conversion not only easier but also time-efficient. And it’s always advisable to let experts handle the job from start to finish.
Certified roofers and loft builders such as the Birmingham Roofers will determine the available space and the best design. They will employ the best techniques while not pushing on the back burner your inputs and your desired appearance.
Birmingham Roofers handle no matter how complicated your loft project could be. And they also complete a project with no hassle.
Call Birmingham Roofers if you still have queries about a loft conversion. Reach out to them anytime about roof repair, roof management, tile replacement, chimneys and flashing, and all sorts of roof things.
