If your home is running low on space, instead of moving out, you might prefer to convert your loft. A loft conversion is notably more cost-effective compared to moving houses or building an extension. Additionally, it is a quicker and less disruptive option!
You might have concerns about the expenses involved, but we are here to provide detailed information on the actual cost of a loft conversion in 2024, along with the different factors that can influence its price.
In the UK, the average cost for a loft conversion hovers around £40,000, but this figure can differ based on variables like location and design. Generally, the cost is likely to be higher for a loft conversion that is larger and has a more premium finish.
It takes approximately 8 weeks to finish a loft conversion, although you should consider additional time for obtaining planning permission in certain instances. Moreover, if your conversion necessitates planning permission, be sure to account for the application fee in your budget.
The type of loft conversion you desire is the main factor in determining the final price. Below, we outline the average costs associated with various types of loft conversions.
1. Standard Loft Conversion
A standard loft conversion is the most budget-friendly one. For a small loft, you can expect the work to be completed for approximately £16,500.
Of course, the cost will vary based on the type of house you have. For example, a spacious loft conversion in a semi-detached house with a roof light will be approximately £36,000, while an even more spacious loft conversion in a fully-detached property will cost around £43,000.
2. Velux Loft Conversion
Another cost-effective choice is a Velux loft conversion. These conversions require minimal disruption, but they provide the least amount of additional space compared to other types since they don't alter the roof structure. As a result, they are generally more suitable for larger loft areas. The average price for a Velux loft conversion is approximately £25,000.
3. Hip-to-Gable Loft Conversion
A hip-to-gable loft conversion involves changing the shape of the roof structure to create more space. This modification extends the existing roofline to the property's edge.
This particular conversion is recommended for semi-detached or detached houses with sloping, hipped roofs. Typically, the cost for a hip-to-gable conversion averages around £50,000.
4. Mansard Loft Conversion
Choosing a mansard loft conversion will involve changing the entire roof shape, resulting in a flat roof and vertical outer walls. Although this type of loft conversion provides the most space, it is also one of the priciest due to the extensive work required. Typically, the price of a Mansard loft conversion ranges from £40,000 to £75,000.
5. Bungalow Loft Conversion
Bungalows present an excellent chance for loft conversions, allowing the property to be transformed from a single-storey dwelling into a two-storey one. These conversions usually provide significantly more space compared to those done in regular houses, with an average cost of approximately £72,000.
6. Shell Loft Conversion
For this type of loft conversion, only the structural work is completed, while the interior design and finishing touches are left to a third party or the homeowner. Ideal for those who enjoy DIY projects and want to complete the finishing themselves. The typical cost of a shell loft conversion ranges from £15,500 to £27,000.
7. Modular Loft Conversion
Modular loft conversions involve the use of a prefabricated unit that is assembled off-site before being connected to the current roof of a property. Despite their seemingly straightforward concept, these conversions can present challenges such as weather-related setbacks and the requirement for a road closure permit during the delivery of the modular attachment. The cost of a modular loft conversion averages around £50,000.
8. Dormer Loft Conversion
A dormer loft conversion stands out as the priciest option, with costs ranging from £30,000 to £72,000. It is an ideal solution for individuals looking to enhance headroom by incorporating dormer window structures that extend beyond the current roof, resulting in valuable additional space!
Londoners prefer dormer conversions the most because they provide additional space and light in urban areas. The average cost of a dormer loft conversion in London in 2024 ranges from £40,000 to £85,000.
Since this type of conversion is the most popular, let's analyse the expenses associated with a dormer loft conversion for a typical semi-detached three bedrooms property featuring a bathroom suite and a Juliet Balcony.
For most of the loft conversion projects, scaffolding is a must as the work involves heights that cannot be reached otherwise. Scaffolding also offers additional structural support during the completion of the works. Anticipate spending approximately £5,400 on scaffolding.
After the scaffolding is set up, the demolition phase commences. In the case of a dormer loft conversion, either the entire roof or just the section facing the garden needs to be demolished. This will result in a significant amount of debris that cannot be simply discarded as regular waste. Several skips will be necessary to properly handle the debris during the demolition process. The demolition phase amounts to approximately £3,000 in total.
The following step for your dormer loft conversion is the structural changes phase. A structural engineer must design the new structure by producing a set of drawings and structural calculations. Typically, three or more steel beams need to be put in place to provide support for the new roof ridge and loft floor. Upon completion of this stage, the building inspector assigned to the project must inspect the new steel beams and their positioning to ensure that the structural modifications adhere to the building regulations.
The expense for this phase of a dormer loft conversion is estimated at approximately £6,000.
After installing the primary support for the new dormer, the next step is to construct its shell. The total cost for the new dormer timber frame structure, which also covers the new internal partitions separating the bathroom and staircase hallway, is estimated at £8,300.
There will be an additional cost of £5,600 for the new floor structure of your loft.
After building up the shell structure, it's time to insulate it. Insulation is crucial for your home's efficiency. As the expectations for houses to become as carbon neutral as possible continues to rise, insulation is essential for both environmental conservation and energy bill savings. It is advisable to select the highest quality insulation materials within your budget to ensure optimal performance. Although they may come at a higher initial cost, the savings on energy bills over time will compensate for this investment.
After finishing the insulation process, the building control inspector will need to make a second visit to the project to verify compliance with building regulations. Anticipate spending approximately £6000 on all insulation-related tasks.
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