In metropolitan cities like London, where property prices are premium, getting a house large enough to fit a big family on a budget is hard. A loft conversion is a popular and cost-effective option to get more space, and it can serve as an additional bedroom, a g
uest room, a home office, a playroom, or whatever you want. After you decide to do a loft conversion, the major problem you will face is its cost.
Understanding the factors which influence your loft conversion is important to maximise the efficiency of the project while staying within budget. In this blog post, you will have a full guide to the cost of different loft conversions and effective ways to reduce the cost. After reading this blog, you can have a refined and successful loft conversion at a minimal cost.
Average Loft Conversion Cost in the UK
The average cost of loft conversion might increase or decrease depending on basic factors such as location, design complexity, loft size, material used, and services provided by the contractor. In the UK, the average cost of loft conversion is typically between £20,000 and £60,000. Different types of loft conversions cost differently, so you can choose the conversion that fits your preference while considering the existing structure, budget, and timespan.
Loft Conversion cost by types
The cost of a loft conversion varies significantly depending on your choice of conversion. After reviewing the given breakdown of fees based on the types of conversions, you can choose the option you prefer.
Type of Conversion | Cost Range | Timespan |
|---|---|---|
| £30,000 – £50,000 | 10-12 weeks |
| £45,000 – £70,000 | 8-10 weeks |
| £40,000 – £60,000 | 10-12 weeks |
| £20,000 – £30,000 | 4-6 weeks |
1. Dormer Loft Conversion
A Dormer loft conversion breathes new life into your home, extending the roof upwards to carve out extra headroom and floor space. This option is highly favored for its ability to increase usable space and align with various room layouts. Its flexibility makes it a great fit for terraced and semi-detached houses. The average cost of this conversion is between £30,000 – £50,000 in the UK.
2. Mansard Loft Conversion
A Mansard loft conversion transforms the overall vibe of your home, reshaping the roof to create almost vertical walls on one or both sides. This upgrade maximises your space to its full capacity, offering a truly remarkable expansive, airy interior. This conversion usually costs between £45,000 and £70,000 in the UK.
3. Hip-to-Gable Loft Conversion
This variety of conversion is particularly well-suited for residences with a hipped roof marked by its sloping sides. Extending the hipped section to form a gable end maximizes the internal space. The extensive structural alteration involves greater complexity and expense. The average cost of this conversion is between £40,000 and £60,000 in the UK.
4. Velux Loft Conversion
Velux loft conversion is the most unembellished and economically advantageous option. It involves adding skylights to the preexisting roof. The average cost of this conversion in London is between £20,000 and £30,000. It is particularly well-suited for lofts with high ceilings and where the flow of natural light is important.
Total Cost Breakdown
Starting a loft conversion can seem challenging when faced with the total expenses, but breaking down the costs into key categories can offer a sense of clarity and reassurance. It allows you to confidently proceed with your project and transform your space with a proper vision.
Major Division | %age (of total cost) | Cost | Period (weeks) |
| 10%-15% | £3,000 – £9,000 | 2-6 |
| 70%-80% | £21,000 – £48,000 | 6-18 |
| 10%-15% | £3,000 – £9,000 | 2-6 |
| 5%-10% | £1,500 – £6,000 | Ongoing throughout the project. |
1. Design and Planning
This is the moment when your dream starts to come to life. Talented architects and planners craft your vision into a beautiful design. In just 2 to 6 months, you’ll receive a stunning 3D design and a comprehensive plan that brings your dream project into vivid reality. This transformative process typically costs between £3,000 and £9,000 in the UK to make your vision a breathtaking reality.
2. Construction
It’s a significant part of your budget and a phase in transforming raw space into a functional and stunning area. The construction phase involves turning plans into reality with the help of talented builders and contractors. Depending on your project type, it usually takes 6-18 weeks or more. The average cost is between £21,000 – £48,000 in the UK.
