Tag: Mansard Loft Conversion

8 Small Loft Conversion Ideas

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Introduction

Congratulations! You have made a very wise decision to go for a loft conversion.

Loft conversions are a great way to add livable space to your home rather than shifting or encroaching your garden area.

But, it may happen that you have a small roof which makes it impossible to convert into a full-fledged bedroom.

Don’t feel disappointed if your loft has a small footprint. For a loft conversion to happen, the height of the loft needs to be just 2.4m.

Let’s have a look at how you can get benefitted from loft conversion ideas for small lofts and make the best possible usage of your attic space.

What is small loft conversion?

What is small loft conversion

Loft conversions are a quick method to add good living space to your home without compromising external or outdoor areas as well as the best alternative to shifting.

Small loft conversion also turns out to be fabulous and is worth every penny a sit brilliantly adds cosy places to your home that are absolutely stunning.

It can be a bedroom, library, den, home office, library and much more.

Worried about the trusses in your loft? Don’t worry!

The loft conversion specialists can replace these with solid alternatives such as steel or timber and make your loft conversion structurally sound.

Benefits of loft conversion

Small loft conversion design ideas are increasingly becoming popular in all parts of the UK.

The prime reason is that this loft conversion not only adds space but also increases the property value by a minimum of 20%.

The best part that small loft conversion ideas are loved by people as it doesn’t requires any formalities such as planning permissions.

As long as the loft conversion stays within the limit i.e. adding 40 cu.m. for a terraced home and 50 cu.m. for a detached house, planning permissions are not required.

The extra space created makes your home more energy-efficient. The roof lights aim for better ventilation and natural light.

The extra insulation added to the home will help you cut down your utility bills for sure.

Types of loft conversion

Depending on your requirements, space analysis and budget you can go for any of the following popular small loft conversions.

  • Velux or rooflight loft conversion

 This is one of the most affordable loft conversions that include installing skylight windows into your loft slopes along with a staircase to make the place accessible.

  • Dormer loft conversion

Dormer loft conversion means including a dormer or a box-shaped thing added to the slope on the rear side of the house.

  • Hip-to-gable loft conversion

This is suitable for homes having a hipped slope. Here one of the hipped ends is extended along the ridgeline to construct a vertical gable wall at the other end.

  • Mansard loft Conversion

Mansard loft conversion involves major alterations to the roof but results in a beautiful space that you’ve always imagined.

Let’s have a look how you can get the best out of the small loft conversion

Making your small loft appear big is all about getting the design right. Connect with the professional small loft conversion companies that will help you deliver the best usable design.

  • Don’t ignore large Furniture items

Well, you may think that a large piece of furniture may dominate the room but getting a larger one rules out the need for small items that are required in the periphery.

Carefully selecting the furniture helps you mark a maximum impact.

  • Go for bespoke units

You need to be innovative while selecting the furniture for your small loft.

Rather than buying pre-made, refer going for bespoke ones as they help in minimizing clutter and ensure maximum space utilization.

  • Install Dormer Windows

By selectively using dormer windows, you can actually create great living space in your small loft.

  • Use Mirrors for more illumination

Small loft conversion designs can be a little dull and turn the space dark. For that, it’s better to maximize the light.

Avoid going for heavy and dark shades of furniture or wall paints. Installing mirrors strategically could increase the reflection and hence brightly illuminate the room.

Things to consider for small loft conversion

There are certain things that you need to consider before undergoing a small loft conversion.

Professionals from a loft conversion company could prove beneficial in helping you out to decide how and which loft conversion can take place.

Have a look at some of the factors that you need to consider before selecting your favourite small loft conversion design ideas.

Head height

To determine whether your loft s suitable for conversion, you need to make sure that your loft has a minimum head height of 2.4 m.

Anything less would require either extension of the roof or lowering down of the ceiling of the first floor.

Type of roof

If you have trusses, then removing them may require additional structural support to your home, this, in turn, may increase the expenses.

Location of staircase

Don’t leave the staircase to the end or till the final stages of the project.

It’s always better to plan the space for your attic space as it may take up some space from the newly built room.

