Loft window

If your loft space is ample enough for your requirements than you can go down the simple route of just adding a loft window to ceiling to let in light.

Advantages

• Affordable
• Rarely requires planning permission

Disadvantages

• Head room might be an issue

Dormer Conversion

A dormer conversion is when a small part of the roof is raised to put in a vertical window. This can be small windows or a large part of the back section.

Advantages

• Aesthetically better than a loft window
• Adds more usable space and head room

Disadvantages

• Can be awkward to move around with low ridges that can catch someone’s head

Hip to Gable conversion

This is when a sloping roof at the end of a terrace is turned into a vertical wall which opens up the space and increases options.

Advantages

• Adds maximum amount of space
• Can make stair access easy

Disadvantages

• Can be expensive
• Planning permission might be difficult if you live in a conservation area of London

Mansard loft conversion

This is similar to a Hip to Gable conversion but instead of a vertical wall there is a slightly sloping wall.

Advantages

• Adds a lot of space
• Aesthetically preferred

Disadvantages

• Can be expensive