3. Materials and Finishes
Choosing the material and finishings of your project is the phase where you add your sense of style to it. At this stage, you select the elements that will define your space’s aesthetic and ensure its long-lasting durability. It can take 2-6 weeks to carefully choose the material and fittings that will maximize the visual appeal of your loft.
4. Service Fees
These crucial behind-the-scenes expenses make the overall procedure smooth. They include securing necessary permits, passing inspections, and covering project management costs. These fees guarantee that your loft conversion aligns with all regulations and proceeds without complication. They cover 5%- 10% of the total price, which is around £1,500 – £6,000 or more, depending upon the type of your project.
Additional expenses:
It’s important to consider additional costs such as:
- Contingency funds (10-20% of total budget)
- Permits and inspections
- Utility hookups and connections
- Site cleanup and restoration
- Landscaping and exterior work
Factors affecting the cost
While considering other major expenses, it’s important to consider the basic aspects of your project, which might affect your budget more significantly.
1. Size of the Loft
Think of it as the huge canvas for your dream transmission. The greater the loft’s area, the more resources and craftsmanship are required, ultimately leading to a high budget. The larger the loft, the more expensive the conversion will be.
2. Type of Conversion
The kind of conversion you want for your loft area exclusively affects the total conversion cost, as the main Dormer conversion is more complex and expensive. In contrast, Velux loft conversion is simple and less costly. It’s wise to consult professionals for suitable recommendations for your loft conversion.
3. Materials and Finishes
The quality of materials and finishes, like flooring, windows, and embellishments, significantly affects the outcome. High-end materials and bespoke finishes might come with a high price tag, but they also promise a unique and luxurious touch. The more stylish and premium the material, the more expensive it will be.
4. Structural Work
In many cases, loft conversion requires additional structural work, such as inserting beams or providing extra support. It casts a prominent effect on overall cost, but it is also an important step to increase the durability and longevity of your dreamy loft.
5. Location
The geographical location of your house affects your budget as well. The project cost varies depending on whether you live in a bustling city or a quiet rural area. According to an estimate in London and South East London, conversion is expensive.
6. Contract Fees
Contract fees incorporate every aspect, from initial conversations to final touches. This may seem like an additional expense, but ensuring that the work is done correctly and meets your standards is necessary. The cost of an engineer, contractor, and architect varies according to experience and location.
5 best tips to reduce the cost
By considering the given option, you can greatly reduce the overall cost of your project.
1. Choose Simple Designs
Simple designs that require low-cost material, take less time, and do not add any architectural transmission will minimize the overall cost. You can also reduce the cost burden by eliminating customized or personalized effects.
2. Use Existing Structure
You can reduce your budget by choosing a type of conversion that does not require major structural changes without compromising the durability of your loft. Structural changes like adding beams or additional support are usually expensive.
3. Select Cost-effective Materials
To minimise the cost, you can choose engineered wood, recycled materials, or standard finishes instead of custom ones. By selecting affordable materials, you can convert your loft efficiently without compromising quality.
4. Negotiate With Your Contractor
First, obtain itemized proposals to track expenses while discovering areas for improvement. Consider negotiating with your contractor; after an in-depth discussion, you may find cost-saving opportunities.
5. Consider a DIY Kit
DIY loft conversion kit is the best way to reduce expenses. If you are capable enough to do some DIY chores, there will be no need to hire an architect, and you can manage your project. That’s how you can save a large sum of architectural fees.
FAQs
Changes to an existing structure are always expensive and heavy on the budget, as they involve more labour and require more material. This includes steel beams, floor joists, a staircase, and additional support.
In the UK, the cost per sqm for a loft conversion generally ranges between £1,200 and £2,500, depending on the type and complexity of the conversion and your location.
Yes, you can convert your loft if you possess creative construction and architectural skills. DIY loft conversions can save money on labour costs, which is a good option if you have skills, but they are also challenging and time-consuming.