What can you do with small loft conversion?

A loft conversion can actually maximise your small space and add tremendous value to your place.

Here are some of the ideas to get inspiration from and start with your small loft conversion today!

Home Office

With more and more workforce working from home due to the upheaval caused by the pandemic, converting your attic space into a home office is an ideal way to say goodbye to distractions.

Bathroom

Felt a need for a second bathroom?

What could be a better option than converting your unused attic into a beautiful and relaxing shower space!

Wardrobe Storage Space

Are your clothes and other things making your room appear untidy, messy and cluttered?

It signals you need an extra wardrobe space. Your loft area turns out to be a great place to install bespoke wardrobes that match your style and lock up the things there.

Spare Bedroom

Lofts tend to serve a great option if you are looking to construct a kids room.

Just a few days and you children have their own room where they can do all the fun in their own private zone.

Play Room/Den

This loft can serve an as excellent play area.

Kids tend to keep things messy and cluttered everywhere.  The best way to put a stop to all this is to give them their own play area or a den that has all the things they need.

Library

Turn your attic into a cosy library, away from the cacophony of the home that instils tranquillity while you are reading books.

8 Beautiful small loft conversion ideas

Discover these beautiful small loft conversion ideas and get inspired to design your dream space.

1. Small loft conversion idea for Home Office

Small loft conversion idea for Home Office

Convert your small loft space into a secluded working space that has all the essentials required to carry out the work smoothly.

2. Escape into a Den!

Escape into a Den!

Look how carefully the trusses are kept intact and the beauty of the place is enhanced. Convert your place into a multi-use space for every age group.

3. A tranquil guest room with small loft

A tranquil guest room with small loft

Adding a master bedroom is not always possible with small lofts.

In fact, you can turn it into a fancy guest space that can serve as a bedroom for your growing teenagers, guests or even you while the elderly can sleep downstairs peacefully.

4. Small lofts offer a Space to relax

Small lofts offer a Space to relax

Just grab your favourite book or binge a Netflix series and run into your new small loft space to relax and unwind from the daily chores.

5. Cosy Small loft Living Room Design

Cosy Small loft Living Room Design

It’s time to create a perfect retreat at your place with this beautiful small loft conversion design idea for the living room.

The beautiful Gable windows not only illuminate the space so holistically but also ensure to capture moments when you socialize.

6. Turn your small loft space into a lounge zone

Turn your small loft space into a lounge zone

This design is a perfect example of contemporary minimalistic interior design with carpet and couches in eye-catching white space well lit by concealed lighting and natural light.

7. A cute small loft conversion design

A cute small loft conversion design

Your growing teenager needs his own separate space and seeks privacy?

Check out this small loft conversion design that is perfect for your kid’s growing needs.

8. Elegant space for your kids

Elegant space for your kids

This space includes a vast area with an impressive bed with storage option. The cabinet unit placed next to the bed serves as a study table as well as holds the important stuff of your kids.

Bottom Line

Small loft conversion designs are trending!

Why waste your attic space when you can actually create a beautiful habitable space out of it.

Looking for designs or don’t know how to begin?

Our expert professionals are seasoned in helping you go about your dream project. Connect with us today and book your free site visit today!

Mansard Loft Conversion

An Ultimate Guide About Mansard Loft Conversion

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Introduction

Planning to move? Go for improve!

It is always convenient and affordable rather than shifting to a new house than extending the current one.

Mansard Loft conversion helps you add that extra room from the unused attic space in your home and make it look bigger, stylish and whoppingly spacious!!

What is a Mansard loft conversion?

What is a Mansard loft conversion

A mansard loft conversion involves giving two pitches to the sloping roof. The top of the roof is less steep while the sides are extremely steep.

Typically, the roof is either flat or equivalent to a flat roof. This helps you add an extra floor to the existing property with dormer windows.

All four sides of a mansard roof have two sloping roofs of which one is steeper than the other. This means the whole rooftop of your property is extended.

This loft conversion is usually done on the rear side of the property. One of the walls is removed and the height of the party wall is raised to create more space.

