Velux Loft Conversion: Complete Beginners Guide

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Considering expanding your property and wondering how to utilize the best of internal space? Then, go for Velux Loft Conversion.

Keep reading to find answers to all your queries and doubts regarding Velux Loft Conversion, cost, benefits, feasibility, planning permission and is your home suitable for this conversion or not?

Velux Loft Conversion Complete Guide – Loft conversions are increasingly becoming very popular. They elevate the entire outer look and the functionality of a space. A Velux loft conversion casts a great aesthetic appeal to your home. A Velux window allows you to give a style and design your attic space without having to make significant changes externally. It provides a door to the natural light and ventilation, Considering expanding your property and wondering how to utilize the best of internal space? Then, go for Velux Loft Conversion. Whether parents moving in or kids have returned from university, a Velux loft conversion is an ideal fit for your plans. Keep reading to find answers to all your queries and doubts regarding Velux Loft Conversion.

What is a Velux Loft Conversion?

The word VELUX was coined from two-word roots, VE meaning ventilation and LUX meaning light. When a Velux window is installed on the existing slopped roof, it becomes a Velux loft conversion. It is popularly known as the roof light or skylight conversion. It makes a property look luxurious, stunning, appealing and modern. A Velux attic conversion is ideal for transforming dark, and unventilated spots. It allows more sunlight and illuminates the new space. If you want to alter the roof shape, this Velux conversion can be combined with the standard casement windows. It’s the fastest way to increase living space. They make your home energy efficient as less local energy infrastructure is required.

Popular Types of Velux Loft Conversion Windows

Velux Windows are available in various shapes, sizes and styles. Let us explore the fantastic velux loft windows.

Centre Pivot Roof Windows: Such beautiful windows are very popular and have a flexible rotation. They are excellent for ventilation and natural light. They can be installed on any design of the loft roof. But the degree should be between 15-90. It needs structural changes. You can also clean them without much effort.
Top Hung Roof Windows: These types of windows are an awesome choice if you enjoy outer views. Suitable for versatile roof designs, such windows offer good airflow and light. Ideal for 15, 55 and 75-degree pitched roofs and enhances the structure appeal and value as well.
Velux Windows with Thermal Technology: Thermo-based Velux windows reduce the carbon footprint by reducing energy waste. They have Thermo technology glazing. It helps in minimizing the heat loss. The interior temperature is also maintained by thermos technology-based windows.
Conservation Roof Velux Windows: Properties in conserved areas enjoy the benefits of such windows. These are designed to maintain the traditional style and the innovative functionality of structures. Such windows are a good fit for roofs with a pitch of 20-65 degrees.
Solar Powered Velux Windows: The advanced window designs are solar powdered Velux windows. These have solar panels and rain sensors. Such fittings highly promote green building practices.
Unique Cabrio Balcony Velux Windows: Want to convert the loft into a balcony? Then go with this Velux window choice. Roof pitched with a degree between 35-53 is a great fit for a cabrio with a Velux-style window.

Types of Skylights Used in Loft Conversion Velux

There are many options available in the market for the types of Velux Windows. It’s always better to consult loft conversion specialists as they will help you find the best skylights for your Velux conversion. In general, there are primarily three types of skylights that are perfect for a minimum pitch.

Solar Skylight: These types of windows are suitable for low-pitched and flat roofs as these ensure maximum sunlight and ventilation into your expanse. The unique opening mechanism of solar skylights can be operated by a remote.
Manual Skylight: These windows are perfect for any type of room whether flat or low-pitched. These skylights are similar to solar ones with just the difference being that these are operated by hand and not remote.
Fixed skylight: They are a great option if you are looking to add a visual appeal to the interiors of the room and add an exceptional view to your room. These are an excellent pick for a low-pitched roof.

