Bungalow Loft Conversion Complete Guide by Tel Constructions

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Bungalow Loft Conversion Guide – Bungalow loft conversion is one of the brilliant ways to add space and value to your abode in your budget. Here’s everything that you need to know about types, cost, planning, regulations, and feasibility scenarios for Bungalow Loft Conversion. A Bungalow loft conversion can recreate your living space. It transforms a space with a beautiful appearance and functional features. Most of the bungalows have a great unused space. It can be converted into bedrooms, offices, or any desired room. Let us read comprehensively about the bungalow loft conversions.

What is Bungalow Loft Conversion

When a bungalow’s attic space is transformed into a loft; it is called a bungalow loft conversion. Though the process of fitting a bungalow loft is simple, its advantages are many. Thus, people highly prefer remodelling their homes with bungalow lofts. It is an effective solution for adding extra living space because most of these structures have adequate headroom areas. You may need some planning permission before starting the loft construction. Also, the local authority inspects it to ensure that the conversion complies with building regulations. Let us move further to know the important legal requirements for a bungalow loft conversion fitting.

In short, have a look at why bungalows are considered ideal for the loft conversion:

Large roof spaces make the conversion easier and affordable. You may even get the same space as you have on ground level.
Huge returns on investment.
Most of the bungalow loft conversion does not require any planning permission.
The internal walls are solid, which in turn ensure the integrity of the new structure.
Great for home office home theatre, master bedroom with ensuite.

Are Bungalow Loft Conversions Worth it?

Bungalow loft conversions are highly beneficial due to their large slopped roofs. Some people don’t know that around 40 per cent of their structures go unused due to the giant bungalow roofs. Therefore, converting them into a loft is a proven way to utilize the unused space in the best ways. Read below the top benefits of a bungalow loft conversion service in the UK:

Extended Living Space: As mentioned above, most of the space in a bungalow is consumed by the roofs only. Therefore, much area is left unused. When it is converted, we get around double the living space. Now homeowners can enjoy the double benefits. Utilize it as a bedroom, double bedroom, movie room, study room, living area, or anything you want.
Enhances the Property’s Value: The resale value of a property is enhanced by adding floor space. The home that was initially not of much use now has more rooms and utility spots. Around 20% of its market value gets raised. Prospects also get attracted to the interior and well-utilization of the space. It increases the chances of its sale.
Less Hassle of Taking Permissions: Since a bungalow conversion rarely needs planning permission, it reduces the hassle for both the architect and the client. However, the property must also comply with building regulations and should come under permitted development.
Less Costly than a Double Storey: The cost of bungalow lofts is less than the loft designed in double storey homes. Bungalow loft conversions are widely known for their feasibility. They are easily converted without much alteration. It is due to their enough headspace. Here, builders only need single-lift scaffolding unlike in double storey builds where multiple scaffolding may require. These both aspects impact the cost.
Growing family needs: Children are slowly transitioning into young teenagers, they need their own space, more room and privacy of course. By undergoing loft conversion bungalow, you can easily make out space, get a bigger living or bedroom for your growing family needs. Even if you have the elderly with you, you can keep their bedroom on the ground floor and shift you upstairs.
Eliminates the need to move: Bungalow loft conversion allows you a provision to expand your space upwards which means that no more shifting homes and other expenses that accompany it.

With the mentioned benefits, you might have a clear understanding of the advantages of a bungalow loft conversion. These are the main reasons why such loft conversion projects in the UK are so successful. To get the best quality and longevity, contact the experienced loft conversion company in the UK.

Bungalow Loft Conversion Planning Permissions

Converting your bungalow roof into a loft is a great way to maximize the property’s worth. It increases the space, its features and aesthetics. Most of the bungalow conversions come under permitted development. However, some properties can be exceptional. Conservation areas, national parks and listed buildings are among them. The height of the loft conversion should be a minimum of around 2.2 metres and the volume should be 50 cubic metres for a detached property and 40 cubic metres for semi-detached or terraced properties. The volume should not exceed this limit for new additions. Here are some important planning permission rules for a bungalow:

The highway side of the loft should not have anything extended outwards. However, you can install Windows.
Conversion should not exceed the height of the existing property.
The opening casement is about least 1700mm from the floor.
The side windows should be obscurely glazed.
No balconies or raised platforms
The use of similar materials is crucial to be used in new loft conversion.

As an expert loft conversion company, we suggest you always get in touch with a professional. Even if a property comes under permitted development rights, it should be examined by an expert.

Building Regulations for Bungalow Loft Conversions

Building regulations are another important consideration of bungalow loft conversions in the UK. They make sure your structure is safe, stable, well insulated, and has emergency exits, fire-resistant doors, fire alarms, and ventilation. A building inspector with inspect the site occasionally to examine the structural integrity. He can ask for all building plans and drawings to understand it deeply. Then every design element is closely considered to see if it accounts for the design’s safety and robustness.

Estimated Cost for Bungalow Loft Conversions in the UK

The cost of bungalow loft conversion in London and nearby regions is likely to be less than when it is done on homes. It is assumed that the bungalow has great structural stability. It does not require many alterations and therefore the cost can be a little less than other properties. However, the specifications of the project play a major role in defining the loft conversion for a bungalow cost. The small size loft costs less than a large one. The premium material finished loft fitting is more expansive than the ordinary and low-quality finished structure. Homeowners should be aware that the building regulations and planning permission work also cost some amount. The personalized loft conversion in a bungalow costs more than the basic loft designs. Subsequently, the type of loft conversion fitted on the bungalow greatly influences its overall cost. In general, the costs for certain loft fittings on bungalows in the UK are as:

For a Dormer loft on bungalow: the estimated cost can start from £35,000
For a Mansard loft on a bungalow: the cost can start from £45,000
For a Velux Bungalow loft conversion: the starting cost can be around £24,000.
For a Hip-to-Gable loft in a bungalow: the cost to be expected can be £42,000

What Types of Lofts Are Suitable for a Bungalow Conversion?

