Though loft conversions would enable you to create more space in your property while making no real structural changes, there’s still the question of what type of loft conversion to go for – with mansard and dormer loft conversions being two of the clearest options open to you.
As a dormer conversion largely just involves replacing an angled roof with a flat wall, it can be the less fussy solution – especially as it is unlikely to require planning permission. By having a large window added to the flat wall, you can also allow abundant natural light to stream through.
Nonetheless, as a mansard conversion would be built to the property’s rear and come with a rear wall that slopes inward at a 72-degree angle, it would look more subtle than a dormer conversion – and you would still have the option of including small dormers for windows.
This is a type of loft conversion where the existing slope of the roof’s back is removed and replaced with a boundary that protrudes up vertically from the rear elevation. Though rear dormers are sometimes built parallel with the property’s back wall, these dormers can in other instances be built slightly stepped in to comply with local regulations or simply the client’s aesthetic preference.
Though the roof of a rear dormer can look flat to the naked eye, this roof – even when referred to as a “flat roof” – will include an external layer that slightly slopes to let rainwater run off it. Inside the dormer, the ceiling beneath this roof will be completely level, saving the dormer’s internal space from a potentially unsightly distraction.
Dormer conversions are available in various types – including flat-roof, gable-fronted, hipped-roof and rear dormer conversions. For a dormer conversion, we can fit a window in the form of a large window, a bay window or, into the ceiling, a skylight window.
Meanwhile, mansard loft conversions include L-shaped mansard conversions, which can work especially well for open-plan bedrooms with an en-suite. You could also consider a double mansard conversion, where the roof’s front and back would each be given a mansard.
While a mansard loft conversion is typically one of the priciest loft conversion options, you could deem it worth the added expense due to how it would let you maximise your loft’s floor area. The overall bill for your conversion will be influenced by many variables, such as your roof’s size and how the loft’s interior is fitted out, but a mansard should cost around £50,000 on average.
Owing to the significant complexity of a mansard loft conversion, we will break down the quoted cost in great detail when you task us with completing your conversion. You can expect to pay around £1000-£2,000 in professional fees to the architect who will produce the drawings, while any application for planning permission would incur a fee of about £200 payable to the local council.
A dormer conversion should be credited as the more straightforward option, as it would be relatively simple in structure. Dormer conversions can typically be assembled and built more quickly and cheaply than mansard conversions, though we never compromise on quality with any of our loft conversions.
Unfortunately, some people might think the blocky look of dormer conversions renders them eyesores from street level. Mansards are more challenging to put together – but, once they have been, they can look like a natural and seamless part of the roof.
It’s easy to get in touch with us to discuss your ideas for how you would like to develop a property with our expert assistance.
