Top 3 tips for planning your loft conversion

Loft conversions have risen in popularity in recent years, and it seems that the Covid-19 pandemic led to even more people researching whether a loft conversion was a suitable option for their home.

Research conducted in 2020 by Pasquill found that Google searches for loft conversions climbed by a staggering 200% during the first national lockdown in the UK (from 1 March to 31 July 2020).

So, if you’ve been exploring the idea of converting your loft space to make it more usable, what do you need to know when you’re planning the project? Here at Bournemouth Constructions, we are happy to support you with every aspect of your loft conversion in Poole, Bournemouth or Christchurch, from planning to construction.

Below are three top tips for planning your loft conversion:

1. Make sure your loft is suitable for a conversion

This is the place to start! Before you start planning what you’ll use your new loft conversion for and how you’ll decorate it, you need to know that your loft is suitable for a conversion.

Firstly, work out what type of roof you have and, as House Beautiful recently noted, pay attention to how much head height you have in your loft space.

The minimum head height required by building regulations is 2.2m from the top of the floor joists to the underside of the ridge beam.

2. Check if you require planning permission

In many cases, a loft conversion will be classed as a “permitted development”, which means you don’t need to apply for planning permission when you carry out the work. However, it is always better to make sure this is the case for your property before you get started.

Listed buildings and homes in conservation areas can be subject to different rules and therefore require planning permission. There are a number of conservation areas in Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch, so it’s always worth checking what the rules are for your property before getting started.

3. Decide what you want to use your loft conversion for

This is the fun part, and an essential aspect of the planning process because what you want to use your loft conversion for will inform the design and plans we produce for your project.

Do you want to have an extra bedroom? Maybe you’re going to turn this part of your home into an adults-only sanctuary? Or do you want a home office or even a gym? There are dozens of options, so make sure you talk to us about what you’re looking for in a loft conversion so that we can help you create the perfect space for your needs!

Here at Bournemouth Constructions, we not only have an experienced team but also work closely with our affiliate architect to help you navigate the legal side of converting your loft, from assessing whether you require planning permission to getting building regulations approval for your loft conversion.  

Contact us if you’d like to find out more about how we can help you plan your loft conversion and to find out about some of the loft conversions we’ve worked on in Christchurch, Bournemouth and Poole.