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Original poster

Which loft conversion layout would you choose?

40 replies

Whichplace · 30/01/2016 16:47

We are having the loft in our bog-standard Victorian terrace converted to 2 beds and a bathroom in the next few months. We've been given 2 possible layouts by the architect and I'm not sure which one to go for.

I think I'm leaning towards plan b as we wouldn't need a macerator for the bathroom plus the bathroom is bigger. It also works well for us as the front bedroom will be used as a guest room and then probably ds's bedroom in a few years (he's only 6mo old at the moment) if we stay in the house. we've got a big master bedroom downstairs so don't need the big master bedroom that plan a would give us.

However we may well sell in a few years time, and I'm just worried that people will be put off by one bedroom only having velux windows and that they'd prefer a big master bedroom and small bathroom.

All thoughts and comments are welcome!

Which loft conversion layout would you choose?
OP posts:
boobybum · 30/01/2016 16:53

Is the front bedroom the one to the right of the picture?
Are dormer windows a possibility?

Original poster
Whichplace · 30/01/2016 16:57

No it's to the left. No we couldn't put dormer Windows in because of the 'dome' (it's not that but I can't think of the right word!) in the existing roof over the downstairs bay windows, and it would look massively wrong against all the other houses in the terrace.

OP posts:
Afishcalledchips · 30/01/2016 17:05

I think I prefer B, but only if that bathroom has a window.

Afishcalledchips · 30/01/2016 17:07

I mean even a velux, just to air it and get some natural light.

NorbertDentressangle · 30/01/2016 17:10

Plan B.

Original poster
Whichplace · 30/01/2016 17:11

Both have Windows - plan a would be a velux while plan b would be a regular window, albeit a fairly small one

OP posts:
Bertieboo1 · 30/01/2016 17:13

I definitely think B. I think the bathroom benefits in B outweigh the extra space by the side of the bed in Plan A.

cece · 30/01/2016 17:13

I can't quite see but is that a sloping ceiling to the left of the extension?
I'd rather have the majority of slopy ceiling in bathroom rather than bedroom as where would you put the wardrobes?

Original poster
Whichplace · 30/01/2016 17:17

Yes the left side of the plan would be sloping. Wardrobe space isn't too much of a problem as some of the space behind the door on plan b is full height and we would probably put built in cupboards there.

I'm glad the consensus seems to be plan b. Round our way most conversions seem to be in the same style as plan a, but I personally prefer plan b but was worried it would put other people off.

OP posts:
QOD · 30/01/2016 17:27

B
it's not the main family bathroom, if it was, and A meant youd get a bath too ...
but B

QOD · 30/01/2016 17:28

And I put it wrong ffs

I meant A

I'd go for A

B looks like it has a load of wasted space

DesertOrDessert · 30/01/2016 17:30

I'd have no problems with a bedroom with just velux windows.
How restricted in the head height? If most of the front bedroom in b had restricted height, I might not be too impressed. But then if I couldn't stand up from the toilet in A without thinking about my head, it would be equally off putting. No macerator would be attractive, but not a decision factor.

BYOSnowman · 30/01/2016 17:32

So you have a master bed and these two bedrooms or you have other bedrooms?

Plan b gives you a bedroom that your ds will outgrow (I speak from experience here!)

MaryPoppinsPenguins · 30/01/2016 17:34

If go for A as well... I'd rather have extra bedroom space than a bigger extra bathroom.

Original poster
Whichplace · 30/01/2016 17:35

At least half the room would be full head height (including where you'd walk in). I've seen one house which has this layout and while it was clearly an 'attic room', it didn't feel like their was a head height issue (and both dh and the house owner are over 6'5).

Good point about head height on the loo in plan a, while dh would only occasionally use it, I know it would really piss him off. Plus the macerator would be directly above our bed which is deeply off putting.

Clearly I've managed to convince myself it's plan b I want, even if it's not for everyone!

OP posts:
NorbertDentressangle · 30/01/2016 17:38

Actually I might have changed my mind as I didn't twig that the larger bedroom in Plan B didn't have windows other then Velux.

I think it would be strange having a bedroom without a window to look out of.

Original poster
Whichplace · 30/01/2016 17:38

No we have one other bedroom downstairs that ds is in, however if we have other dc then obviously one of them would need to go upstairs. There is also the option of using the back bedroom which is the same size as most regular bedrooms with full head height. We're going to use it as an study for the time being as I'm studying for a PhD and need space to work at home.

OP posts:
regenerationfez · 30/01/2016 17:44

I would have said B but I didn't think of growing out of bedrooms angle. We have a macerator in our toilet. It's less hassle than I thought it would be. It has blocked twice in 6 years, which is irritating, but was easily fixed as our unit has easy access. It cost though, so make sure the kids don't have access to moist wipes, just loo roll and you should be OK!

yomellamoHelly · 30/01/2016 17:45

Prefer the layout of b. BUT I would have to be sure it works with wardrobes, chest of drawers etc..... (or I'd regret it).

EnriqueTheRingBearingLizard · 30/01/2016 18:42

The bottom plan where the bathroom has a window in the wall albeit a small one and there's no need for a macerator toilet. That would definitely put me off as a buyer, especially in a terraced house. I also have an aversion to bathrooms where the toilet is the focal point right opposite where the door opens (as in the first plan) if that can be avoided at all, it's a big plus point for me.

If you had a good sized guest room in the roof space and another reasonable one, that'd be quite adaptable.

I would also be put off a family home where the master bedroom was in the roof space and DCs needed to be on the floor below. Slightly older DCs up on the third floor would love it, or it makes good guest, work or hobby space.

I've lived in a home with three bedrooms all of which had velux windows and it wasn't a problem at all, the rooms were very light with lots of air, which may have been the most likely criticism. You can also get these if they'd be appropriate at all
www.velux.co.uk/products/roof-windows/balcony-and-terrace
depends on your roofline obviously.

You've got two aspects to consider, what suits you and your family and what will maximize the interest when you come to sell. I think the lower plan fits the bill on both counts.

YaySirNaySir · 30/01/2016 22:08

Prefer bottom plan. Macerator in one of our previous homes was very noisy and went off randomly. Plus prefer to have bedrooms with bathroom inbetween -more privacy.

NoMilkNoSugar · 30/01/2016 22:18

Plan B. I think a bathroom between the bedrooms is advisable. Also a friend of ours had a sloping bathroom roof and knocked himself out brushing his teeth. The slope was over the sink and he

ouryve · 30/01/2016 22:23

Definitely B. The bedroom looks a little more flexible and would have better light. It would probably also have room for an actual bath in the bathroom ;)

That back room isn't really a double in in either though, is it. There's no room for storage.

BYOSnowman · 30/01/2016 22:24

could the bedroom in plan b be made a little narrower?

SanityClause · 30/01/2016 22:28

Another vote for plan B.

The plan A bathroom is very small, and all those slopey ceilings would make it a PITA. Imagine when your DS is as tall as your DH. He'll hit his head on the ceiling each time he uses the loo.