Velux Loft Conversions

Because the roof shape does not change, the space you get is the space you already have. At the survey we check:

• Head height: The height from the top of the ceiling joists to the underside of the ridge. The new floor, insulation and ceiling all take up some of that height, so as a rule of thumb, around 2.2 metres or more is needed before work starts.
• Roof pitch: A steeper roof gives more usable floor area with full standing height. A shallow roof leaves more of the room under the slope.
• Roof structure: Older cut roofs with rafters and purlins are usually straightforward. Modern trussed roofs need a structural redesign first; see our trussed roof loft conversion page.
• Room for the stairs: The new staircase needs enough headroom where it arrives in the loft, which is easier where the ridge is high.
• Obstacles: Water tanks, chimney breasts and flues that may need moving.

If your head height is too low, a dormer loft conversion adds full-height space by extending the roof. Lowering the ceiling of the room below is another option.

Usually, yes. A Velux conversion keeps the existing roof, so there is less structural work, less scaffolding time and less new roof to build. A dormer extends the roof outwards to create full-height walls and more usable floor space, which costs more but gives more room.

• Centre-pivot windows: The most common type. They rotate in the middle, so they are easy to clean from inside.
• Top-hung windows: Open outwards from the top, giving a clear opening and a better view out. They can form part of the escape plan where the regulations allow.
• Balcony-style roof windows: Open out to create a small standing area at the window. The planning position needs checking, because balconies are not permitted development.
• Conservation rooflights: Slim, low-profile frames designed for period homes and conservation areas.
• Blinds and controls: Blackout blinds are useful in bedrooms, and electric or solar-powered windows help where they are out of reach. We can also fit blinds through our blind fitting service.

The number, size and position of the windows are planned around the room layout, the light you want and the rafters, which are trimmed with new timbers wherever they are cut.

Often not. Adding roof windows to a house in England is usually permitted development if:

• Projection: The windows do not project more than 150 millimetres beyond the existing roof slope.
• Height: No part is higher than the highest part of the roof.
• Side windows: Side-facing windows are obscure-glazed and non-opening below 1.7 metres above the floor.

Planning permission may be needed for flats and maisonettes, for listed buildings (which need listed building consent), in some conservation areas (especially for windows on the front roof slope), and where an Article 4 direction applies. We check your property at the survey and can apply for a Lawful Development Certificate for written confirmation.

Although the roof shape does not change, turning a loft into a habitable room still needs building regulations approval. The main areas are:

• Floor structure: New floor joists strong enough for a room, and trimmers around each roof window opening.
• Fire safety: A protected escape route down the stairs, fire-resisting doors onto the stairway, and mains-powered, interlinked smoke alarms.
• Stairs: A permanent staircase with enough headroom.
• Insulation and ventilation: Insulation to the roof slopes, walls and floor, and background ventilation.

We arrange the building control inspections and hand you the completion certificate at the end.