It’s a trap that many families fall into. After years of work in adding and subtracting from rooms, the residents have finally converted that lost space into what at first glance appears to be useful space – the design was aimed at turning s fairly standard house into a home where all the residents have their ideal space.

The alterations have allowed the family to grow in numbers and maturity, and all members are satisfied that they have created rooms that are now superior to anything that might have been found in another home, especially given the unique requirements of each member of the family.
But examining the loft reveals a slightly different story. Although it was designed to add significant value to the home – and the lives of the residents the end result has been a room that has over time filled up to the brim with unwanted assets, memorabilia, and other flotsam and jetsom from the past.

When faced with what is essentially unwanted space that is not adding to the financial value of the home – or the lifestyles of the residents, the decision is often made to revitalise this room. A renovation of this space can restore it to a space that that is sought after. This is the result of an efficient loft conversion.

There are a vast number of loft designs that can be considered – and choosing from among these can be a challenge. The loft conversion needs to add significant value to the investment value of the home (as a home will almost certainly be the largest investment that the owner(s) will make during the course of their lives.

It is worth repeating that there are an enormous number of loft conversion designs, the question is – which one is right for you and your family?

There are many different loft conversion types to suit the needs of every home and its owners — but which type is the right fit for you?

The popular types of conversion include the Mansard and rear dormer. However, the L-shaped dormer loft conversions are possibly even more effective as a fantastic way of increasing the value of your home and making the most of your space.

What are the Advantages of an L Shaped Loft Conversion?

To put it simply an L-Shaped dormer loft conversion involved two separate dormers and joins them with a connection. The first of the flat-roofed dormers covers the middle of the roof. The other is built over the rear of the roof. If one had to peer downward at the design it would appear to be a single L-Shaped space.

L-Shaped dormer rooms are particularly suitable for older homes that feature Edwardian or Victorian design and architecture, particularly if this allows for more space to be utilized by using an existing addition at the rear of the property. The result is more area under cover and a far larger loft than might otherwise be possible.

Of course, houses vary in size, but in a standard home, a dormer loft conversion will usually add between 30 to 50 square meters of living space. Or rather space that can be used in a variety of ways. For one thing, this type of dormer conversion almost mirrors the space available on the first floor. It also matches the lower room designs – and the net effect is the possibility of adding between two and four new rooms.

A loft conversion of this type will undoubtedly increase both living space and the flow of the home. However, these two factors mean that the property enjoys a significant increase in value. Many homes that have undergone these sorts of renovations have seen their property value by an average of 20%.

In what is today firmly a buyer’s market those searching for a new home are continually in search of added value that is created through a unique approach to utilising each square foot of the home. An L-Shaped loft certainly provides a unique approach to effective space utilisation – and that is a unique selling point. Homeowners will find that once the decision is made to sell they will attract a far larger number of interested parties than would be the case if the renovations had not been done.

The advantages of this sort of renovation make a real difference in the lives of the residents. There is more space and the value of the home could have been enhanced by around 20%. In a property market as competitive as the one that both buyers and sellers are currently experiencing buyers are always in the market for something out of the ordinary that adds something special in terms of the attractiveness of the property and its utility value. An L-Shaped loft provides the home with a variety of positives that can only result in a more attractive purchase price – and a whole new subset of buyers that have their hearts set on a home that will add value to the lives of their families.

Some L-Shaped Loft Considerations

An L-shaped Loft is an ideal solution for renovations that offer incredible versatility. They are extremely popular in high-density areas such as London where the idea of building upwards rather than increasing the footprint of the home is an attractive option. This type of loft increases usable space and complements the original architectural aesthetic of the home

However, those considering this type of loft conversion should be aware that it is not the cheapest option. and only those properties that already boast an existing extension are suitable for this sort of treatment. Those who are looking to save on loft conversion costs might want to consider a more cost-effective option like the popular Velux loft conversions.

You will also have to consult with your local planning authority in order to obtain the relevant permission prior to starting the loft conversion process.

If you do manage to get permission for the development of the property you will be able to construct an L-Shaped dormer using a ‘Certificate of Lawfulness.’ If this is not the case you will need to obtain planning permission. Work cannot start until you have received the paperwork giving you the go-ahead. Once your plans have been approved you can begin work in a few weeks.

A team of experienced surveyors will have to visit your property to make sure that it is a suitable candidate for the L-Shapedmloft conversion. And the work must conform to regulations and planning stipulations at every stage of the building process. If the work is going to take place on a semi-detached or terraced property you will also need to get permission from your neighbours for any work that needs to be done (as per the Party Wall Act of 1996.)