What is a roof lift attic conversion?
The reason you might want a raised roof loft conversion?
What is a roof lift?
The phrase "roof lift' conjures up images of a roof being picked and something happening to fill the gap in between. Well in some cases this isn't that far from the truth, the only difference is your roof is lifted, using a new truss.
When your loft height isn't sufficient for standard loft conversion, then you can still raise the roof with a Roof Lift by Milestone Lofts & Homes
A roof lift or raised roof means you can have that extra space without moving to a new home.
Nearly every detached home (and some non-detached) can have a roof lift.
You don't have to move out of your home during the build process.
The space can be used for a huge range of things:
Master bedroom with ensuite and walk-in wardrobe
Two additional bedrooms and bathroom.
Home cinema room or gym
Home office to run your business
Hobby, studio or craft room
The possibility are truly endless for your home.
Day 1 - Before
Prepare the roof ready
Once scaffold is ready, we strip the roof as much as possible, in readiness for the big transformation the following day.
Day 2 - During
Your roof replaced in a day
On day two of the roof lift, the remaining elements of the roof are removed and new trusses are craned onto the roof. We then felt and batten giving you a new water tight roof within a day.
Full Project Complete
A massive transformation
When we finished this loft, which originally you couldn't even stand up in, now has two huge bedrooms, a landing hosting a small office and a large family bathroom.
Planning, Impact and Timescales
1
Planning Permission
All roof lifts in the UK require planning permission. This is because you’re raising the overall roof ridge height, therefore it is mandatory to gain permission.
2
Impact On Your Home
The impact is a lot less than you might think, as you can remain living in your home, and all existing ceilings remain in tact through the process.
3
Build Timescales
A roof lift can vary from 3-4 weeks for a DIY/shell only lift. A full roof lift loft conversion can take a little longer and on average takes 6-8 weeks to complete.
Roof Lift FAQ's
Here is a list of the most common question we get asked about completing a roof lift loft conversions.
What is the difference between a roof lift (or raised roof) and a more traditional loft conversion?
In many respects, the result is exactly the same, with one major difference. A loft conversion uses the existing roof and converts within that space. A roof lift, however, replaces most, if not all, of your existing roof with a new solid timber frame. Once this change has been made, then it becomes a standard loft conversion onwards.
Do I have to move out during the roof lift?
No. The process Milestone Homes uses, means you do not need to move out during the process. All current ceilings remain in place, and your home remains water resistant during the whole process.
Does Milestone Lofts offer a DIY/Shell Only option so I can complete the work myself?
Yes, absolutely. This is a popular option for anyone with base building skills, or with friends or family in the trade. We can complete up to any stage you would like, leaving you only having to tackle the area you are confident in. For more information, drop us a quick message and we can discuss what options might be right for you.
Find out more about Shell Only Roof Lifts
Does a roof lift cost considerably more than a loft conversion?
This isn't as straightforward to answer as you might think, but yes there is an extra cost. There are a lot of variables such as size of the roof to be raised, and the shape of the existing roof. Please contact us to talk about the specifics of your roof lift project and we'll happily help get you a free no obligation quote.
Do I need planning permission for a roof lift?
Yes, because any time you make any alterations to your home which is higher than the highest part of the existing roof, you must request planning permission from your local planing authority.
Typically how much taller is the roof after you've finished?
This will depend on the height of the original roof, the width of the property and the amount of space we are trying to create. A typical height increase is about 1 metres in height, but can vary from half a metre to over 2 metres.
If you've not got the answer to your question, then drop us a line and we'll happily answer your question.
