Low Head Room Loft Conversions: The Complete Guide

Converting your loft into extra storage space or an extra room will not only maximise space in your home but also increase the overall value. Many people are looking to get a loft conversion but are unsure as to whether their loft height qualifies for the loft to be legally converted. You’ll want the conversion to be safe and comfortable to stand up in, but if you’re just missing the mark there are many ways in which you can increase the height so you can get your dream loft conversion in no time. 

Building regulations

The minimum height for a loft conversion is 2.2 metres, which should be measured from the floor to the top of the ceiling joists (the highest point in the room). This will give you a practical area to use safely and leave you with a ceiling height of at least 1.9 metres. 

Another key consideration is where you’ll place the permanent stairway. This is a legal requirement for any loft conversion due to health and safety regulations, so keeping this in mind during your loft conversion planning will make sure you don’t run into any problems in the future. 

There are a few different types of loft conversions that can be recommended for homes with lower ceilings, these include:

Roof lifts

A roof lift is the process of lifting off the existing roof and replacing it with a higher roof. It is the fastest and quickest way to create a larger roof space for your new loft conversion, as well as creating significantly more usable floor space. This is a great option for those who have the flooring space but not the height.

Dormer conversions

This is the most commonly fitted loft extension for a low head room loft, as it creates more headroom and floor space, and can easily become the largest room in your house. It creates straight walls on the inside of the room, instead of the slanted ones you would receive with other types of loft conversions.

Hip-to-gable conversions

This is where a regular sloped sided house is extended to replace the sloping side with a vertical wall, so you get the same height throughout the room, adding extra head space which gives you more wiggle room when it comes to using the space.

Do I need planning permission for my loft conversion?

The majority of the time, you won’t need planning permission for a loft conversion as they tend not to inhibit the surrounding areas. You won’t need planning permission unless you exceed these regulations:

• The extension must not exceed the original roof height
• No balconies can be added
• Similar materials to the original house must be used
• A volume allowance of 40 cubic metres additional roof space for terraced houses
• A volume allowance of 50 cubic metres additional roof space for detached and semi-detached houses

Here at AKB Loft Conversions, we carry out loft conversions at a competitive price in the Leeds area. Over 90% of our work comes from word of mouth, proving our dedication to customer satisfaction and a fully comprehensive service. For more information on our services, please get in touch with a member of our team today.