Can a loft architect help with my type of roof?

Nov 25

A loft conversion – this is a tried and tested way to add more space to a home.

But what if there isn't much room up there in your roof? What if the roof slopes too much, or if there are beams and other obstacles in the way?

Lots of people will encounter these challenges and change their minds. They'll think a loft conversion simply isn't for them. But is this really the case? Isn't there some other option?

Don't give up just yet. In our article, we're going to be looking at different loft solutions for different types of roof. We'll examine how a loft conversion architect can help you find the right choice for your specific roof.

On top of this, we'll also explore the different types of roof construction, and discover how even difficult roofs can become great loft spaces with the right solution.

Can I convert my loft?

In most cases, the answer is probably yes. But there are some main factors you'll need to consider if you're planning to convert your loft.

Floor to ceiling height – 2.2 m minimum
Roof pitch angle – 30 degrees or more
Roof structure – Older houses are more likely to have a suitable roof structure for conversion
Conversion obstacles – Anything that gets in the way of the project, like chimney stacks and water tanks

More about types of roof structure

Your roof will likely either be a cut roof or a trussed roof.

Most houses built before the 1960s have cut roofs, which leave plenty of space beneath the rafters. This makes them ideal for loft conversion.

From the 1960s and onwards, houses are more likely to have a trussed roof. This sort of roof features a W-shaped support. While this is a fine roofing option, it doesn't leave much conversion space in the loft area.

What can a loft architect do?

Even if you have a trussed roof, a loft architect can help design a space that meets your needs. They can suggest a number of solutions for difficult roof constructions so you end up with a practical and beautiful space. Let’s take a look at routes you can take:

Borrow headroom from downstairs – Often, older properties have generous ceiling heights in their downstairs rooms so you can ‘borrow’ some headroom. New floor joists are fitted beneath the downstairs ceiling level. With the new floor in place, the old ceiling can be removed to reveal extra space.
Trussed loft conversion – If you have a trussed roof, all is not lost. Your architect can recommend removing the beams and replacing them with steel supports. This will open the area, ready for conversion.
Dormer loft conversion – A dormer loft conversion involves adding a box-like structure onto your existing roof. All the internal walls of the dormer extensions are 90 degrees to the floor, so you've got plenty of head space.

Explore the different types of loft conversion in our post Which loft conversion is best for my property in London?.

How else can a loft architect help?

An architect for your loft conversion can not only design a spacious and attractive room but also add a wealth of experience to your project.

They can:

Provide full design, drawings and specifications, which your builder can follow.
Manage administrative processes related to your loft conversion, including provisions around planning permission, building regulations and the Party Wall Act.
Help you find local contractors and service providers.
Project manage your conversion, liaising with contractors and ensuring that deadlines are met.

Loft conversion architect for London and Essex

A loft conversion can be one of the most affordable and least disruptive ways of extending your home. If you’re worried about whether your roof structure will work, don’t give up.

Get in touch with Humphrey's & Sons today – we're proud to be among the leading loft conversion architect firms across London and Essex.

But perhaps what we're most proud of is our incredible track record. We have a long history of delivering excellent results for clients in search of local architect and charted building surveying services.

Schedule your consultation today, with no commitment and no charge.

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