converting bungalow loft, is it going to be possible?

aliby21

Hi all
I will be asking a builder next week when the hols are over, but in the meantime as I am spending a lot of time pondering, wonder if anyone has any thoughts on the feasibility of converting this bungalow into a 'house'. Have attached a couple of pics, and it is approx 8.5m wide by 11.5m long. Would a hip to gable conversion give me enough room for bedroom and bathroom upstairs, or is the pitch too shallow for anything useful?  (it is a somewhere I am interested in for moving to but I really prefer going upstairs to sleep).   TIA

FreeBear

Seen a bungalow not far from me converted from a hip roof to gable with the inclusion of a loft conversion - Completely gutted the place, removed the roof, and then plonked a new one on top. So yes, it is possible at a price. Wouldn't like to say how much a builder would charge...

Neighbour across the road from me has also completed a loft conversion on his semi detached bungalow. Removed the hip and replaced with a gable wall, and then raised the roof at the back to allow for full height windows to be installed. The roof pitch at the back is now some 10-15°.

Doozergirl

Anything is possible when you throw enough money at it.  

That bungalow looks like the ground floor ceiling is either very low or, alternatively, the ceiling is already slightly into the eaves of the existing roof.  

That would mean that your already low pitch of roof is already being used somewhat. I suspect then that you are looking at raising the roofline, not just doing a hip to gable.  Not much of a bigger deal but you would need planning permission, which would involve less certainty for a potential buyer than something that would work under permitted development.  

How much do you anticipate spending?  That might give you your answer.   Are there similar bungalows that have had work done?   That might tell you if it's financially feasible when compared to house prices.  

aliby21

thanks, I hadnt twigged but yes I think the ceilings are already a little into the roof space, comparing internal and external photos. It is useful to know that raising the roofline isnt that much of a bigger deal than hip to gable conversion.  the neighbouring properties are all two story so that wouldn't be an anomaly.  I am probably not going to be able to afford it straight away but I'd like to know I am going to be able to do it in the next 3-5 years.

Albermarle

Would it not be easier and cheaper just to buy a two storey house in the first place ?

Section62

Albermarle said:

Would it not be easier and cheaper just to buy a two storey house in the first place ?

And on that theme, some planning authorities are waking up to the idea that a mix of property types is important and if more and more bungalows are converted into houses there will eventually be a deficit of properties suitable for those needing single-storey housing.

In other words, it shouldn't be assumed that planning consent would be given for a conversion - either now or at some point in the future - no matter how insignificant the external changes may seem.  (Article 4 Directions on 'bungalow estates' is another thing to look out for)

aliby21

Albermarle said:

Would it not be easier and cheaper just to buy a two storey house in the first place ?

it is 'location location'.  This is a great size plot in a great location for me - I am willing to compromise on the building as I can do stuff to it.

Albermarle

aliby21 said:

Albermarle said:

Would it not be easier and cheaper just to buy a two storey house in the first place ?

it is 'location location'.  This is a great size plot in a great location for me - I am willing to compromise on the building as I can do stuff to it.

I can understand that, but bungalows ( detached )  carry a premium ( in terms of £ per M2 floor space anyway)
Then if you add an extra floor, which is probably what the end result will effectively be, rather than just a simple loft conversion then it will be pretty expensive.
So you might well struggle to recoup costs on resale.
Assuming you get planning permission.

TELLIT01

What is the measurement between the top of the ceiling joists and the bottom of the ridge timbers?

Section62

aliby21 said:

Albermarle said:

Would it not be easier and cheaper just to buy a two storey house in the first place ?

it is 'location location'.  This is a great size plot in a great location for me - I am willing to compromise on the building as I can do stuff to it.

Bear in mind the kind of work you are looking at is highly disruptive and realistically* you'll need to be living elsewhere for the duration (six to nine months probably).  So the overall budget needs to allow for some combination of temporary accommodation, storage, repeat removals etc.

*You may find a builder willing to do the job with you living in the house, but that is likely to come at a significant cost in terms of finances, stress and possibly a breakdown in the relationship with the builder.  See here for an example of how badly one of these projects can go wrong...

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6404213/loft-conversion-damage-to-the-property-due-to-heavy-rain/p1

twopenny

I'm with you on liking to sleep upstairs but accidentally am in a bungalow similar to yours.

So i have stayed in a small friendly estate due to location.
It's in high demand and the bungalows that command a better price are my 2 bed with ensuite and bathroom.
A 3 bed recently sold the buyers want an extra toilet and extend back to accommodate that. Another 3 bed has done the same.

Are your rafters and joists sturdy? 
Are your internal walls brick? 
Looking at the style it's between when they were built with solid walls and those with dry wall.

And yes, you will need to be out of the house. Builders both in and above you for months and the noise is going to drive you mad.
I found 10 days having the bathroom put in by a lovely guy made me want to move out!