Loft Conversions Plans | Derby

Converting your loft has always been a cost-effective way to extend the living space of your property and with mortgage rates rising the potential gains are now even more rewarding. Extending your home upwards into the underused roof space can provide, an extra bedroom for growing families, home office, playroom, gym, or a light and airy space for many uses.

Loft Conversions

Benefits of a Loft Conversion

A loft conversion nearly always increases the value of your property in many cases by 20% or more so instantly returning the costs of the conversion work. Un-converted lofts will often be poorly insulated and impact on the energy efficiency of your home. During the conversion insulation will be added that reduces heat loss improving the comfort of your home and helping to reduce energy bills.

The rooms that are created will be light and airy making your loft conversion feel bright and welcoming. The new loft conversion will allow for your customisation to meet your specific needs with spaces being designed that work for you and your family.

Overall a loft conversion can be a great way to increase your property value, to add new rooms at a lower cost than an extension, and improve energy efficiency. Though an initial investment is required the long-term benefits can make it a worthwhile project for a homeowner.

If you are considering a loft conversion it is important to employ professionals who have the knowledge to create the new spaces safely whilst complying with the Building Regulations, Planning Legislation, the Party Wall Act and Health & Safety.

If a property’s loft is a suitable height, it can be converted, and access created with a new staircase. A small loft space offers the potential for an extra bedroom and as the size of the roof spaces increases so does opportunity for room numbers and sizes. Adding dormers and converting hip roofs to gables allows for ensuite bedrooms or further room options. Houses with traditional roofs are better suited to conversion but converting a roof with trusses can still be accomplished. If the height of the roof is currently not high enough to allow the loft conversion, there options for gaining height including lowering the ceiling in the rooms below the roof space or raising the ridge of the roof.

Loft Conversion

Frequently Asked Questions

Permitted Development Rights have made it easier to convert a loft without planning permission with dormers, hip-to-gable conversions and rooflights being allowed if the limitations and conditions are met. In all cases building regulation approval will be required to ensure, for example:

the new walls, ceilings, windows, roofs, and doors are thermally efficient
the stability of the existing structure is not compromised
the structural strength of new floors, walls and roofs is sufficient
there is safe escape from fire
new and existing spaces are correctly ventilated
stairs are safely installed and to use
electrics, plumbing, and heating are completed by competent installers
reasonable sound insulation between the conversion, the rooms below and adjoined properties.
new above and below drainage is the correct size with adequate flows

Use a Professional

If you are considering a loft conversion, we recommend avoiding construction companies who offer to undertake the work without a full set of architectural drawings, permissions, and approvals. The first stage of you loft conversion should be putting all the requirements in place including, architectural drawings, Planning Permission (when required) and Building Regulation Approval. For loft conversions to listed buildings Listed Building Consent will also be required.

Architecture First have over 30 years of experience designing loft conversions for all types of properties creating new spaces for you to enjoy and raising the value of your home. We will design your conversion in 3D making it easier for you to visualise the new spaces. When required Planning Permission will be gained and for all loft conversions Building Regulation Approval. A full set of architectural drawings, specifications, and structural details will be supplied.

To obtain a price for our services please complete the enquiry form or contact us and we'll get back to you with our fee.

Download Sample Drawings

Types of Loft Conversions

There are several options for converting a loft with the most basic type having a new structural floor, insulated ceiling and walls, and a staircase. Further to this dormers can be added and hip roofs can be converted to have a gable. The type of conversion will depend upon the size of the existing loft space and the amount of new space you wish to gain.

We can advise on the best way to meet your requirements within the restrictions imposed by planning legislation, the building regulations and your budget.