The new roof slopes have almost a vertical slope of no less than 72 degrees.

History of mansard roofs

The word mansard is coined after the famous French architect François Mansart (1598 – 1666) who is believed to be the father of this innovation.

Even before Mansart another architect Pierre Lescot designed a similar roofing style for a part of the Louvre Museum in 1550. Some sections of the former Royal palace in the 16th century were also designed by him.

It was later in the 17th century when Mansard got inspired and started adopting this style in his drawings of buildings for his clients.

The mansard roofs became immensely popular and fashionable in the 19th century during the era of Napoleon (The Third). By now, the mansard roofs were widely accepted internationally as well.

 How is Mansard roof loft conversion performed?

 How is Mansard roof loft conversion performed

Mansard roof loft conversions are indeed one of the most complex and expensive than other similar conversions because it involves a complete makeover of the internal roof space.

Check out the steps involved:

Step1: The existing roof is removed.

Step2:  Party walls are raised in height.

Step3: Interior walls are created.

Step4:  A new roof is constructed at a different angle.

Step5: Dormer windows and access points (staircase) are added.

Scaffolding is created to work externally.  Apart from that, to continue the work in bad weather, a rood cover is needed.  Along with roof construction, the existing attic floor will be strengthened. All the plumbing and electrical connections are added.

Once your entire work is inspected and approved as per the building regulations, you are all set to furnish and decorate your new living space.

Types of Mansard loft conversion

A mansard roof is one of the most aesthetically appealing amongst all loft conversions. The reason is it doesn’t appear as a box-like dormer as well as flushes out those gable ends.

Mansard loft conversion completely alters the slope of the roof to an angle of 72 degrees. Mansard loft conversions are mostly suitable for terraced houses in highly populated areas.

They are mainly of three types:

  • Rear Mansard
  • Front Mansard
  • Front and Rear Mansard

Apart from that, there are three more types of mansard roof extensions.

  • Flat-topped Mansard Extension
  • Double Pitched Mansard Extension
  • Butterfly roof

Benefits of Mansard loft conversion

Delve into the magical and beautiful experience of transforming your unused space into a spacious living area by undergoing a mansard roof loft conversion.

Now, make your dream of having an extra bedroom(s) with an attached bathroom come true with this roof conversion.

Check out the benefits:

  • Mansard roof conversion doesn’t require much structural reinforcements.
  • The straight mansard walls are easy to furnish than the sloping roofs of other loft conversions.
  • Mansard roofs have dormer windows which are an excellent source of natural light in your new living space.
  • These roofs are versatile

Planning Permission for a mansard loft conversion

Undergoing a mansard loft conversion means alerting the pitch of the roof till the top is flat or the walls are almost vertical.

As a major portion of structural alterations is involved, mansard loft conversions do require planning permission.

Apart from that, it will also need to comply with building regulations and be inspected by local authorities. In case the alterations may impact the adjoining properties, a Party Wall Agreement may be required.

The construction cannot be started until the approval has been gained and may take up to 8 weeks to get the approval.

The mansard conversions are visually less imposing; therefore these are more likely and easily granted the planning permission for people living in the conservation area.

How much does planning permission cost?

For applying to the planning permission for your loft conversion, you need to pay an application fee. The costs of planning permission vary from place to place.

The fee generally starts from £202 in Scotland, England and Ireland for all the extensions and alterations made to a single dwelling house.

For the residents of Scotland, Wales and England, the mansard loft conversion cost for planning can be calculated online as well using ePlanning and planning portal.

How long does planning permission take and how long does it last?

The local authorities are bound to share a reply as soon as possible. For a simple application, the applicants can expect a response within eight weeks.

It may take up to 13 weeks for complex applications. If an application involves carrying out an environmental aspect assessment, 16 weeks can be expected for the application to be processed.

Until specified, the notices from planning permission are valid for three years from the date of grant.

The applicant can start anytime within this three years’ time, anyhow the work can be completed after three years.

If any short, long or specific time has been granted, it would be stated on the letter of approval.

What are the loft conversion building regulations?

