Lowest cost: A rooflight conversion that simply involves fitting out the existing roof space, requiring limited structural alterations and the addition of insulation, plumbing and heating, staircase, plaster and decoration, will be the least expensive option.
A roof light conversion is by far the cheapest way to convert your attic, it is a cost-effective option that involves adding windows to the roof of your property. This type of conversion is ideal if you want to create a brighter, more spacious living area without undertaking major construction work.
Average costs for a small basic loft conversion can be as little as £13,000 to £20,000. A mid-sized loft conversion making space for a double bedroom with two windows would cost around £18,000 to £25,000. And average costs for a large double bedroom with an ensuite bathroom would be around £25,000 to £40,000.
The cheapest way to board a loft would be off course to use a chipboard. You can expect to pay £66 per m2 on an average size loft. However, this figure decreases as the m2 increases.
An alternative is to buy insulation boarding which is laid over the joists. This is done to make up the insulation depth, then laying the chipboard over it.
Highest cost: A mansard loft conversion, or converting a modern engineered truss roof, can effectively mean replacing the whole of the existing roof structure with an additional attic storey and is the most expensive.
Can you convert your loft yourself? Yes, but it depends on the project's complexity and your skills. Simple loft conversions like storage can be DIY, but more extensive work requiring structural changes or utilities usually needs professional help.
A loft conversion for your house is considered to be permitted development, not requiring an application for planning permission, provided certain limits and conditions are met.
Finance options for loft conversion include personal loans, remortgaging, home equity release, using credit cards for payments, and exploring available grants. Lenders often view loft conversions as a value-adding improvement to your home, making obtaining approval for borrowing easier.
Velux loft conversion: This type is also known as an internal loft conversion. It is the most budget-friendly transformation and the most DIY-able conversion because it requires minimal roof space changes.
Yes, a loft conversion can increase your property's value by up to 20%, add functional living space, and improve energy efficiency, making it a smart long-term investment.
Moreover, houses built during or after the 1960s may have trussed roofs, which are characterised by their 'W' shaped frames that support both the roof and the floor. These trusses are not designed with loft conversion in mind, as altering them is a complex process that requires replacement with sturdier supports.
A very simple loft conversion could cost £10,000 to £15,000. This assumes you want a new staircase, new windows, proper flooring and insulated walls / ceilings. If you would like new dormer windows instead of Velux-style windows, this type of conversion could cost in the region of £20,000 to £30,000.
Roof light loft conversion
Adding roof lights is the cheapest way to convert a loft, providing your existing roof space is big enough and you have sufficient head height. Roof light conversions cost less than other types of loft conversion because there's no need to make any changes to the pitch or shape of the roof.
Providing a media space
Since a loft is slightly separated from the rest of the home's floor plan, it can be an ideal place to create something special. One great benefit of a loft is that it can be customized to become a great media area.
The general rule of thumb measurement is 2.2m from the top of the existing ceiling joists to the underside of the ridge – that's the point in the middle of the roof. If your roof is lower than 2.2m it generally means a legal loft conversion is not possible, as the finished height within the loft would be under 2m.
On average, a basic loft conversion for 20m2 (215.3 square feet) can start from around £20,000 to £30,000, while more extensive and luxurious conversions can cost upwards of £50,000 or more. A well-executed loft conversion can significantly enhance a property's value, typically adding between 20% and 25%.
In practical terms, you will need someone to provide architectural drawings for your loft conversion. You will need drawings for building regulations approval, and construction drawings for your builders to work from. But a good architect will do so much more than that.
Using a secured loan to fund your loft conversion
Secured loans can be a good option for those looking to beef up their loft conversion budget. As the name suggests, these loans mean your possessions are used as collateral – so a home or vehicle can be used to help secure the agreement with your bank.
Apartments also come with walled-off bedrooms, while lofts are typically large open spaces that function as extra-large “studio” style apartments. The open-concept style of lofts makes them more of a “blank canvas” to design, but because lofts are so unique and in demand, they also come with a higher price tag.
The timeline to complete loft conversions depends on multiple variables, including project size, type of conversions, and challenges faced during conversions. However, on average, a project can be completed in 6–12 weeks. The entire process of loft conversion is divided into different stages.