Can You Have A Loft Conversion In A Terrace House?
When it comes to extra space in your home, terrace houses often suffer from reduced space and the ability to extend. So, when terrace homeowners want to improve their homes, they should go for a loft conversion. This is because they want to create more room which provides comfortable and elegant accommodation. Although with every loft conversion you need to make sure that there is more than enough, headroom to make the most out of the space.
What is a terrace house?
A terrace house is also known as a townhouse, is a house in a row of houses that shares a wall with the houses next to it.
Yes, you can get a loft conversion in a terrace house, but you need to consider a few factors:
Budget –
Loft conversions are not a cheap project; however, the value of the property will increase because you are adding an extra room.
The cost of a simple Velux loft conversion will start at around £15,000, but this might not open up enough space in the roof void.
Whereas, the more complex conversions will open up the space and have real potential for an extra room. These types of conversion will cost between £20,000 – £40,000 depending on the design you choose.
Will you need Planning permission with a terrace house –
Terrace house loft conversions don’t always require planning permission as long as they stay within permitted development.
A loft conversion in a terrace house falls within permitted development so long as it:
- Has a head height of 2.2m
- Is not on protected land
- Is not higher than the existing roof
- Doesn’t disturb bats
- Does not extend the roof out at the front of the house
- Extends the roof space by a maximum 40m3
If you are in a conservation area, you will need to apply for full planning permission
Raising the roof on terrace houses –
Designs that raise the roof will always require planning permission because the design will change the shape and height of the existing building. In addition, if your head height is not 2.2 m or above it may not be possible to raise the roof on terrace houses. This is because of the impact it would have on the neighbouring properties. And if you can’t raise the roof, you will be unable to get a loft conversion.