Benefits of a Velux Window Loft Conversion

Whether you want to create additional storage space or a living area, Velux Conversion is one of the best loft conversions. If there is a good head height available between the loft floor and the ridge, you are good to go. Here are the benefits:

Velux Loft Conversion is Cost-Efficient: When compared to other loft conversion designs, it is quite affordable. If you are looking for the most affordable and quick option for creating a living space in your home, Velux Loft Conversion is your pick!
Enhances the Value of a Property: When the unused space is converted into functional space, the worth of a space gets elevated. A Velux loft can increase the property value by 25%. You get more rooms, great air-flow, decent natural light and an extension inside your space.
Simple Installation: A Velux loft conversion is the easiest, most cost-effective, and non-intrusive way to create additional space. These require less building work as compared to other types. It’s not as disruptive as compared to the other loft types.
Adds More Space: More space is created that can be used as an extra bedroom, office space, gym or hobby area. Quickest and cheapest ways to add extra living space to your home.
Energy Efficiency and Smart: Many Velux windows are designed with special materials. They conserve energy and reduce heat loss. Some special Velux windows are around 115% more energy-effective. Many windows can be operated with a remote control especially with hard to reach areas.
Long-Lasting and Functional: Vekux window lofts are highly durable. They last longer because are made of the finest materials. Besides, the room becomes more fresh, airy, spacious and bright. This way a Velux loft conversion transforms the ordinary space into a smart property.
Bring Light Inside the Area: The new room is richly illuminated by natural light. It reduces electricity bills significantly. These windows are often termed roof lights or skylights. They allow natural sunlight to enter through the newly constructed attic space.
Planning Permission Rarely Requires: Velux Loft conversion falls under the category of Permitted Development Rights. As everything is done internally, Velux loft conversion doesn’t require planning permission.
Less Disruption: Velux windows loft conversion requires less construction work. It is because only windows are being added. Which is not the same in other forms of loft conversions such as a dormer, hip-to-gable etc.

How Much is the Cost Of Velux Loft Conversion?

The Velux loft conversion cost UK generally depends on various factors! However, a Velux loft conversion cost starts from £25,000 plus Value Added Taxes. Connect with the best loft conversion specialists near you and get your property surveyed. The exact cost can be estimated based on this survey and your requirements. This may include size, material, project complexity, labour cost specifications etc. In short, the costs can be decided after checking the space only. Here are some important factors that influence the cost of a Velux Window Loft:

The Size of Roof And The Window: The cost of Velux windows loft conversion depends on the number of windows and rooms you need to install. Cost can increase if the space of the roof and the size of the window is large. It will contain more materials, and more labour, and thus impact the cost. For a small space and window size, the cost will be the least.
Window Design Your Choose: What type of window would you choose to fit? The better the window design, the more the cost will be. Windows such as conservative velux windows, energy saving and thermos glazing windows are typically highly-priced. Also, customized loft conversion services cost more than basic services.
The Velux Loft Usage: The intended usage of a Velux loft conversion affects its cost. If you are using it as a kitchen, or a bathroom; it costs more. This is because the plumbing, draining and other connections will be fitted. That will raise its price. However, for a study room, a bedroom or a living room; no such attachments are required. Thus, they will cost a little less.
Interior Décor and Velux Accessories: Velux lofts come with many advanced solutions. We can install Velux window blinds, innovative roof lights, electronic controls, energy-saving glazing and rain sensors. Additionally, finishing, plastering, and flooring impact the cost. Premium finishing and quality accessories automatically raise the Velux window loft conversion cost.

Planning Permission for a Velux Loft Conversion

Mostly, Velux Loft Conversion does not require any planning permission as the roof stays intact, only windows are added. If the property already has the Permitted Development Rights (PD), Velux loft conversion can be undertaken under the Certificate of Lawfulness. This means that you can start the construction even before the application is approved if things are planned as per the council guidelines. There are some specific areas where the Permitted Development Rights may or may not apply such as those in conservation areas or some houses that already have undergone some kind of extension.

When Do You Need Planning Development Permission?

Do you need planning permission for a loft conversion with Velux windows? For most, the answer is clearly no! It will depend on a few essentials. Every house does not have the Permitted development rights. While sometimes, the rights are not sufficient for the project to be carried out. And this is true for the houses located in conservation areas or have been extended previously. If the property does not have the permitted development rights, you will be required to obtain the planning permissions. You cannot start the loft conversions just like that. Until the permissions are granted, an application is validated with the council; till then, you must wait. Is every house suitable for a Velux loft conversion? How to know that mine is ideal for Velux loft conversion? This query is pretty complicated to answer straightforwardly. The answer to it ought to be individually assessed. However, a few scenarios that can be an input to its answer include:

Is the existing space high enough? Is there enough space to fit the new staircase devoid of any move to walls?

