There is more than one way to convert a loft. The right approach depends on the shape of your roof, the headroom you have, your budget and the rules in your area.
Rooflight conversions
A rooflight (or Velux) conversion keeps the existing roof shape and adds windows in the slope. It is usually the simplest and least disruptive option, but it only works where there is enough headroom already.
Dormer conversions
A dormer extends the roof outwards with a box-shaped structure, adding headroom and usable floor space, most often at the back of the house. It is one of the most common ways to turn a loft into a proper room.
Hip-to-gable conversions
On a house with a sloping side, or hipped, roof, a hip-to-gable conversion replaces the slope with a vertical gable wall. This creates more space inside and is often combined with a rear dormer on semi-detached and end-of-terrace homes.
Mansard conversions
A mansard changes the roof slope so that it is nearly vertical, giving a large, full-height room. It is a bigger structural change and is commonly seen on terraced homes in London, where it usually needs planning permission.
What decides the right type
- The roof shape and the space and headroom available
- Whether the property is a house or a flat, and whether it is in a conservation area
- Your budget and how much of the roof you are prepared to change
- Planning and Building Regulations requirements
This guide is general information for homes in England and is not legal or planning advice. Rules can change and differ between properties and local authorities, so always confirm the position with your council or a qualified professional.
To see how we approach lofts, visit our loft conversions page, or read whether you might need planning permission for a loft conversion.