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Loft conversions involve taking a small unused space at the top of your home and turning it into a practical living space. 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.

If you’re considering a loft conversion, it’s important to note that not every loft can be converted. 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.

You may not be aware that there are actually a range of different loft conversions available depending on your requirements. Below are the most common types of loft conversion:

• Dormer

• Hip to gable

• Bungalow

• Mansard

• Velux

• Terraced house

• Detached house

• Semi-detached house

You can find further information about each of these types of loft conversion in our loft conversion cost guide.

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

Although loft conversions may have similarities, every project is unique. This makes it hard to accurately say how much loft conversions are. In order to calculate the average cost of a loft conversion, we need to consider the following factors:

• 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

Average cost of a loft conversion

One of the factors that has the highest impact on the average cost of a loft conversion is the type of conversion. Prices vary a lot between the different options. For example, a dormer loft conversion costs an average of £45,000, while a velux loft conversion costs an average of £27,500. Generally the average loft conversion cost in the UK is £40,000.

Other loft conversion costs

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

  The list goes on. 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, average prices for every stage of your conversion and finding the right worker for your job.

Every loft conversion is different which makes it hard to estimate timescales. 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 the advantages of loft conversions and average timescales in our guide on how long does a loft conversion take.

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 on Checkatrade

• A friendly and professional manner

Loft conversion or extension?

Running out of space in your home can be frustrating. It’s often a lot simpler to pay for a loft conversion or an extension than looking for a new property. If you’re struggling to decide whether an extension or loft conversion is the right choice for you, consider the following points:

• What will the purpose of the new space be?

• 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.

Want to speak to loft conversion specialists in Kirkwall?

If you’re planning a loft conversion, you’ll want to find an experienced, qualified loft conversion company to take on your project. Using our online search feature is one of the best ways to find a loft conversions specialist in Kirkwall you can depend on. Just type in your postcode to find a variety of experts in your area.

Another option is to try our request a quote feature. Send us all the details of your project and we’ll forward these to three recommended loft conversion builders. You’ll then receive three quotes, it really is that simple.