At Bigger Living Lofts, we know how transformative a well-planned loft conversion can be for your home and lifestyle. Whether you’re dreaming of a light and airy bedroom, a home office, or additional living space for family life, understanding the types of loft conversion available in the UK is essential before you start. In this guide we walk you through each option, help you weigh pros and cons, and show you which might suit your property best.

We bring over 30 years’ experience in loft conversions and extensions, and we handle everything from initial design and planning, through to build and final finish. Call 01732 523199 or email info@biggerlivinglofts.com  to get started today.

Ready to explore the types of loft conversion for your home? Contact our experts today!

Types of Loft Conversions

Choosing the right option depends on your house type, the existing roof layout, your budget, and how much space you want. Below, we explain each main type of loft conversion in clear, practical terms with benefits and implications.

Dormer Loft Conversions

A dormer loft conversion is one of the most popular choices in the UK. It adds a box-like structure that projects out from your existing roof, creating valuable head height and floor space. These are particularly great for terraced and semi-detached homes.

Pros

  • Significant increase in space and standing height
  • Offers flexibility for bedrooms, en suites or storage
  • Can be tailored to match existing rooflines
  • Cons

Some planning permissions may be required depending on design

A dormer option is often a smart first choice for homeowners wanting a substantial gain in usable space without the complexity of full roof reconfiguration.

Hip to Gable Loft Conversions

The hip to gable loft conversion turns the sloping roof side (hip) of your home into a vertical gable wall. This straightens the roofline and maximises internal volume, especially helpful in semi-detached homes with hipped roofs.

Pros

  • Creates extra floor area without major structural upheaval
  •  Ideal for end-of-terrace and detached homes

Cons

  •  Can be more constricted in mid-terraced properties

This style works particularly well with a dormer to create an expansive new loft room space.

Mansard Loft Conversions

A mansard loft conversion reshapes the roof by altering the slope to near-vertical on one or both sides and adds a flat roof on top. This creates the maximum internal space and head height of all options.

Pros

  • Offers the largest amount of internal space
  •  Works exceptionally well for urban properties and period homes

Cons

  • Often requires full planning permission
  • Generally the most expensive conversion type

This is the best choice when your priority is large, functional space such as a master suite or dual room layout.

Velux (Rooflight) Loft Conversions

A Velux loft conversion (also known as a rooflight conversion) is the least disruptive option, as it keeps your roof structure intact and fits rooflights to let in light.

Pros

  • Often falls under permitted development rights
  • Lower costs and reduced disruption

Cons

  • Provides less additional space than other types

This is ideal for lofts already having sufficient headroom and where light, airy space is a priority.

Loft Conversion Types Explained: How to Decide

Understanding the main types of loft conversion is one thing, choosing the right one for your property is another. Below we consider key factors to guide your decision.

Space and Head Height Requirements

Before anything else, you need to know if your loft has enough space and headroom to be practical. As a rule of thumb, a minimum of around 2.2 m (over the existing joist level) in roof height is needed for a comfortable conversion. If your loft barely meets this threshold, you might find that a Velux loft conversion or a dormer type gives you the headroom and space you need.

Planning and Building Regulations Considerations

Not all loft conversions require planning permission, thanks to permitted development rights. However, more extensive types – particularly mansard loft conversions – often do. Our design team at Bigger Living Lofts will assess these requirements and guide you every step of the way.

Importantly you always need building regulations approval to ensure structural integrity and safety, including fire safety and insulation compliance.

Property Type and Style

Your property style largely influences which type of loft conversion is both feasible and cost-effective:

  • Terraced homes: Often suit dormer or Velux conversions
  •  Detached/semi-detached: Great candidates for hip to gable or combined conversions
  • Victorian and period homes: Can benefit from mansard loft conversions

Comparing Loft Conversion Types

The table below offers a scannable comparison of key features for each major loft conversion type.

Conversion Type  Space Added  Planning Permission  Best For 
Dormer  High  Sometimes  Terraced & Semi-Detached 
Hip to Gable  High  Sometimes  Detached & Semi-Detached 
Mansard  Very High  Often  Large properties / period homes 
Velux  Low-Medium  Rarely  Smaller lofts 

This overview helps you balance space, cost, and complexity when choosing a solution.

Why Trust Bigger Living Lofts With Your Loft Conversion?

When you choose us for your types of loft conversion project, you’re partnering with a team that brings decades of specialist knowledge, meticulous planning skills, and on-site craftsmanship to every build.

Here’s why clients trust us:

  • We provide full design and planning support including assistance with permission applications.
  • We deliver transparent pricing and project management, keeping you informed from start to finish.
  • Family business values mean you get a personal point of contact and responsive service.

We’ve helped numerous clients realise their dream homes – read testimonials from satisfied customers who appreciated our communication and build quality.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are some common queries we get from homeowners considering types of loft conversion.

Do I need planning permission for a loft conversion?

In many cases, loft conversions fall under permitted development rights, particularly simpler Velux or modest dormer conversions. However, extensive projects, like mansard loft conversions, often require planning permission. We handle this process for you as part of our service.

How long does a loft conversion take?

A typical loft conversion build can range from several weeks to a few months depending on complexity, size and whether planning permission is required. We provide time estimates during the design phase based on your chosen type of loft conversion.

Can my loft conversion add value to my home?

Yes. A thoughtfully designed and well-executed loft conversion, particularly dormer, hip to gable or mansard types,  can significantly increase your living space and property value

Are loft conversions disruptive?

There is some level of disruption, especially on conversions involving structural alterations. However, compared with building an extension, loft conversions can be less invasive since they utilise your existing roof space.

Ready to Transform Your Home?

After reading this guide to types of loft conversion, you’ll have a clearer sense of what might work best for you. Whether you want a light-filled attic bedroom, a new home office, or additional family space, we’re here to make it happen.

Talk to us today for a free quote and tailored advice on your perfect loft conversion.
📞 01732 523199 | ✉️ info@biggerlivinglofts.com