How much do loft conversions cost?

Adding a loft conversion to your home is a great way to create added space in your home, and utilise an often underutilised but spacious part of your home. By transforming your attic space into a beautiful and practical living area, you can unlock your property’s full potential while adding long-term appeal and increasing market value.

If you’re thinking of converting your loft, one of the first things you’ll likely consider is the cost. But how much do loft conversions cost? In this article we’ll outline how much a loft conversion may cost, what may affect the cost of your loft conversion, and provide some tips of choosing the right lost conversion for you and your property.

How much do loft conversions cost: average costs of a loft conversion

The average cost of a loft conversion can vary significantly depending on the type of loft conversion you choose, as well as several other aspects. The cheapest loft conversions tend to average around £27,500 for a 30 m² space, this is for a simple Velux-style loft conversion without altering the existing roofline and installing Velux-brand windows directly to the roof slop to add natural light and ventilation.

The average cost then increases based on the type of loft conversion you choose, averaging upwards of £75,000 for more complicated or bespoke options which require a lot of structural changes. If you’re unsure which loft conversion is right for you and your home, get in touch with EveryTrade today. We’re experts in all types of loft conversions and ensure your loft conversion is completely tailored to you and your needs. Our experts will be able to give you a more accurate answer on how much your loft conversion will cost too, based on your property and specific requirements

A loft conversion reportedly adds around 20% to a property’s value. This is based on adding a double bedroom and bathroom to a three-bed, one bathroom house. Therefore, the cost is often worth it in the long-term for the increase in property value it offers, as this tends to exceed the loft conversion costs.

Factors that influence the total cost of a loft conversion

The cost of a loft conversion can differ significantly depending on many different factors. Below we have listed some of the most common factors that can influence the cost of your loft conversion.

The type of conversion

The type of loft conversion you want or need will affect the cost of your conversion. More simple loft conversions with minimal structural changes (like a Velux conversion) tend to be cheaper as there is less planning and construction involved and they can be completed quicker. Whereas complex loft conversions with significant structural changes to maximise headroom and space (like a Mansard conversion) are more costly due to the complexity and added time and materials.

Data from Check A Trade, states that the following are the average loft conversion costs per m² in the UK, based on the type of loft conversion. This can help you get a ballpark figure of how much your loft conversion costs.

  • Velux – £920 per m²
  • Dormer – £1,670 per m²
  • Hip-to-gable – £2,000 per m²
  • Modular – £1,500 per m²
  • Mansard – £2,170 per m²
  • Shell – £1,000 per m²
  • Bungalow (50m²) – £1,500 per m²

Property/loft size

Ultimately, the cost of your conversion is directly linked to the size of your loft. A larger loft space will require more materials, time and labour, which will increase the overall expense.

Features

Additional features can impact how much your loft conversion costs, such as if you require a more intricate layout with multiple rooms and a bathroom, for example. The type of staircase you choose can impact the price too, depending on the material and labour costs. Other features like flooring, insulation and windows can all vary in price depending on what you choose, which impacts the cost of your loft conversion.

Professional fees

Keep in mind that there could be additional costs for your particular project, especially if you’ve chosen a very bespoke loft conversion. This could involve additional architect costs and planning permit costs, if required. Take the time to plan your loft conversion carefully before you start.

Is my loft suitable for a conversion?

Before you get your heart set on a loft conversion, you should check that it is suitable for your property. Not every loft is suitable for conversion. Key things to check for include:

  • The roof height: the distance between the ridge timber and the ceiling joist should be at least 2.2 metres to meet minimum bedroom size requirements.
  • The roof structure: The majority of UK homes have either a traditional framed or truss sectioned roof design. The traditional type, which tends to be found in pre-1960s homes, is pretty easy to alter and reinforce for a loft conversion, but the more modern truss-style roof tend to need extra reinforcement and work.
  • The roof pitch: A higher roof pitch angle will allow for more central height, making the loft conversion more feasible.
  • The water tank: Converting a loft into another room will probably require you to relocate your water tank or replace this with a closed system. A new, unvented hot water cylinder is probably the best choice, but you will need cupboard space somewhere in the house for this.

Do I need planning permission to get a loft conversion?

You may not need planning permission to get a loft conversion in many cases, provided your conversion meets set regulations. Converting a loft is often considered to be permitted development, which means you don’t require planning permission, subject to the limits and conditions detailed in Schedule 2, Part 1, Class B of The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015. If your conversion exceeds these limits, or your home is a lifted building or in a conservation area, you will likely need a permit.

Read more about what the regulations and limitations are for loft conversions on the Planning Portal website.

How long does a loft conversion take?

The length of time it takes to complete a loft conversion depends on the complexity of the project. Loft conversions tend to take around 6-10 weeks to complete, but this can take longer for more complex, bespoke or intricate projects.

The benefits of getting a loft conversion

There are many benefits to getting a loft conversion which make it a great choice for people wanting to renovate their property. Some of the main benefits include:

  • Extra space: Converting your loft is a great way to add extra space or rooms to your home without having to move, and tend to be less expensive and less hassle that full house extensions. As lofts are often underutilised space in people’s homes, loft conversions make use of this space and add valuable extra square footage to your property.
  • Increases the property value: Adding a loft conversion to your property increases its value by around 20% on average. This provides you with a good return on investment if you do choose to sell, and increase your property’s kerb appeal to potential buyers due to the extra space and the fact they wouldn’t have to pay for a conversion themselves.
  • Energy saving: Converting your loft can improve home insulation, especially if your loft was old and not properly insulated, and this can reduce your overall heating costs.
  • Budget-friendly option: A loft conversion tends to be cheaper than an extension and is generally cheaper than the cost of moving house too, making it a good budget-friendly option.

Get a quote for your loft conversion

If you’re considering a loft conversion and would like to know how much a loft conversion will cost for your property, get in touch with EveryTrade today. We design and build high-end loft conversions that create valuable space and increase the overall value of your home. Our bespoke approach ensures your loft conversion is tailored to your needs, blending practicality with functionality and style.

The best way to reduce costs for your loft conversion, is to employ trusted contractors that complete the work to the highest standards. This prevents potential expensive hiccups or repairs down the line if things are not finished properly. EveryTrade are a trusted loft conversion contractor in Stockport, Manchester and the North West, with a 5-star Google Review rating.

We pride ourselves on employing a dedicated team of highly skilled tradesmen who are committed to delivering exceptional results with precision and care. From initial planning to the final finishing touches, our team works collaboratively to maintain the highest standards of quality and professionalism, ensuring your project is completed on time, on budget, and to your exact specifications. And, all of our projects come with a 12 month workmanship guarantee as standard, so you have peace of mind your loft conversion is built to last.

Get in touch with our friendly team today on 0161 464 7177 or email us on info@tdgcontracts.com.