Things are looking up. Not only have some of therestrictions on adding an extra storey to your home beenrelaxed, but loft conversions have become more exciting.‘The roof is somewhere to create beautiful spaces, not apoorly built afterthought,’ says Lizzie Fraher, joint founderof Fraher & Findlay.
Types of conversion. It’s easier to convert the loft in a periodhome as the rafter arrangement providesplenty of open space. Post-1960s homes canbe more of a problem if they have W-shapedtrusses. These may have to be replaced withA-trusses or beams, and sometimes the roofwill need to be raised to gain enough height.The simplest conversions involve using theexisting space and fitting skylights withinthe roof for light and ventilation. Addinga dormer provides extra space and greaterhead height, as does a mansard roof or ahip-to-gable conversion.
Going up a level. Since 31 August 2020, adding an additional storey, oreven two, to your home has come under PDR, providedyou have the approval of your local authority and yourhome meets the conditions already outlined for lofts.Permitted development only applies to houses builtbetween 1 July 1948 and 5 March 2018.Under the new rules, one storey can be added to asingle-storey house, or two storeys if the house has morethan one storey. The house cannot exceed 18m in total height and each new level cannot add more than 3.5mto the total height. If your home is not detached, thetotal height cannot be more than 3.5m higher than itsneighbouring building or row.The additional storeys must be on the main partof the house and strengthening works to the walls andfoundations must be within the plot. Materials used mustmatch the house, the roof pitch must remain the sameand windows are not allowed on the side elevation.
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