Building regulations play an important role in deciding whether the loft conversion is stable or not and ensuring that the structural integrity of the building is not hampered.

Irrespective of the type of loft, every conversion has to comply with the building regulations.

Depending on the type of extension you are planning, you need to be aware of the respective building regulations for loft conversions.

Planning for storage space

Even if you want to convert your unusable attic space for storage purposes, you need to get approval from the local authorities regarding compliance with building regulations.

Mostly, the joists of the ceiling of the rooms below (attic floor) are not designed to bear any weight. Putting excessive weight on the can affect the overall strength of the property. So, it’s a must to get the design approved by the building regulations to ensure additional safety.

Planning a habitable space

Converting your unused attic space into a liveable space also requires you to get approval from the local authorities.

Whether full or partial, loft conversions do need a lot of alterations to be made. Complying with building regulations ensure maintaining the structural integrity and safety of the occupants as well.

Each and every step of the loft conversion should be inspected and approved by the Local Authority Building Control department and signed off.

All the following categories of the building regulations must be complied with to get approval.

  • Headroom ( > 2.2 m)
  • Proper Insulation
  • Fire and Electrical Safety
  • Staircase and Stairs Design
  • Sound and Water Proofing
  • Structural

How much does a Mansard loft conversion cost?

A loft conversion mansard gives you a completely new storey over your existing property. It’s complicated and massive building alteration.

The cost depends on:

  • Scale of the work
  • Design
  • Style and finish
  • Additional spaces such as bathroom

In general, the bigger the property higher will be the price.

The mansard loft conversion cost starts from £40,000 to can go up to £70,000.

The cost is pretty high from other conversions such as hip to gable or dormer as it involves changing the entire structure of the roof.

But, every penny spent is worth the investment made.

How location affects the loft conversion cost?

There is no one-size-fits-all approach for the cost prediction.

Typically, the cost of construction depends a lot on the market prices of the property. If the property prices are lower, the construction works are affordable and vice versa.

The location of the property is also one of the deciding factors for your loft conversion cost. The more the locality is densely populated, busy and is deeply inhabited, the higher are the costs.

The reasons for high costs are due to:

  • Space constraints in a metropolitan city raise the cost as there is very little space available for parking, scaffolding, machinery set up etc.
  • The cost of labour in such areas is pretty high as the workers are getting good daily wages or salaries.
  • The transportation and materials cost is high as the production plants are far away from the metropolitan areas.

How long does a mansard loft conversion take to build?

Around 8 to 12 weeks are required to convert your normal looking roof to a mansard roof. Time also depends on the architectural design and size of the property.

Mansards are quickly becoming popular in the London area as they add a whopping 20% increase in your property value.

A mansard roof loft conversion is a great investment giving you the ultimate headspace and adding usable living space to your home.

What other things do you need to make Mansard Loft Conversion?

  1. Look around your neighbourhood

Just step out in your locality and find if any house in your locality has undergone mansard loft conversion. If you find a one, approach the owner and have look from inside and make your brain cells visualize your home regarding this conversion.

  1. Measure headspace

The minimum headspace required for any type of loft conversion is 2.2 m. The best way to measure it is by using a measuring tape and run it from the floor to the tallest part of the ceiling.

If it is 2.2m or more, then your loft is suitable for conversion.

There is a possibility that some homes such as Victorian homes that were built before 1930 may not have that much headroom.

  1. Roof type

A lot of things depend on the type of roof you have.

Whether it’s newly built, ages-old or whether your roof has rafters or trusses etc. One can easily tell a lot about the roof by looking at the loft hatch.

Mansard loft conversion with trusses is possible but additional support would be required to replace the trusses. This can ultimately affect the overall cost.

  1. Consider the floor below

Most people ignore the changes that will be made to the floor post-conversion. Placing, even a staircase in a minimal way could take a sizable chunk of the room. Make sure you are happy to lose that space!

Pros and Cons of loft conversion mansard

Pros:

  • A loft conversion mansard adds a new storey to your property making it more spacious.
  • All types of properties are eligible to undergo mansard loft conversion until they comply with building regulations.
  • Versatile and can be matched up with the existing style of the building.
  • Gives a “room in the roof”.

