Econoloft: A brief on the company specializing in cost-effective furniture solutions.
Since 1986, Econoloft has been providing homeowners across the UK with stunning and practical loft conversions. With over 150 years of collective experience, their team of professionals handles every aspect of the loft conversion process, from initial design to planning permissions and building certificates.
Dormer Loft Conversions
Dormer conversions involve building an extension that projects vertically from the existing roof slope, creating extra space with vertical walls and a flat roof section. This type of loft conversion offers increased usable space, better layout flexibility, more natural light, and improved ventilation.
Benefits of Dormer Loft Conversions
- Increased usable space: Dormers create a significant amount of extra headroom and floor area, often making the loft as spacious and practical as a standard room.
- Better layout flexibility: The vertical walls allow for better furniture placement and layout options.
- More natural light: Dormer windows typically bring in more light due to their size and positioning.
- Improved ventilation: Larger windows or multiple window openings improve airflow.
Rooflight Loft Conversions
Rooflight conversions involve installing skylight windows (rooflights) flush with the existing pitched roof without changing the external roofline or structure much. This type of loft conversion is a cost-effective and quicker alternative to dormer conversions.
Benefits of Rooflight Loft Conversions
- Cost-effective and quicker: Rooflight conversions are generally simpler and less expensive because they don’t require major structural alterations or extensions.
- Maintain original roof aesthetics: The traditional look of the house’s external roofline stays intact since there’s no visible extension.
- Suitable for properties with planning restrictions: As there’s no outward projection, these conversions often need fewer planning permissions or none at all.
- Natural light: Rooflights maximize daylight into the loft space directly from above.
Key Differences
| Feature | Dormer Conversion | Rooflight Conversion | |--------------------------|------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------| | Structure | Adds extension with vertical walls | Installs skylights in existing roof | | Space increase | Significant increase in floor area | Limited to existing loft footprint | | Headroom | Much more headroom and usable space | Often lower headroom, sloped ceiling | | Aesthetics | Altered external appearance | Roofline remains mostly unchanged | | Cost & time | More expensive and time-consuming | More affordable and quicker | | Planning permission | Often required depending on area | Usually not required or simpler | | Light and ventilation | Larger window options, better airflow | Good daylight from above |
Which to Choose?
The choice between a dormer and rooflight loft conversion depends on your specific needs and circumstances.
- If your priority is maximizing space and flexibility in the loft, and you are okay with altering the external look (or can get permission), a dormer conversion is the better choice.
- If you want a simpler, less disruptive, and cost-effective solution that keeps your property’s external appearance tidy, especially if you have planning constraints, a rooflight conversion is ideal.
Econoloft can advise based on your specific property, budget, and planning scenario to find the best loft conversion solution for you.
For more information or to get in touch with Econoloft, you can call them at 0800 269 765 or visit their address at Econoloft, Unit 5 Kingsfisher Court, Ashton In Makerfield, Wigan WN4 8DY.
- Econoloft's team offers design and planning services for both dormer and rooflight loft conversions, aiming to transform homeowners' lifestyles with practical living spaces.
- The choice between a dormer and rooflight loft conversion depends on the homeowner's specific requirements, budget, and home-and-garden planning scenario to optimize usable space and aesthetic preferences.
- A dormer loft conversion, with its extension and vertical walls, provides increased usable space, better layout flexibility, more natural light, and improved ventilation but may impact roof aesthetics and require planning permission, as well as being more costly and time-consuming.
- On the other hand, a rooflight loft conversion presents a more cost-effective and quicker solution with minimal structural alterations, maintaining the original roof aesthetics, and providing good natural light, but offering limited space and lower headroom due to the sloped ceiling.
- By carefully considering your home-improvement options, Econoloft's professionals work with you to build the perfect loft extension that will enhance your home's functionality and complement your lifestyle.
