Loft conversions are understandably a popular way of extending your home. They can add value to the property as well as usable space, and it’s therefore easy to see why many people are choosing to go down this route as a home extension.
But have you heard of the modular loft? Many people are opting to convert their lofts using modular lofts, but how do they compare to traditional lofts? And which should you choose for your property? Let’s explore the pros and cons of each.
What is a Modular Loft? How are they Different to Traditional Lofts?
A modular loft is a loft conversion which is completely prefabricated offsite away from your property. Then, once ready and built, the modular loft is delivered by lorry to be attached to your roof space.
Traditional lofts are loft conversions built onsite at your property. As such, the contractors work within your existing loft area, using the roof and the space they have available, and breaking through to the floor below at a specific point in time.
Do Modular Lofts Offer less Disruption than Traditional Lofts?
You may think that modular lofts offer less disruption than traditional lofts, as they’re built offsite. However, this isn’t always the case.
Firstly, your loft will often need to be cleared out a lot earlier when having a modular loft installed, because the modular loft company will need easy access in order to take precise measurements which will allow for your loft to be built elsewhere and fitted at a later date.
Furthermore, the weather does not affect a traditional loft conversion as much as it does a modular loft.
When using the traditional attic conversion method, your specialist will use the existing roof and, where necessary, install a temporary ‘tin hat’ roof over the structure to ensure there is no weather damage to the rest of the house. With a modular loft, your whole roof will have to be removed in order to fit the new loft conversion and, in the case of particularly inclement weather, there may be delays as to when the roof can be installed.
Modular lofts can also cause more disruption to your neighbours than traditional lofts; you may even need to obtain a road closure permit due to the amount of vehicles that may be required to deliver your loft! This can take anywhere between 6-13 weeks to obtain, as all emergency services and bus operators will need to be aware.
Are Modular Lofts Quicker to Install than Traditional Lofts?
In terms of the actual build, modular lofts can be quicker to install than traditional lofts, simply because the majority of the building work is completed offsite. However, you do need to take into account the potential delays that can be caused by weather and road closures, as well as the usual loft conversion considerations such as planning permission, if required.
Which is the more Expensive Option, Modular Lofts or Traditional Lofts?
Although you may think that a modular loft will be a more budget-friendly option as they are effectively the flatpack equivalent of a loft conversion, the opposite can often be true. This is usually due to the fact that your whole roof will have to be replaced when a modular loft is used.
Any Other Considerations for Modular Lofts vs. Traditional Lofts?
One of the biggest considerations to bear in mind when weighing up a modular loft conversion against a traditional loft conversion is the fact that modular loft conversions can be limiting in terms of design.
A traditional loft conversion can be designed in any way that the space allows and that suits your needs, whereas modular lofts are very much cut from the same cloth for all projects, with only a few variations. If you therefore need a loft conversion which is tailored to your needs, traditional lofts are your best choice.
Want to know more about modular lofts vs. traditional lofts? Get in contact with Bespoke Lofts. We have many years’ experience creating beautiful loft conversions, and we can therefore tailor the traditional lofts experience to your needs.