Can you convert a loft with a hip roof? We tell all…
Loft conversions are such a great way for people to improve their homes, bumping up their house value as well as increasing the scope of their living space. As every home is different, it’s understandable if you’re not quite sure whether your property would be eligible for a conversion. If you currently have a hip roof, you might be pondering this question at this very moment. Let’s find out the specifics about a hip loft conversion, and the things you could consider during the process…
What is a hip roof?
A hip roof is a roof where all the sides slope on an angle. None of the sides are vertical, which creates limited head room inside the loft. These roofs are often found in houses that were constructed in the 1930s and 1950s, as well as cottage style homes.
Is it possible to convert a hip roof with a loft extension?
Yes, it is possible to convert a hip roof (depending on your home), and the most common conversion technique is a hip to gable conversion. This process replaces a sloped wall with a vertical wall, providing the interior of your loft with an increased amount of head height and the capability to be transformed into a living space.
For what properties is a hip to gable conversion an option?
Properties must have a sloped roof to benefit from this type of conversion, and it is often best in semi-detached properties, and end-of-terrace properties. Mid-terraced properties won’t be able to benefit from a hip to gable loft conversion, as there is no sloped roof to extend.
What should you consider before starting a hip to gable loft conversion?
There are several factors you could consider before you decide on a hip to gable loft conversion for your property.
The cost
A hip to gable loft conversion is one of the more expensive options. This is because it’s a very labour-intensive technique – the sloped roof must be entirely removed so that the new vertical wall can be included. This amount of labour will take time and precision, which is where the extra costs may incur.
The permission
With every alteration to a home, there is the question of planning permission. Most of the time, you will not require planning permission for a hip to gable loft conversion, and it is usually under the permitted development volume of 50m³. You may need a letter of lawful development, and this is something we can help you with.
What are the benefits of a hip to gable loft conversion?
There are a few benefits that a hip to gable loft conversion can provide you with, ensuring that your home is being improved and adding features that are advantageous:
The addition of head height
A hip to gable conversion is one of the best conversion techniques for adding head height to your loft space. The addition of a vertical wall will transform the space into something that won’t be difficult to navigate in, allowing you to turn that space into a room capable of many uses, such as a bedroom, office, or games room.
The addition of natural light
Along with a hip to gable loft conversion comes to option to add windows into your space. Installing windows into the new gable wall of the conversion will be able to increase the amount of natural light in your space, and this is often a desired feature. Loft space can often be darker without the addition of larger windows, but a hip to gable conversion allows for this.
The addition of value for your home
A hip to gable conversion adds so much space to your home, and there are so many options that you can choose to use the room for. You may elect a bedroom with an ensuite, or a home office. This will boost the value of your home up to 20%. This is such a worthwhile investment, and is a beneficial byproduct of the conversion process.
If you’d like someone to speak with about whether a hip to gable conversion is the one for you, our experts are the perfect people to come to. We have years of experience in loft conversions, identifying the best option for our customers’ properties. Get in touch with us at Touchstone Lofts on 0800 881 8194 or email sales@touchstonelofts.co.uk.