The larger the loft space you have available, the greater the range of uses you can put it to. Even in a confined loft space, the addition of a couple of Velux roof windows can create a surprisingly light and airy room that may be ideal as an extra bedroom or a hobby room. Larger room sizes can provide children’s playrooms, living rooms with fabulous views or master bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms.

Assessing your loft’s full potential
Some roof spaces are more easily converted than others and a full assessment requires professional help. The main consideration when surveying the existing roof void is to check the available head room at the centre under the ridge. Ideally you need 2.4 meters clearance; although you may find that you can still get a useful room from as little as 2.1 meters.

Try to assess whether your roof was built using trussed rafters or purlins, as the latter is much easier to convert into usable loftspace. Also take into consideration the possibility of losing an existing room due to the location of the new staircase. Working out just how the access stairs will run is often the trickiest part of the design, especially as the stairwell usually needs to be made fireproof and acts as an emergency escape route.