A hipped roof can really limit the usable space within a loft. Hipped roof loft conversions often suffer from awkward areas with low headroom and impractical floorspace. Consequently, to get the most from your attic conversion, we recommend a hip-to-gable conversion, if your property is suitable. Hip-to-gable loft conversions allow homeowners in London and the surrounding areas to extend the headroom within their lofts, making better use of available floorspace.
What is a Hipped Roof?
A hipped roof is a roof that slopes upward on all four sides. It forms the blunted pyramid that you see on most houses in the UK. There’s nothing wrong with this particular shape of roof, unless you want to make use of your attic space. When you start thinking about a loft conversion, you might find that the sloping roof isn’t giving you the space you need. That’s when we recommend switching your roof from hipped to gable.
What is a Gable Roof?
A gabled roof is sloped on only two sides, forming a triangle on top of your house. The walls on the sides of your house will be completely flat. If you were to go outside and look at your hipped roof, then where it starts to slope on the side, draw an imaginary line to the end and drop it down, you could see how much extra space there is. Astonishing, isn’t it?
It's Hip to be Gable: Benefits of a Hip-to-Gable Loft Conversion
Our references might be dated, but our roofs aren't. Traditional hipped roofs can leave your loft feeling cramped and unusable due to their sloping sides. A hip-to-gable conversion tackles this problem head-on, transforming your limited loft into a spacious and functional living area.
Imagine the frustration of a loft space where the angled ceiling constantly forces you to duck or limits furniture placement. A traditional loft with a hip roof presents these very challenges. The sloping sides eat away at valuable headroom and floor space, making it difficult to design a truly comfortable and functional room.
A hip-to-gable conversion solves this problem in a clever way. By extending one sloping side of the roof with a vertical wall (gable), the conversion creates a significant increase in usable space. This newfound vertical space makes all the difference. You can finally stand upright comfortably, place furniture with ease, and design a room that truly meets your needs.
The possibilities for this newfound space are truly endless. Imagine a luxurious master suite with a king-sized bed, a walk-in closet, and even a dedicated en-suite bathroom. Perhaps you crave a dedicated workspace away from the hustle and bustle of the main living areas – a hip-to-gable conversion can create your perfect home office haven. For families, a playroom paradise with ample storage and a space for creativity becomes a reality. Movie buffs can transform their loft into a personal cinema with a projector screen and comfortable seating for movie nights. Do you frequently host guests? A hip-to-gable conversion allows you to create a comfortable and inviting space for visiting friends and family.
Hip-to-gable loft conversions are only suitable for detached and semi-detached houses, including end-of-terrace houses. If you have a semi-detached house in London, you will only have one hipped end roof suitable for extending. With a detached house, you can choose to straighten one hipped end roof or both. We can build new gable walls to match the existing house or use cladding which complements existing materials and enhances the look of your home.
Comfort and Design: Beyond Usable Space
The benefits of a hip-to-gable conversion extend far beyond just creating more space. The elimination of the restrictive slope translates to a more comfortable living environment. Imagine finally being able to stand upright throughout the entire loft without having to duck! This newfound headroom creates a more spacious and airy feel.
The vertical wall also opens up a world of design possibilities. With a traditional sloping ceiling, furniture placement and layout options are limited. The vertical wall of a hip-to-gable conversion allows for a more versatile floor plan. You can now explore creative layouts and furniture arrangements that perfectly suit your needs and style.
Boosting Your Property Value
Loft conversions are a well-recognised way to increase the value of a property. Statistics consistently show a significant return on investment for these projects. A hip-to-gable conversion, with its additional usable space and potentially improved curb appeal, can add even more value compared to a standard loft conversion. By creating additional living space, you cater to a wider range of potential buyers, making your home more attractive when it comes time to sell. It's a future-proof investment in your most valuable asset.
Cost and Planning Permission
Hip-to-gable loft conversions are more complex than other styles and this is reflected in the cost. You can expect to pay more for a hip-to-gable conversion than you would for a Velux or dormer conversion, however you may find it cheaper than a mansard conversion.
Navigating the planning permission process for home extensions and conversions can be a complex and time-consuming affair. Permitted Development rights allow certain improvements to be made to a property without the need for full planning permission. In some cases, a hip-to-gable conversion can fall under these guidelines, significantly reducing costs and streamlining the project timeline. It's important to consult with your local authority or a qualified professional to determine if your specific project qualifies for Permitted Development. Of course, Econoloft can handle all that for you, and submit the application for planning permission if required.
For personalised advice and quotes, do not hesitate to contact the loft conversion specialists at Econoloft. You can also use our online loft conversion cost estimator.
What’s Involved
Some building works are common to all attic conversions, such as floor reinforcement and building a new staircase. Hip-to-gable loft conversions also involve:
- Stripping tiles and underlay from the roof
- Cutting away the timber structure to remove the hipped roof
- Building up the end wall to form a gable wall
- Extending the remaining roof slopes to the new gable
This often includes installing a new steel ridge beam in line with a structural engineer’s calculations and approved drawings. As a steel supplier, Econoloft can take care of all steelwork needed for your project.
Additional Considerations
For those seeking to maximize space, a hip-to-gable conversion can be combined with a rear dormer extension for even more usable square footage. The conversion process itself can also contribute to improved energy efficiency. New insulation and roofing materials can help lower your heating and cooling costs.
A hip-to-gable loft conversion is a strategic investment that unlocks the hidden potential within your existing home. It creates additional usable space, enhances your comfort and living experience, and potentially boosts your property value. If you're looking for a way to add space and functionality to your home without the hassle of a major relocation, a hip-to-gable loft conversion might just be the perfect solution.
Don't wait any longer to start enjoying the benefits of a more spacious and comfortable home. Contact Econoloft today to discuss your options and explore the possibilities of a hip-to-gable conversion!
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