While loft conversions are getting a lot of coverage these days, especially when it comes to adding value to a home, there are different types of loft conversions that need to be considered depending on the size of your home, your property type, where you live, and more.
Just one of the types of conversions out there is the Mansard loft conversion.
The Mansard conversion makes a number of changes to a property to create the extra living space needed. It’s the conversion that will help you to create the maximum amount of space in the roof of your property.
Read on to find out more about it!
A Mansard conversion is constructed by raising the party walls – the walls shared with neighbor properties – on either side of the house, then adding a frame between the two new wall extensions.
The finished head height of a Mansard has a head-height that is slightly less than an equivalent sized dormer conversion.
Dormers and Mansard conversions share many of the same benefits, however, Mansard loft conversions are regarded by some as being better looking, especially when looking at an older property.
Mansards are not seen in the suburbs very often, as dormers tend to be the more common choice. Dormers tend to be less work, which is commonly why they are chosen in those areas.
Because the roof and structure of a property often need to be changed in a Mansard conversion, they will nearly always require planning permission. Especially since party walls need to be raised!
As well as the Mansard being more work than other types, it’s also usually more expensive than other types.
They create so much space, and ultimately change the structure of the home significantly.
It’s tough to say how much without seeing the property and the area, but it could cost up to £45k.
A Mansard conversion is best for houses that have a flat roof, not triangle roofing.
Getting a loft conversion can require more thinking if you live in a conservation area. Positioning, size, volume, and other factors must all be considered.
If your property is located in a conservation area, permission may be subject to the specific planning conditions.
You must adhere to anything set out by planners, as alterations without permission in these areas can be a criminal offence.
Fines and prosecution are a possibility, but it will also be expensive to return the property to the way it was before.
The planning office will have to take a lot into consideration, including the impact on the area in terms of the noise, parking and roofline, nature conservation, loss of light, and more.
It’s especially important in conservation areas to make sure the roofline doesn’t have a negative impact, as this is a key issue.
It should not be out of line and should remain in keeping with other properties in the area.
Some of the pros of Mansard conversions include:
● Giving an existing property maximum space in the roof area.
● Suitable for all different kinds of property.
● Can be finished in many different ways to make sure it matches the building style, including old buildings.
Some of the cons are as follows:
● Will pretty much always need planning permission.
● Will often be more expensive in comparison to other types of conversion.
● Upheaval as a considerable amount of construction work is required.
Mansard loft conversions are often considered to be extensions, rather than just a conversion.
The extra space will give another storey, so this can be used for many purposes. A home office, a lounge, a bedroom, or even another bathroom if the correct plumbing work is carried out.
● The Straight Mansard Roof – the upper slope won’t usually be visible at ground level. Extra space, lighting, and ventilation. Can have two storeys. Not always suitable for snow accumulation.
● The Convex Mansard Roof – curves outward on the lower slope. Some are shaped like a bell, others like an S. You will often see these as courthouses with intricate clock towers.
● The Concave Mansard Roof – this type of roof curves inward or can be flared. Some concave roofs have a steep angle on the lower slope. This type of roof used to be popular for large buildings, especially mansions.
If you live in Essex and the surrounding areas, you can contact us to arrange a quote and we’d be happy to inspect your property and advise on the best loft conversion type.
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