Bungalows have seen a considerable surge in popularity in recent years. The main reason is that their attics are great for converting and making the property into a large, two-storey home. However, if you are carrying out a bungalow loft conversion, design and build need to be top of the mind.
What structural aspects do I need to consider for a bungalow loft conversion?
When converting the loft space of a bungalow, you'll need to think about the structural aspects of the build.
For example, one of the considerations for a bungalow loft conversion is whether you have load-bearing walls. Bungalows weren't designed to support a habitable room on the top floor; they were only destined to support a traditional loft and roof. When converting your attic into a bungalow, you may need some underpinning work carried out to support the weight of the new loft room or rooms.
Similarly, you'll need to find a space for the stairs in a house that was never designed to house stairs. This will result in a loss of space in one of the ground floor rooms, but a good architect will be able to work this into the overall design of your new home.
Building Regulations are also slightly different for a roof space build within a bungalow, so check with your Local Authority and your loft conversion specialist what is required of you before the extension begins.
What design aspects do I need to consider for my new bungalow loft room?
The great thing about a bungalow attic conversion is that you can completely transform your house. Of course, you may wish to consider reconfiguring your downstairs entirely as part of the build, as you may no longer need any bedrooms, for example, downstairs. Why not make one of them a home study or a playroom?
Alternatively, you might want to go for topsy turvy living, particularly if you have views: locate the bedrooms downstairs and the main living areas upstairs. This configuration potentially takes more work and more planning, so speak to your architect about whether this would be feasible for your home.
And don't forget that you can add plenty of wow factor with a bungalow conversion: sliding doors or a wraparound balcony, for example, or perhaps floor to ceiling windows or even a completely glass gable end to let that all-important natural light inside!
How can I use the loft space in my converted bungalow?
Now here's the fun part: because of the large footprint that bungalows sit on, you'll gain a generous amount of space in the loft, which you can use for a variety of different types of room. Of course, this could give you a sizeable principal suite complete with an ensuite bathroom and dressing room, but it could also introduce some other options.
For example, if you want to transform your home's downstairs, why not move all of the bedrooms upstairs to move the sleeping quarters from the ground floor completely? You may be able to pop a family bathroom in the space, too.
Alternatively, how about using the new large loft room as a craft studio? If you have a craft-based business, you could also add a home office for the admin side of your brand. Or, if you have more of a desk-based job, why not create a spacious home study with a breakout area and perhaps a kitchenette? This is an excellent solution if you sometimes need to have client meetings in the space, too.
Considering a bungalow loft conversion? Get in touch with Bespoke Lofts!
If you've got more questions and considerations for your bungalow loft conversion, get in touch with Bespoke Lofts. As experts in converting bungalow attics into habitable rooms, we have answered plenty of queries from bungalow owners over the years. We can help with everything from the structural aspects to the design ideas for the finished space, so get in touch today and let us help you consider how to convert the loft space of your bungalow.