Loft conversions?

[cmj306]

Hopefully I don't get banned even mentioning it! We are considering a loft conversion 1930s semi. Is the mere thought heresy, or have people had them done with some respect for the property?

 

[Penners]

There are loft conversions and loft conversions!

Some can be done sensitively, without deleterious impact on the aesthetics of the building. Some, at the other end of the spectrum, are architectural vandalism. And of course there are hundreds of shades of grey in between.

It's impossible to give any detailed advice here (even if one were presumptuous enough to try!), but you might get some interesting comments if you post a couple of photos of the house, front and back.

 

[Flyfisher]

Some, at the other end of the spectrum, are architectural vandalism.

Would that end of the spectrum include those conversions where it looks as if someone has plonked a garden shed on the roof?

 

[Feltwell]

A friend of mine had a 1930's semi with an excellent loft conversion - very well done indeed, down to the mouldings for the new stair handrail and spindles replicating the original lower flight, and all the architraves and skirtings being copies of the originals. They can be done sensitively, but alas most are not. Large UPVC clad dormers being probably the most visually offensive part of many conversions.

The usual problem is where to put the stairs without impacting too badly on space on the first floor.

 

[plasticpigeon]

I think pitched roof dormers can be attractive, but the huge full width flat roof ones, usually clad in plastic and with burnt on felt on the roof that are thrown up for 10p (like my neighbour's) do nothing but ruin a good house.

 

[Penners]

Some, at the other end of the spectrum, are architectural vandalism.

Would that end of the spectrum include those conversions where it looks as if someone has plonked a garden shed on the roof?

Exactly...!