Cons:

  • Mansard conversions are indeed expensive option than other loft conversions.
  • Requires planning permissions for mansard conversion while for other types, they fall under permitted development rights.
  • Requires a good amount of construction work.

Is my home suitable for mansard roof loft conversion?

The best part of mansard loft conversion is that they are suitable for all home types, be it semi-detached, detached, terraced homes, chalets or bungalows.

It is best suited to properties where the space on the side and rear of the homes is restricted and the homeowners don’t want to use the garden space by adding a ground floor extension.

Modern semi or a Victorian townhouse, loft conversion mansard is now a common feature seen in densely populated, urban and suburban areas.

The residents just love to bring out the aesthetics of the external walls by going for cladding with tiles or slate or brickwork- whatever makes them exclaim “wow”.

Bottom Line

Winding up, Mansard conversions are best suited for properties in densely populated areas where there are space constraints to expand the property in front or rear.

Mansards are great for adding a whole storey and carving out a beautiful living space from the unused attic space. The space can be used as office space, guest area, playroom, lounge or extra bedrooms!

A mansard conversion involves restructuring the slopes into two pitches where one is heavily steep than the other. It’s more like an extension than a conversion.

Looking for innovative mansard loft conversion ideas? Connect with us and request a free quote or site visit today!

What Is A Mansard Loft Conversion?

What Is A Mansard Loft Conversion?

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Mansard loft conversion is an ideal loft conversion style that helps to maximize the available attic space.

This loft conversion may require planning permissions for the roof alterations. Mansard loft conversion involves creating a flat roof with a sloping wall at an angle of 72 degrees.

Keep reading to know what is mansard loft conversion, mansard roof and its purpose, advantages, difference between dormer and mansard loft conversion.

What is a Mansard loft conversion?

When it comes it aesthetic appeal, extra-functional space and added monetary value, Mansard loft conversion should be the ideal pick.

It provides almost the similar head height as dormer loft conversion with added advantage of more space. It gives more room for light as well creating living room in the loft.

It is one of the easiest and cost-effective ways to add another storey to your property.

This conversion is generally found in the rear of the properties and changes the slope of the roof to almost vertical i.e., close to 72 degrees.

The roof is close to flat, and windows are housed by using small dormers.

Mansard roof was named and made popular by renowned French architect- Francois Mansart.

This 17th century architect proposed that entire plane of the property’s roof can be altered to get huge space and head height for additional space.

What is the main purpose of a Mansard roof?

A mansard roof is a type of Gambrel roof, but the only difference is that it more like a hipped roof i.e., it has slopes on all four sides.

There are two slopes. The lower roof is usually much steeper than the upper slope.

Mansard roof loft conversion is not only making the property look visually appealing but helps creating a good amount of space to the homeowners to expand their home.

What is the difference between a mansard roof and a Gambrel roof?

Gambrel roofs are almost similar to mansard roofs in the style and structure of the roof. In both the scenarios, the lower slope is much steeper than the upper one.

Both are classified as curb roofs i.e., pitched roof having successive planes. Mansard roof is called curb hip roof while Gambrel is called curb gable roof

The only difference is that mansard loft has four slopes while Gambrel has two sloping sides just like the Gabel roofs.

Gambrel roofs are generally found on barns, farmhouses and log cabins.

How long do Mansard roofs last?

If the mansard roofs are installed by professionals and are maintained properly such as equipping them to sustain snow and rain, they can last for many decades and even century.

Though, quality and type of material cannot be ignored. For example, a mansard roof made with asphalt shingles would last for a couple of decades while roofs made with copper can last for more than 100 years.

How to identify Mansard roofs?

Most of the people may confuse mansard roofs with general roof as they may seem to see a single plane while standing on the ground.

As the double pitch and steep sides can be mistaken for other types of roofs, it’s important to learn how they are different.

Mansard roofs have gradient on all four sides unlike gambrel where the gradients are there only on two sides.

Another striking difference between is that Gambrel roofs end up in long and sharp points at the main ridge beam. There is no such thing in Mansard roofs.

