Loft conversion in Totley, Sheffield

Our loft conversion in Totley, Sheffield under construction

We have just completed another loft conversion in Totley. This modern built property was originally constructed with a ‘W’ truss rafter roof.

We convert the modern truss lofts that builders and architects say can’t be converted, using our very own State-of-the-Art ReSteel System.

If your roof space is filled with tonnes of W-shaped wooden roof rafters, we can still build you the home of your dreams with our uniquely developed ReSteel System. A combination of innovative design and the very latest technologies, we use high-tensile steel beams that allows us to remove the W-shaped rafters and open up your loft to create the space needed for your new loft conversion.

These steel beams are fitted within the new floor structure and are not seen. The beams are specially designed by our structural engineer and manufactured for each individual loft conversion project and our work is fully compliant with most stringent building regulations (It’s actually stronger than before!)

This spacious loft was transformed into a large feature landing to be used as an play area and also a double bedroom. We fitted Four Velux MO6 GHL windows to flood the two rooms with natural day light.

The finished project looks stunning. Completed within 6 weeks and on budget.

Rear dormer window to a loft conversion in Sheffield

Rear Dormer Loft Conversion

A dormer is an extension to the existing roof, allowing for additional floor space and headroom within the loft conversion. Dormers protrude from the roof slope, normally at the rear or the side of the property and can be built in a variety of styles. Internally, a dormer will have a horizontal ceiling and vertical walls compared to the normal diagonal sides of a conversion. In lofts that have limited space or headroom a dormer will provide additional space that can make a conversion feasible.

Flat roof dormers tend to give the maximum amount of additional internal space although they do not look as attractive from outside the property. Gable fronted and hipped roof dormers look much more attractive but they often do not give as much internal space and will cost more to build due the extra complexity.

Hip to gable end loft conversion in sheffield

Hip to gable end loft conversion

A hip to gable conversion involves making fairly major changes to the roof. The gable wall is built up to the ridge line and a new section of roof is built to fill in the gap. As a general rule, houses with hip roofs tend to not have enough internal volume for a conversion to be practical so a hip to gable conversion is the best solution.

A new gable wall will be built either in masonry or studwork. There are several options for the finishing of the masonry gable wall, which include brickwork, block work with render or tiled. If the gable wall is built from studwork they are normally finished in render or tiled. For most people the preference of for the new gable wall to match the existing walls as much as possible. As a hip to gable conversion changes the outline of the roof planning permission may be required. You will need to determine if the conversion falls within your permitted development allowance. Once the roof has been extended the conversion is normally completed with either velux rooflights or a dormer.

fitting of a velux window

Velux Window Loft Conversions

Velux and rooflight conversions are the same, Velux are the leading manufacturer of roof windows and with over 60 years experience producing windows the name Velux has become synonymous with this type of conversion. This type of conversion is generally very cost effective and does not normally need planning permission.

Velux windows are installed to fit flush with the line of the roof and leave the existing roof structure untouched. As they do not require extensive alterations to the roof this option helps keep the cost of the conversion down. As the loft is not extended beyond the original roof line planning permission is not normally required (you should still check with your local planning department before proceeding with any works)

A velux type loft conversion works very well for lofts where there is a good amount of headroom or if there are constraints on planning, for example if you live in a conservation area. If headroom is going to be limited then a dormer conversion may be a better option. Velux rooflights can be fitted quickly and easily meaning there is minimal disruption or delays due to bad weather.

As Velux windows are installed at the angle of the roof rather than vertically like a normal window they can let in a surprising amount of light. While this is great during the day and will give you a light and airy room it can become a problem at night or in the summer. Window blinds are available from various sources tailor made for Velux windows that perfectly fit into the window frame. You can even get blinds that have a thermal silver backing, great for retaining heat in the winter and keeping it out in the summer.

Re-Style Loft Conversions will transform your loft from a dark, dusty storage area into a versatile living space.

Thinking of extending your home? Then look upwards. That is what Martin and Penny did last August when they bought their 1920s detached home in Sheffield. Martin and Penny wanted to create two new bedrooms in the loft for their son and daughter who are both away at university.

The conversion has turned their four bedroomed/one-bathroom home into a five-bedroomed/two bathroom property.

“We loved the place when we first came to look around,” says Penny, a science lecturer at Sheffield College, “but felt it did not quite have enough space. We saw potential in extending the loft.”

She and Martin contacted a number of firms to quote for the work, and were most impressed by Re-Style Loft Conversions, whose director Craig Wilkinson has 20 years’ experience converting Sheffield lofts into stunning living spaces.

“Craig was very professional and knowledgeable,” says Penny. “He talked us through all the work required, and the timescale.”

Re-Style offer a complete design service. Their in-house architect and structural engineer will work to your requirements, and deal with all the necessary planning permissions and building regulations. Re-Style’s fully qualified joiners, electricians, plumbers and plasterers will guarantee that your conversion is completed to a very high standard.

The first stage of Penny and Martin’s conversion was to carefully fit our innovative ReSteel system and new floor joists. The floor and roof spaces were then insulated and three Velux windows fitted and stud-partition walls were created to form two bedrooms and a bathroom. A bespoke, manufactured staircase was then installed, including new posts and balustrades that exactly matched the main staircase.

The loft conversion was finished on schedule – within budget – in under eight weeks. “The rooms and the new staircase look fantastic,” says Penny. “We liked that Craig is a very good communicator. He listened to us and did exactly what we wanted throughout the project, even when it meant changing things at the last minute.”

Loft conversion building regulations

Building regulations will always be required if the loft space is being converted into any usable form of accommodation or habitable room. These requirements are in place to ensure that the necessary construction criteria are met and that the all health and safety laws, amongst other things, have been satisfied. We apply and obtain building regulations on all our loft conversions and garage conversions, so you don’t have to.

loft insulation to building regulations

Loft conversions Chesterfield

Loft conversion planning permission

Planning permission is not usually required to convert a loft space into a livable space. Since October 2008 permitted development rights were extended which made it much easier to carry out a loft conversion.This means that in most cases, planing permission is not required. However we would always check with your local authority to establish whether planning permission is needed. Should you need planning permission we would deal with your planning application for you.