About Register a Product 01993 833 155 info@therooflightcompany.co.uk PRODUCTS BESPOKE CASE STUDIES HOMEOWNERS RESOURCES CPD LOCATION ENQUIRE Everything you need to know about rooflight loft conversions WHAT IS A ROOFLIGHT LOFT CONVERSION? HOW DO ROOFLIGHT LOFT CONVERSIONS WORK? SHOULD I GET A ROOFLIGHT LOFT CONVERSION? What types of rooflight can be installed in my loft conversion? Rooflight loft conversions will need pitched rooflights that will align with the existing roofline. There are several different types of pitched rooflights, including flush conservation rooflights and contemporary pitched rooflights. How much does a rooflight loft conversion cost? The final cost of your rooflight loft conversion will be dependent on the size of the space you are working with. You will also need to consider: Planning permission fees - if you need planning permission Development rights Party wall agreement - if the conversion affects a neighbouring property Building control fees - to cover costs associated with building regulation approval. This includes building surveyor costs, which includes a site inspection and completion certificate upon final inspection. Structural engineer fees - to cover the costs of analysing the project design and site for suitability and safety of any structural components of the conversion Architect fees - if you hire an architect to assist with the design and drawings that are put out to tender Rooflight loft conversions are the cheapest type of loft conversion. On average they cost 25% cheaper than other types of loft conversion such as a dormer conversion, hip to gable conversion, or mansard conversion. They are cost-effective because rooflight loft conversions require no structural change to the property. A report by On The Market stated that loft conversions can add up to 22% to the value of your home, making them a fantastic investment. Do I need an architect for my rooflight loft conversion? It is not required to have an architect for your rooflight loft conversion but it can be very beneficial. An architect can help bring your initial concepts to life and discuss initial ideas and design plans to ensure you are getting the most out of your loft conversion. An architect can use their expertise to advise and suggest the best way to plan a rooflight loft conversion to ensure you are using the space as efficiently as possible, to keep costs down and maximise the value and outcome of the project. Architects can also provide professional drawings that then go out to tender, and can help ensure all aspects of the build are following building regulations and guidelines. Rooflight loft conversions and building regulations Building regulations approval will always be needed when converting a loft. Although a rooflight loft conversion may not require planning permission, building regulations must be adhered to in order for the conversion to go ahead. In order to receive a completion certificate, which is needed before work begins, a building control surveyor will come to the property to inspect the site and proposed project plans. Any type of loft conversion must adhere to the following sections of the Building Regulations Act of 2010. It is your responsibility, before any work is undertaken, to check if you need planning permission. PART L PART K PART B AND P Do I need planning permission for my rooflight loft conversion? It is your responsibility, before any work is undertaken, to check if you need planning permission. In many cases you do not need planning permission although there may be some restrictions depending on your exact project specifications. Some loft conversions will require planning permission, however, as a rooflight loft conversion doesn’t extend or convert the main structure of a property, in many cases you will likely not need it. Please check with your local planning office before undertaking any work. You won’t need planning permission for your rooflight loft conversion as long as: Any roof windows installed do not protrude more than 150 mm (1.5m) above an existing roof plane Any side-facing windows feature obscure glazing for privacy reasons and do not open more than 1.7m There are no alterations to the existing roof structure that is higher than the current highest part of the roof Rooflight loft conversions are also a very popular choice for conservation areas, as some listed and heritage buildings have restrictions about the types of extensions and conversions that are allowed. Listed or heritage buildings will require any changes on the outside to match aesthetically with the houses in the surrounding area. It is for this reason why flush conservation rooflights are needed. It is possible to carry out a rooflight loft conversion with conservation rooflights, so that the project does not alter the exterior of the building in any way. It is your responsibility, before any work is undertaken, to check if you need planning permission. Read our guide on conservation rooflights here Can I get a loft conversion? You can only get a loft conversion if you have the required amount of headroom in your property. You will be eligible for a loft conversion only if the loft has 2.2m of usable space. This allows an acceptable amount of head height, giving room to safely build up the floor and create a workable living space. What are the benefits of a rooflight loft conversion? Good for conservation areas May not require planning permission Popular choice because it doesn’t impact the main structure of the building / extend the building - uses what you’ve got More cost-effective than other conversions How long does a rooflight loft conversion take? A rooflight loft conversion project lead time will depend on the size of the loft and the exact design specifications of the build. Consult with a design architect or building contractor as early as possible to gain an estimation of how long it will take. What to consider before getting a rooflight loft conversion HOW THE LOFT CONVERSION WILL BE USED THE BUDGET FOR YOUR PROJECT Who do I contact for a rooflight loft conversion? Ask friends and family for recommendations of an experienced builder, loft conversion company or architect. You can also conduct your own research to find a local company in your area. Get in contact and get the conversation started about what you can expect to pay for your potential project. Keen to get started with your rooflight loft conversion? You can get inspired by checking out our recent case studies or explore our entire range of rooflights and skylights. If you want to learn more, feel free to get in touch today on 01993 833155 and make an enquiry. Where To Find Us Sales Centre Collection Centre Show Room Wychwood Business Centre Milton Road Shipton-under-Wychwood Oxfordshire OX7 6XU Shop Shop Register a Product Returns Warranty Useful Links Blog FAQs Privacy Policy Quality Policy Terms & Conditions Contact Details info@therooflightcompany.co.uk 01993 833 155 01993 831 066 Trademarks neo® , neo Advance™ , and neo Advance Skywalk™ are UK registered trademarks of the Rooflight Company. ©2021 The Rooflight Company | Registered Office:264 Banbury Road, Oxford OX2 7DY | Company Number:2881879 FAQs Request a call back