And several other queries associated with the loft space. However, to get clarity over the query of whether your home space can undertake Velux loft conversion or not, you must hire a professional.

What are the Rules For Installing Velux Windows In the UK?

The best part of installing most Velux window loft conversions is that you generally don’t need to get planning permission. It is because you are just installing roof lights on the existing structure. But, there are certain rules that you need to consider before undergoing loft conversion velux.

Height: During the modification of the roof, it should not extend beyond the highest point of the original roof plane. Things are fairly simple with Velux loft conversion as it normally involves windows with a pitched design. So, whatever the case, the height cannot exceed the maximum height of the roof whether these windows open outwards from the bottom or top.
Protrusion: The Velux loft conversion experts across the UK prefer roof lights with thin frames that use minimal material for their construction. This helps the Velux windows to easily fit within the standard limit of 150 mm above the roof plane.
Front-facing: The side-facing windows should have an obscure-glazed pane to rule out privacy issues. You can also use frosted glass as it helps in building a high level of privacy as well as maintains good levels of natural illumination.

Building Regulations for Velux Loft Conversion

You may or may not need planning permission but complying with Building Regulations is essential when you plan to convert your attic or loft space into livable space. These building regulations are essential to ensure:

Whether the structural strength and integrity of the new floor is high.
Is it stable and there is no harm to the existing roof?
Waterproof and proper fire insulation.
Proper accessibility with safely designed staircases.
Proper sound insulation between the newly constructed space and the rooms below.

Typically, the existing timber joists of the loft space are not designed to take up the additional load. Whether you are converting attic space into storage or living space, loft conversion means overloading the joists as per their design capacity. This is the reason, you need to take approval from the Building Control Authority and file a Building Regulation Application.

Things to Consider Before Velux Loft Conversion

Loft conversion allows you to create an extra living space inside your home without having to use your garden space. Wondering What to consider before Velux loft conversion? Before commencing your loft conversion work we often things consider such as insulation, safety, accessibility and insurance. There are certainly some design constraints that one must consider. These include: Headspace, type of loft desired, your budget, lighting and waterproofing, access points, and structural integrity The headspace should be more than 2.2 m for any loft conversion to happen. Another critical factor to consider is fire safety. The habitable space upstairs (attic) should have some form of fire escape such as windows.

Was the roof designed initially with a future perspective of any conversions in mind?
Was your home’s roof just designed to be a roof only?
Can your roof space be undertaken loft?
Does this loft require any planning development permissions?
What will be the cost of the Velux loft conversion?
How much time will the loft conversion take?

These questions are important to kick off a safe and smooth design process. Your professional loft conversion expert will take care of the technical feasibilities. If the roof can carry the weight and handle the alteration for a window fitting, you can continue with it. On Consultation, the loft conversion specialists will give the quotation. Share your budget requirements. The Velux window loft can be customized accordingly.

Is My Home Suitable For Velux Windows Loft Conversion?

Generally, every home is suitable for Velux Loft Conversion but still, there are certain parameters that you need to take care of. Before you plan a conversion conduct a brief survey to ensure that your home is suitable for a loft conversion. Things that you need to look into include:

Roof structure: what type of roof do you have? Purlin, rafter or trussed?
Height: The minimum headspace (height between the floor of the attic and the highest part of the ridge) should be 2.2m for a traditional home and modern trussed roofs, it should be a minimum of 2.4 m.

Space: The space available in the loft should be enough to be converted into a usable one.

Felt: The felt should be weatherproof
Chimneys: There should be no chimneys or other services running through the loft space.
Staircase: Is there space available to install a staircase for accessing the newly constructed attic space?

How Do I Prepare My Home For Velux Loft Conversion?

As such, there is no common plan that works for all loft conversions but most of the Velux loft conversion projects work according to this roadmap. It is usually done in five steps. In the first step, the initial design is inspected. Here the house is surveyed and a design plan is formalized. In the Second step, you need to apply for planning permission or a lawful development certificate. After finalizing the design plan as per the building control regulations, an application is filed for permitted development or building control for approval. The third step is connected with the party wall notices. In some loft conversions that involve a shared wall with your neighbour, you need to notify them. In the fourth step, building control drawings are prepared. Before commencing the work, you need to get approval from building control by submitting the designs as well as providing them with structural calculations. The Building Control will assess whether the proposed drawings comply with building regulations or not. Once all the mentioned steps are done, the work is started. After receiving the final consent from the Building Control, the appointed builder starts working on-site!

