While it might sound like a daunting project, raising a roof for a loft conversion is not as uncommon as you might think – and in some cases it will be the only option for those looking to extend their homes upwards.
Loft conversions are one of the most popular projects undertaken by homeowners keen to add space to their homes in an economical way. That said, not all loft spaces are suitable for conversion into habitable space, in which case it will be necessary to look at raising the roof – something often referred to as a "roof lift conversion".
While certainly not as straightforward as a simple loft conversion, this can be a great way to add both space and value to a property. We asked the experts what's involved to help you decide whether this is a viable option for your house.
"A roof lift increases the height of a property’s existing roof in order to create additional space within the building," explains Andrew Carter, director of AKB Loft Conversions.
"The popularity of roof lifts has increased dramatically in recent years, and it’s not hard to see why," continues Andrew. "Not only do they provide a wealth of space in your loft area, but they allow you to preserve the existing structure."
Andrew Carter
Since 2006, AKB Loft Conversions have been applying their expertise, skill and passion to loft and attic conversions of all kinds in properties of all sizes. They are a leading provider of loft conversions, home extensions and orangeries for customers in the Leeds area.
Why might you need a roof lift conversion?
If the thought of having the entire roof of your house removed leaves you reeling, it is useful to take a look at why some homeowners decide to take this route.
Often, it is due to the fact that loft conversion building regulations generally insist on a minimum headroom of 2.2 metres from the floor to the highest point in the space.
Both bungalows and properties with pitched roofs can benefit from roof lift conversions, where they can add a significant amount of extra living space.
How are roof lift conversions carried out?
The process of raising a roof for a loft conversion is obviously a little more complicated than a simple dormer loft conversion, but once you dig a little deeper into the process, things do become clearer.
This type of conversion will definitely require the input of a professional designer or loft conversion specialist, as well as the services of a structural engineer. The structural engineer will assess your property, its current condition and calculate the necessary reinforcements that will be required structurally.
"The process normally includes reinforcing the building’s framework," begins Andrew Carter. "Then elevating the roof using equipment such as hydraulic jacks or crane systems. This is followed by extending the walls and supports so that they align with the raised roof, and adding any necessary finishing touches.
"The first step we will take if you’re thinking about opting for a roof lift is to carry out a survey of your property," continues Andrew. "This involves a comprehensive assessment of the existing structure to determine if a roof lift is a suitable option. Detailed planning follows, with our team considering various factors ranging from the desired height increase to structural and design modifications.
"Before lifting the roof, we’ll need to implement the necessary structural reinforcements," adds Andrew. "This could involve installing steel beams or other additional supports to ensure the stability of the building.
"Now the time comes to lift the roof. We use hydraulic jacks or crane systems to carefully lift the structure to the desired height. When the roof is raised, the walls need to be extended upwards to accommodate the increased height. This means that new supports, such as timber frames or steel beams, must be installed to maintain the structural integrity."
"If larger gains in height are to be achieved, this may require substantial extra works and potentially replacing the whole roof structure," picks up Daniel McMurtry group sales manager at Simply Loft. "This work will involve stripping the roof of tiles/slates, removing battens and felt, and either extending or replacing the timber rafters and replacing or adding a ridge beam before adding new felt, battens and tiles/slate.
"Investing in a temporary roof (tin hat) on the scaffolding will provide protection from inclement weather during the works," points out Daniel McMurtry. "Use a reputable and experienced loft conversion specialist to carry out this type of construction work."
The roof needed to be raised to create this new loft conversion bedroom. The work was carried out by Simply Loft(Image credit: Simply Loft)
Daniel McMurtry
Daniel is group sales manager at Simply Loft. Simply Loft was originally founded by husband and wife team Robert and Helen Wood. Today the Simply Loft team are transforming and converting hundreds of empty loft and attic spaces all over central and greater London and more recently the Midlands into beautiful, desirable and practical rooms.
What are the benefits of a roof lift conversion?
There are many reasons why a roof lift conversion is a good idea, which goes some way towards explaining why homeowners carry them out, despite their relatively high costs and disruption levels.
Not only do they create a really good amount of extra space, but they also do so without taking up any garden as when building an extension leading off the ground floor of your property. In addition, your existing roof will get a makeover as any old cracked tiles or areas of damage will be put right at the same time.
"Roof lifts can allow you to maintain the external appearance and character of your property, minimising drastic changes in how it looks from the outside," adds Andrew Carter.
For all their benefits, roof lift conversions won't be suitable for every type of property.
"Properties with robust structures tend to accommodate roof lifts more effectively," explains Andrew Carter. "You’ll need to ensure that the existing structure of your home can support the additional load of a raised roof.
"Additionally, the design and pitch of the roof needed to be considered," continues Andrew. "Certain roof types, such as gable or hip roofs, tend to be more suitable for lifting compared to complex or unconventional designs."
While many loft conversions fall under permitted development, where roof heights are being raised, this often won't be the case.
"If it proves necessary or desirable to raise the height of the roof to provide sufficient height in the loft to meet building regulations, you will almost certainly need planning permission as it usually falls outside of permitted development rights," says Daniel McMurtry. "Detached properties are more likely to be granted consent than semi-detached or terraced properties. If only small increases in height (5-10cm) are needed, this can often be achieved with minimal extra work and cost."
How much does it cost to raise the roof for a loft conversion?
Loft conversion costs can be tricky to estimate as they will very much depend on the style of roof conversion, existing structures and the build route you take.
In the case of roof lift conversions, they tend to be one of the most expensive ways of adding rooms into to the upper section of a house, although they do add a significant amount of space and, in most cases, lots of value.
According to Checkatrade, the average cost of a roof lift conversion is £55,000.
FAQs
Is my house suitable for a roof lift conversion?
Not all property types suit a loft conversion that involves raising the roof. If you live in a terraced house, for example. There will also be better options for semi-detached loft conversions.
If you live in a conservation area or in a listed building, a roof lift conversion is also likely to be out. Likewise, if you are on a very tight budget or are keen to minimise disruption, there may be a better option.
There are many other options when it comes to extending your home upwards – check out our round-up of brilliant loft conversion ideas for inspiration.
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Natasha was Homebuilding & Renovating’s Associate Content Editor and was a member of the Homebuilding team for over two decades. In her role on Homebuilding & Renovating she imparted her knowledge on a wide range of renovation topics, from window condensation to renovating bathrooms, to removing walls and adding an extension. She continues to write for Homebuilding on these topics, and more. An experienced journalist and renovation expert, she also writes for a number of other homes titles, including Homes & Gardens and Ideal Homes. Over the years Natasha has renovated and carried out a side extension to a Victorian terrace. She is currently living in the rural Edwardian cottage she renovated and extended on a largely DIY basis, living on site for the duration of the project.
