7 Conversion Ideas for Your Underutilized Loft

Wondering how to increase your living space? Look up - the answer might be

right above your head…

A well-planned loft conversion can literally transform the functionality of your

home. Whether it’s a guest bedroom that you need, more living space, a

playroom, bathroom, or home office, a loft conversion might be your smart and

cost-effective alternative to a traditional home extension.

Loft conversion design ideas are everywhere. A few minutes spent googling

will throw up loads of suggestions and opinions. We understand that it can be a

bit daunting, and that’s why we’ve taken a few moments to put together this list

of our top 7 loft conversion ideas right here.

But before we discuss what you can turn your loft into, there’s a few basic steps

you need to take first:

How Much Space is Available?

Take the time to climb up into your loft's roof space and physically inspect the

space available.

The internal structure of your roof will determine how much headspace is

available, and this will depend largely on the age of your home.

Trussed roof: this is the most common structure for modern homes (i.e. homes

built after 1965). The rafters are built in a ‘W’ shape, and typically measure

about 2.4m at their highest point.

Traditional roof: this structure is common in older homes (i.e. homes built

before 1965). The rafters are built in an ‘M’ shape, with the center of the ‘M’

being the center of the home. At their highest points, they typically measure

about 2.2m.

Loft conversions can be achieved in both styles of roof, but keep in mind that

the trussed roof will likely require a bit more work because part (or all) of the

existing roof structure may have to be removed.

Industry regulations require that the center and majority of the roof must be a

minimum of 2.2m, but if your available space doesn’t meet this, don’t fret -

there are ways and means to create more space inside your loft, even if it

involves lowering the ceiling below or changing the roof pitch. Talk to your loft

conversion specialist about any concerns you might have.

Where Will the Stairs Go?

This is a no-brainer: if your loft space doesn't have an existing staircase, you'll

have to create one.

Because your staircase will take up space in both the loft and the room below,

consider where you'll put it.

Will your Loft Conversion Require a Permit?

Many loft conversions fall under the category of PD (Permitted Development)

but whether you will need a permit depends on the scale of the works being

undertaken and any building constraints which may apply to your property.

Moving on, let’s have a look at a few loft conversion design ideas which might

tick the boxes for you:

1. An Extra Bedroom (or two)

Many Londoners use turn their unused loft space into an extra bedroom or two

for the children, and/or a master bedroom with an ensuite.

Attic bedrooms typically have much nicer views than lower rooms, so why not

make the most of it? And if yours features exposed brickwork or a sloping

roofline, this can be turned into a beautiful design feature.

Custom-made cabinetry is a great way to maximize the available space in loft

bedrooms - by designing cupboards and hanging spaces that perfectly fit your

room, you can achieve stylish and functional storage.

2. The Home Office

With so many Londoners now working from home, some are considering

setting up permanent home offices. And a loft conversion is the ideal solution.

To enhance productivity and allow for undistracted concentrate, a dedicated

office away from the bedroom and ordinary life is vital, and a room upstairs can

serve as just that.

3. Playroom/Hobbies area

Have you ever wished that your children's toys and games might be stored

somewhere other than the living room or bedroom? Your loft conversion

provides the opportunity to create a light, bright, and airy sunroom in which

your children may relax and play.

When it comes to glitter, paint, and glue, you can relax and let them have fun if

it's upstairs and out of sight.

4. Home Cinema/Retreat

Do you need a space to dedicate to a home theatre? Your loft can be

transformed into an entertainment center or a teen hideaway. Colors, layout, and

soundproofing are all important factors to consider; you could even want to

install a kitchenette for added convenience.

5. Incorporate a Bathroom

Even if you have slanted ceilings, it's not difficult to incorporate a bathroom

into your loft conversion ideas. While a shower definitely requires a certain

amount of headspace, a bath can be installed with a lower ceiling.

To be attractive and efficient, bathrooms do not need to be enormous.

To optimize cupboard and storage space, consider custom-made

joinery.

6. Let in the Light

The key to creating a light, bright, and airy area in your loft conversion is to let

enough of natural light in. Consider skylights, Velux windows, and big glass

panels. Dark colors absorb light, so painting with a light palette will help the

room appear larger than it is.

7. Maximize Efficiency

It's critical to make certain that your new loft conversion is energy efficient. An

additional layer of insulation will go a long way toward maintaining a consistent

interior temperature throughout the year, and energy-efficient window

treatments will help block out both the heat and the cold in the summer and

winter.

As we know, hot air rises, so you might consider including a ceiling fan or air

conditioning unit for maximum comfort during the warmer months.

Choosing Your Builder

Your builder is the one who will be responsible for bringing your dreams to life,

so take your time about choosing the right one.

When choosing a loft conversion company, London homeowners should do

their research thoroughly. Read up online. Look at reviews. Visit

showrooms/show homes. Talk to family and friends who have completed

successful loft conversions and ask for their feedback.

Meet with a few builders and discuss your plans with them - a face-to-face

meeting is a great way to assess each company’s professionalism and approach

to your project.