Mansard roofs are also known as French roofs i.e., where lower pitches are close to vertical and bigger in proportion to upper pitches.

In other parts of Europe such as France and Germany, there is no distinction made between gambrel and mansard roofs. These are known are just mansards.

What are the advantages of mansard roof loft conversion?

Mansard roof loft conversions are gaining popularity due to several advantages they offer.

  • Exceptional attic space

As compared to the other roof loft conversion such as dormer, gable, Velux etc, Mansard roofs offer a good space dimension as it has a close to vertical bottom pitch.

You can easily add a master bedroom with an en-suite along and an additional space for living room. This is possible because of the good head height as well as double pitched slopes.

Dormer windows can easily be added for increased sunlight and turn the room bright and shiny.

  • Aesthetic Value

Mansard roof loft conversion turns the space elegant, modern with a touch of sophistication. Mansard roofs were an important part of French architecture, this makes it more unique.

  • Easier to expand

Mansard roof loft conversion opens the gates of flexibility to expand.

As the bottom slope is close to vertical, further addition of new floors becomes less complicated as compared to other roof loft conversions such as hip to gable.

  • Works well in all areas

Whether its rural or urban, mansard loft conversion works brilliantly well in all areas due to the extra space offered and its ability to expand.

Types of Mansard loft conversion: Mansard Roof Design Variation

Types of Mansard loft conversion

According to design and functionality, mansard roof designs can be altered or modified into following designs. Have a look.

1. Concave Style mansard roof

This type of roof is inspired from the concave design. The lower slope is curved inside, and a steep angle is given at the bottom.

This type of mansard design is commonly used in mansions and buildings but is quite expensive in terms of maintenance and repairs.

2. Convex Style mansard roof

This is opposite to concave style. Here the lower roof is curved outwards. The design looks like the English letter “S”.

This shape ensures more internal space than other shapes. The main pre-requisite for this shape is that you need to be sure that there aren’t any trees or branches intruding the area.

The convex style is generally found on courthouses, towers and hotels.

3. Straight Style mansard roof

It’s more like standard mansard roof loft conversion. They have a nearly flat or a slight slope in the upper part. And dormer windows are housed in the lower slope.

Dormer windows make the space well ventilated as well as are good for lighting and extra space.

4. L-shaped mansard loft conversion

l-shaped mansard loft conversion significantly adds value and space to the property. This loft conversion may not be possible and feasible for all the properties.

The properties often built under planning permission or some Victorian ones, are often considered to undergo l shaped mansard loft conversion to match the surroundings.

This loft conversion is mainly possible at the rear of the property i.e., extension over kitchen and bathroom.

5. Double mansard loft conversion

Double mansard loft conversion is similar to standard mansard roof with just a difference that it is done in the front as well.

The front and rear mansards together form a double mansard loft conversion and is one of the largest loft conversions available.

Difference between Mansard and Dormer loft conversion

Dormer loft conversion is another popular loft conversion when it comes to adding great space to the property.

The major benefit is that you don’t need to seek planning permission while for mansard loft conversion planning permission is a must.

For the dormer loft conversion, the dormers are protruded from the street level and rely on the existing roof, the space offered is very less as compared to mansard loft conversion.

In terms of head height and space, mansard loft conversion score better than dormer.

But dormers are a bit less expensive than mansard roofs.

Planning permission for Mansard Loft Conversion

Mansard loft conversion always requires planning permission.

As mansards are structured in such a way to create maximum space and are more like adding another storey to the property, the shape and structure of original roof is majorly modified.

So, planning permission is a must in case of Mansard lofts.

Explore the best Mansard Loft Conversion Ideas at TEL Constructions

Mansard loft conversions are just not only conversion, but they are also just like extensions as they add phenomenal space to the property.

TEL Constructions is one of the UK’s most trusted and reliable loft Construction Company that holds a sparkling legacy.

Our professional team works round the clock to deliver you best and high-quality mansard loft conversion ideas and solutions for your project.

Get in touch with us for a free site visit and a no-obligation quote.

Connect with us today!