attic trap in Dorset (81)

During a loft conversion, the ceiling, walls and floor of your loft will be replaced with insulated, strong materials to make the space safe to use.

Electrics, plumbing and heating are then added to your loft to make it a functional, comfortable room.

In addition, access in the form of stairs will also be fitted to make it easy to enter your new loft conversion.

Read our loft conversion planning guide to learn more about the process.

No, not every loft can be converted.

To work out whether yours can, you’ll need to look at the space available, the type of roof you have, and whether it’s possible to add access to your loft.

For example, modern trussed roofs may need to be replaced before converting your loft.

In addition, you need enough head height, the right roof angle and sufficient floor space for your conversion.

You can learn if your house is suitable for a loft conversion in our handy guide.

There are several different types of loft conversions available, depending on your requirements. Here are the most common:

• Dormer
• Hip to gable
• Bungalow
• Mansard
• Velux
• Terraced house
• Detached house
• Semi-detached house

You can find further information about each of these in our guide to the different types of loft conversions.

You won't always need planning permission for your loft conversion as some cases are classed as permitted development. This means you can build your loft conversion without planning permission.

However, in the following scenarios you will need loft conversion planning permission:

• You live in a listed building
• You live in a conservation area
• You’re planning to change the shape or height of your roof

Our loft conversion planning permission guide has more details. But if in doubt, it’s always worth checking with your local planning authority to be sure.

There are a range of key building regulations for loft conversions.

The best way to ensure you are following building regulations is to work with an experienced loft conversion company. They’ll be able to ensure your project complies with building regulations.

You’ll usually also need a building control surveyor to inspect your conversion.

Head over to our guide on building regulations and loft conversions to learn more.

The average cost of a loft conversion in the UK is £40,000.

However, prices vary widely depending on what type of loft conversion you go for.

For example, a dormer loft conversion costs an average of £45,000, while a Velux loft conversion costs an average of £27,500.

Learn more in our loft conversion cost guide.

Loft conversion costs can vary widely, depending on factors like:

• The type of loft conversion
• The size of your loft
• The condition of your roof and loft
• Your roof structure
• Your location
• The room’s intended function

Use our request a quote feature to get figures for how much your loft conversion might cost from checked tradespeople working in Dorset.

In addition to the average cost of a loft conversion, you also need to budget for extra costs.

Examples of additional expenses include:

• Electrics
• Architect drawings
• Underfloor heating
• Flooring
• Bathroom
• Storage

If you’d like to learn more about additional costs, visit our loft conversion cost guide. There you’ll learn more about the different types of loft conversion, and average prices for every stage of your conversion.

As a rough guide, you can expect your project to take between 4 and 12 weeks, depending on the type of loft conversion you choose.

Below are a few example timescales:

• Dormer loft conversion - 10-12 weeks
• Velux loft conversion - 4-6 weeks
• Mansard loft conversion - 8-10 weeks

You can find further information about average timescales in our guide to how long a loft conversion takes.

If you’re planning a loft conversion, you’ll be working closely with a range of professionals over several weeks.

It’s really important you hire the right loft conversion company for your job. Keep an eye out for:

• A willingness to explain the process
• Clear answers to your questions
• A tradesperson with examples of past work
• Positive reviews
• A friendly and professional manner

At Checkatrade, all our tradespeople have to pass up to 12 checks and we also check all the reviews on our site to make sure they’re from real people.

Read our loft conversion company hiring guide for more tips.

If you’re struggling to decide whether an extension or loft conversion is the right choice for you, consider the following points:

• What will be the purpose of the new space?
• What’s your budget?
• How much disruption are you willing to deal with?
• How much value do you want to add to your home?

Still unsure which option is right for you? Take a look at our loft conversion or extension guide for more details and information to help you make a decision.

It’s quick and easy to find a loft conversion builder covering your area of Dorset on Checkatrade.

Simply use our online search feature to browse checked builders, read reviews, and view photos of past projects.

Or, try our request a quote feature. We’ll take down some details about your project and forward them to a range of builders who work near you so they can get in touch with quotes.

It really is that simple!