Bungalow loft conversions – Pros and Cons

Bungalows that have loft access are very popular choices for loft conversions as they understandably will add much in terms of space and value to the property. Bungalows can often see space wasted by the presence of a large loft that really steals a lot of the potential spare room.

The choices available to bungalow homeowners are varied – for instance they may choose to have their loft converted into a new bedroom with en suite so they can rent it out. Sometimes though, the need for more space in the bungalow itself is the main demand and therefore the loft has to be dealt with in order to free things up.

Some homeowners decide to take the converted loft as a new bedroom and then convert the downstairs into a bigger living space or for a larger kitchen by knocking down the interior walls.

Building regulations specify that a “fire protected stairway must be installed.” In the case of a bungalow the circumstances are different when compared to regulations that stipulate terms for 2 story+ houses. In some cases it isn’t possible to install a protected stairway in a bungalow so instead escape windows will be added to the new loft room to satisfy building regulations.

The biggest hurdle to overcome with a bungalow having a loft conversion is that the building was originally and more to the point specifically) designed and built to only have one floor! Some bungalows are ideal for conversion work however.

Pros of a bungalow loft conversion

Bungalow’s that have a steeply pitch roof (usually older bungalows) are actually the best type of property for a loft conversion. These types of buildings allow for plenty of headroom and provide an easy conversion overall when it comes to the work being carried out.

The best advantage of bungalow conversions is that building regulations are not as strict and there is a lot of leeway to get things done without too many restrictions. Bungalow conversions are far less of a hassle for all parties simply because it’s not taking a 2-story house and turning it into a 3-story.

For homeowners this will greatly reduce cost and the scope/time scale of the project. Bungalow loft conversions are certainly the most profitable types of loft conversions when it comes to what you spent versus value added to the overall property.

Cons of a bungalow loft conversion

The biggest issue to tackle is adding a second floor to a home that was only ever intedned to have one floor in total. Some bungalows are built without the support of internal load-bearing walls which does mean the loft conversion needs to be thoroughly planned out and potential additions made to the structural integrity of the bungalow itself (this is not always the case however, it varies from bungalow-to-bungalow). The process required to counter-act this potential issue is called underpinning  (which can be an invasive part of the build).

This is why it is crucial if you are thinking about having a loft conversion on your bungalow you need professional contractors brought in to assess the situation. DO NOT attempt a DIY job yourself!

For more information on loft conversions for bungalows please get in touch with us at Modern Attics and we will do our best to advise you and even give you a free loft conversion quote.


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