There are many types of lofts a bungalow can have. An expert in bungalow loft conversion in the UK mainly has four lofts for this project. Depending on the structure integrity; the loft design is picked. Read below to know about which kind of loft conversion will suit your bungalow the best and check out amazing bungalow loft conversion ideas.

Dormer Loft Conversion: If your bungalow has a robust roof, a dormer conversion is a great choice. It provides a stunning outer look. You will gain more room space and headroom. Its walls are 90 degrees to the floor. Dormer bungalow lofts offer decent ventilation and a natural flow of light & air. Make sure the dormer does not have more height than the existing roof.
Mansard Loft Conversion: Mansard loft conversions on bungalows give you a great utility area. The installation of mansard lofts provides a whole new floor space. It reflects a dynamic structure with its wall at 72 degrees to the floor. Such conversions are an awesome choice if you seek a spectacular exterior look. It is ideal to elevate the interior space and functionality as well.
Velux Loft Conversions: The most sophisticated and innovative loft conversions are Velux ones. It does not require structural changes. The window installation is done on the existing roof. The Velux windows come in different styles and shapes. So, there are many possibilities to convert a bungalow with Velux loft windows. A bungalow with enough head height will work phenomenally with such extensions.
Hip-to-Gable Loft Conversion: Semi-detached bungalows can consider hip-to-gable bungalow loft conversion. In this, the hipped roof is converted into the gabbled one. It is the most effective way to have a nice extra room. It raises the property value with its excellent head height and structure.

Talk to an expert loft conversion builder to learn about the possibilities of your bungalow attic conversion.

Is Party wall agreement required?

For terraced and semi-detached properties, a party wall agreement is required to be served to neighbours sharing the common wall. This is to make sure that the new construction will not damage their property. The notice should be served atleast two months before the proposed start date.

Are there restrictions on the type of loft conversion for bungalows?

Well, there are not any major restrictions. The only restrictions on a bungalow loft conversion are related to property size, height and pitch of the roof. Most of the conversions don’t require any planning permission except mansard as it involves major structural alterations.

Other factors affecting the cost of bungalow loft conversion

Here are some other factors apart from type of loft conversion that impacts your overall cost of bungalow loft conversion.

Size: Size is one of the main factors affecting the bungalow loft conversion cost. The more the space that needs to be converted, more will be cost as it directly influences the labour, more materials and hence, more time.
Quality of Finish: It’s the fittings and finishes that straightway impact the budget for the loft conversion. A high-quality and superior finish will cost more than a low, mediocre one.
Type of Property: Things are pretty easier for detached properties while things can be a bit complicated with terraced and semi-detached bungalows. A detached bungalow will have a voluminous loft. On the other hand, the lofts spaced are restricted in terraced bungalow.
Location: It’s the location that determines the cost of transportation of materials and labour costs. Going for a loft conversion for a bungalow within the city may be costlier than having one in the outer area.
Structural Strength: Most of the bungalows in today’s time are not designed to bear the weight of rooms in lofts. Some structural improvements and enhancements need to be implemented before converting the loft of the bungalow, which may increase the cost. It is always advisable to contact a structural engineer or loft conversion professionals, for better guidance and ground report.

Time taken to complete bungalow loft conversion

Taking about time, if everything goes well with all permissions granted, a bungalow loft conversion takes less than 2 months (6-8 weeks) to complete. For bungalows that require planning permission, add around 8 weeks more in the total timeframe. In case the application gets rejected, it may take months for the entire thing to process.

Is the Loft of my Bungalow Suitable for Conversion?

Mostly, all the bungalows are suitable for loft conversion except the ones having a very low pitched roof that creates a problem for sufficient headroom. The headroom for the new space should be a minimum of 2.4 m. You can measure it by taking the measuring tape and keeping one end at the joists and the other at the ridge beam in the centre. Another thing that you need to consider is whether your existing floor can support the new loft floor without disturbing the party walls.

Bottom Line

Going for a bungalow loft conversion is an ideal and best suited option to meet your growing space needs without any need to shift. We are UK’s one of the most trusted and preferred loft construction professionals that offer full loft conversion services from scratch to a beautiful loft. If you are considering an option to move or shift as you are not able to cope with growing space needs, consider expansion of your bungalow once. Still not sure? Contact us for a free quotation and site visit of your property today!

FAQs:

Can All Bungalows Have the Loft Conversion?

The answer to this question depends on the structural integrity. If the bungalow roof is healthy and can take the load of an extra floor, you are good to go. All durable and resilient properties can have loft conversion. Do check with building regulations to ensure proper safety and stability of the structure. An expert loft conversion specialist will examine and suggest to you if your bungalow is feasible for conversion or not.

What is the Ideal Position to fit Stairs in the Bungalow loft?

The ideal position for staircases in a bungalow loft conversion is the highest point of the loft. Other perfect spots can be neat load-bearing walls and in the side. The trick is to place a staircase in less-used areas. It will minimize the space congestedness. Make sure the stair fitting also complies with the building regulations.

Can I Stay in My Bungalow During the Loft Conversion Process?

Yes, you can. This question is very common among homeowners. Make sure you take care of your safety during your stay, especially during working hours. Seal the construction area, or find a separate room to stay while construction undergoes. You can talk to the builders about any issues, they will help you manage it seamlessly.