Which loft conversion type is right for your home?

When it comes to loft conversions, there are lots of different options to consider. Every home is different and unique, which is why one type of attic conversion doesn’t suit all. There are six main loft extension types and the type your architect recommends will depend on the style of your property, roof height, available space, planning regulations, budget and your requirements.

There are five primary categories of loft conversion which include roof light/Velux conversions, dormer conversions, hip-to-gable conversions, mansard loft conversions, and L-shaped. Determining the ideal type of loft conversion for your house relies on factors such as the height and shape of your roof, whether your home is detached, semi-detached or terraced, your financial constraints, and any relevant local planning regulations or specifications.

Rear Dormer Conversion

A box-like structure is added to the existing roof, extending vertically to create additional floor space and headroom.

Best For:

  • Properties with limited headroom.
  • Semi-detached, terraced houses, or bungalows.
  • Homes requiring a straightforward, cost-effective expansion.
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Mansard Conversion

For this loft type, one or both roof slopes are replaced with a nearly vertical wall (72 degrees) and a flat roof, creating a large, rectangular space.

Best For:

  • Period properties or homes in urban areas.
  • Properties with substantial planning allowances.
  • Maximising the space in character loft areas.
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L-Shaped Dormer Conversion

Combines two dormer conversions at right angles, creating an L-shape loft. Usually done on the main roof and a rear extension.

Best For:

  • Victorian or Edwardian terraced houses with rear additions.
  • Homes requiring multiple rooms in the loft (e.g. bedroom and bathroom etc).
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Hip to Gable Conversion

This conversion extends a sloping (hipped) roof by building out a vertical wall (gable), increasing loft space and allowing for a more functional layout.

Best For:

  • Semi-detached or end-of-terrace homes with hipped roofs.
  • Properties needing more headroom and usable loft space.
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Velux Conversion

A Velux (or roof light) conversion adds skylights to the existing roof without altering its structure.

Best For:

  • Homes with sufficient existing headroom and a steep roof pitch.
  • Conservation areas or listed buildings where structural changes are restricted.
  • Budget-conscious projects.
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Piggyback Conversion

This loft type involves building a new roof structure on top of the existing one, raising the roof height to create a full upper floor.

Best For:

  • Homes with insufficient headroom for standard loft conversions.
  • Detached or semi-detached properties with large rooflines.
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Pitched Dormer Conversion

A pitch dormer adds a pitched-roofed structure to the existing slope, creating more useable headroom while blending with the property’s aesthetic.

Best For:

  • Properties where maintaining a traditional roofline is important.
  • Homes needing moderate space improvements rather than a full overhaul.
  • Areas with planning restrictions against flat-roof dormers.
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Side Dormer Conversion

A side dormer is built on the side slope of a roof, creating additional headroom and floor space in properties with a hipped or multi-faceted roof.

Best For:

  • Bungalows, detached, or semi-detached homes with hipped roofs.
  • Properties where expanding on the side improves functionality.
  • Smaller loft spaces needing targeted expansion.
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Why not get in touch to discuss your possible loft conversion?


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