Stages in Velux Loft Conversion Fitting

Talking about conversion timelines, there are usually three phases involved during Velux Loft Conversion. These are:

Designing: This is the first stage when you plan to turn your unused attic space into a livable area. Here, a meeting is scheduled with the project team (loft conversion experts or architects). They will survey the overall property and understand the key points of loft conversion such as headroom, accommodation access, fire safety, access etc. After several rounds of brainstorming, one design plan is finalized among several drafted ones. This design is submitted to the building control and local building office for approval. All the necessary consents regarding the Velux loft conversion are given here.
Planning: The Building Control will give you a tentative date that when can you expect to hear from them. After receiving consent and approvals from the local Building Control office, you can schedule your construction work. Work out the suitable dates for start to finish with your project manager and draft a working timeline.

Construction: You can start the construction work after you receive a positive intimation from the Building Control. The construction stages can be split such as:
Roof and exterior work
Internal roof work
Installation of staircase
Fixings, furnishings, plumbing
Decorating and finishing

Challenges with a Velux Loft Conversion

The noise from rain or other precipitation forms may accentuate the noise due to the slant of the window. It may be a problem if the attic space is being used as an office, study or bedroom. Manual skylights may be difficult to operate if they are constructed in inconvenient areas. The space addition is much less as compared to other forms of loft conversion. However, the benefits of the Velux loft conversion outweigh its challenges in every way. By making some minor changes and additions, you can make your home look beautiful with roof light windows.

What is the Purpose of Smart, Solar and Noise Reduction Windows?

Smart skylights do much more than just give high-quality air and light to your room. These windows are equipped with rain sensors. They automatically shut, down the moment it starts raining. The solar sensors make the windows open and close on their own either from the remote control or power from the sun. Living in a noisy area is no longer a hassle, as these smart windows come with super sound insulation and cut the noise by 50%.

How is Velux Roof Loft Conversion Installed?

A Velux loft conversion is a straightforward conversion project. This is because it only requires minimum structural alterations. And the best part is that you will be working within the existing attic space. In this type of loft conversion design, the existing shape of the roof is retained. Only the Velux windows are installed into its rafters. Essentially, the roofline remains unaltered and new Velux windows are installed in the raft. Internal loft conversion or Velux roof windows conversions are the cheapest and quickest of all other conversions. The Velux rafters are required to be cut based on the new window size. And the roof inside space is fitted to generate a thoughtful design carefully. It only requires a few changes to be made in your roof space:

Cutting out roof
Constructing skylights/windows on the existing slope
Insulating the roof
Making the loft accessible by using a staircase
Strengthening the floor

How Long Does A Velux Loft Conversion Take To Build?

Usually, a Velux loft conversion takes around four weeks to complete. There are no one-size-fits-all timelines for two projects. The completion time depends on various factors such as the type of house, number of windows needed and other interior works. The project’s scale and complexity determine how long a loft conversion will take to complete.

How to Make Velux Lofts More Attractive and Private?

There are almost no external finishes to consider as the external roof line remains unaltered. Cladding or slating can be performed around these new Velux windows to impart a look that they have been here for ages. It looks attractive and seamless. Whether it’s your bedroom, bathroom or office, Velux windows perfectly sync in with all room types. However, there might be an issue of privacy due to the transparency of mirrors. But this should not become the reason for neglecting it. Make sure to keep your privacy intact. During summer, you can easily install blinds to prevent the room from becoming hot or too warm.

The Bottom Line

Velux loft conversions can brightly light up the rooms. They turn your dark, pesky and unused attic spaces into beautifully tailored living spaces. Our professional designers and loft conversion experts help you bring ideas and originality to the table. They will let you know what is feasible and what’s not. With the highest level of professionalism and superior installations, we stand unrivalled as the best loft conversion experts in the UK. Browse our gallery for more design Velux Loft conversion Ideas. Call us today for more information on loft conversions in the UK. Schedule your free site visit today.