Looking to unlock extra space in your home without extending its footprint? An attic conversion could be the ideal solution. By transforming an unused loft into a functional living area, you can add significant value to your property and tailor the space to suit your lifestyle, whether that means a cosy new bedroom, a quiet home office, or a vibrant playroom. But, before you start planning, it’s essential to understand the different types of attic conversion available.
Each type is suited to particular roof structures, planning requirements, and budgets. From dormer builds to hip-to-gable designs, knowing your options can help you choose the right style for your home. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the most popular types of attic conversions and what you need to consider before making your decision!
What are the main types of attic conversion?
When considering an attic renovation, understanding the main types of attic conversions is key to choosing the right one for your home. Each type offers unique advantages depending on your roof structure, desired layout, and budget, and delivers a tailored solution for expanding your living space and enhancing your home’s long-term value.
Standard attic conversions
A standard attic conversion is one of the fastest and most cost-effective ways to transform your home. Completed in just 10 working days, it unlocks the hidden potential of your loft without altering your roofline, perfect for adding an extra bedroom, home office, or cosy retreat while maintaining your home’s exterior aesthetics.
What’s included (from €21,000 ex. VAT):
- Three high-quality roof windows for maximum natural light
- Structural steel beams to ensure safety and stability
- Custom staircase seamlessly integrated into your home
- High-performance spray foam insulation
- All plumbing and electrical work
- Plastered finish, ready for painting
- Optional en suite bathroom for just €7,800 (ex. VAT)
With a lead time of 6-8 weeks, this type of conversion is ideal for compact homes looking to maximise functionality with minimal disruption. Plus, every project comes with an Engineer’s Certificate of Compliance, guaranteeing all work meets current building regulations.
Rear dormer attic conversions
A rear dormer attic conversion is a popular option for good reason. This design adds a large, flat-roofed extension to the rear of your property, dramatically increasing headroom and floor space. It’s a perfect choice for bright, spacious rooms like bedrooms, family areas, or home offices.
What’s included (from approx. €35,000 ex. VAT):
- Three roof windows for enhanced daylight
- Steel beams for structural integrity
- Bespoke staircase
- Spray foam insulation
- Electrics and plumbing
- Smooth plastered finish ready for decorating
- Optional en suite for €7,800 (ex. VAT)
Rear dormers work well with terraced, semi-detached, and detached homes, and can often be combined with a hip-to-gable for even greater space. The build takes just 3-4 weeks, with a 6-8 week lead time.
Side dormer attic conversions
If your home features a hipped roof, a side dormer attic conversion may be the ideal solution. This design extends the side of the roof to create more height and usable space, often resolving issues with staircase headroom and adding much-needed floor area.
What’s included (from approx. €35,000 ex. VAT):
- Dormer windows to enhance daylight and ventilation
- Spray foam insulation
- Structural steel for strength and safety
- Custom-built staircase
- All electrical and plumbing work
- Clean plastered finish
Optional fully fitted en suite for €7,800 (ex. VAT)
With a build time of just 3-4 weeks and a lead time of 6-8 weeks, this conversion suits those wanting functional space with a strong architectural finish.
Hip-to-gable attic conversions
A hip-to-gable conversion is a premium option that significantly expands your attic’s usable space by extending the sloped “hip” end of your roof into a full-height gable wall. This type of conversion is especially effective in semi-detached or detached homes with hipped roofs.
What’s included (from approx. €35,000 ex. VAT):
- Vertical gable wall construction
- Large windows for natural light
- Structural steel beams for enhanced support
- High-quality insulation, stairs, electrics, and plumbing
- Plastered finish ready for your décor
- Optional en suite bathroom for €7,800 (ex. VAT)
Taking just 4 weeks to complete, and with a 6-8 week lead time, hip-to-gable conversions are ideal for doubling the size of your attic, making way for luxurious master bedrooms, additional storage, or multi-use spaces.
Comparing the different types of attic conversion – which one is right for you?
Choosing the right type of attic conversion depends on several factors, including your roof structure, space requirements, and long-term lifestyle goals. While all conversion types can add value, not every option will suit your specific home.
Consider your roof type and existing structure
The shape, pitch, and internal makeup of your roof are major determinants in selecting the best conversion type. For example:
- Hipped roofs are ideal for hip-to-gable or side dormer conversions
- Steep roof pitches offer more vertical space, making them well-suited for Velux or roof light conversions
- Flat roofs may require extensive alterations or reinforcement
Don’t overlook internal features such as chimney breasts, load-bearing walls, or trussed roofs, which can impact design feasibility. A professional structural survey is highly recommended early in the planning process.
What’s your primary purpose for the space?
Understanding how you plan to use your attic helps clarify which conversion style best suits your needs. Common uses include:
- Home office – prioritise natural light and acoustic privacy
- Bedroom – focus on headroom, ventilation, and warmth
- Creative studio or playroom – opt for open, light-filled spaces
- En suite – ensure adequate plumbing access and privacy
Think long-term: will the room’s purpose evolve? A flexible design can help your attic space adapt to future changes in lifestyle or family needs.
Planning permission and building regulations
Some attic conversions fall under permitted development, while others, especially dormers and hip-to-gable conversions, typically require planning permission.
Other essential compliance areas include:
- Fire safety and escape routes
- Access and staircase regulations
- Insulation and energy efficiency
- Overall structural safety
Working with experienced professionals, like our sister company AtticPlanning.ie, ensures that your project is not only beautifully executed but also fully compliant with Irish building standards and regulations.
Key factors to consider before making your decision
Attic conversions offer fantastic opportunities to expand your home, but a successful one depends on thoughtful planning and balancing multiple considerations. Here are some of the most important factors to weigh up before getting started.
Budget and timeframe
Both cost and schedule play a major role in determining the right type of conversion:
- Standard conversions are the most affordable and fastest to complete
- Side dormer/rear dormer and hip-to-gable conversions require more work and a higher investment
- Bathrooms and custom features will increase costs
- Good insulation can reduce long-term energy bills
Attic conversions are typically more cost-effective than full extensions and often deliver higher returns on investment, particularly in competitive housing markets.
Access and staircase integration
Safe and efficient access is essential. Consider:
- Meeting minimum headroom and tread dimensions
- Choosing between compact stairs and full staircases
- Minimising disruption to existing rooms and layout
A well-integrated staircase ensures the new space feels like a natural extension of your home, rather than an awkward add-on.
Natural light and ventilation
Comfort and habitability depend heavily on light and airflow. Options include:
- Skylights (Velux) – ideal for unobtrusive daylight in standard conversions
- Dormer windows – add architectural interest and enhance spaciousness
- Cross ventilation – helps maintain a healthy indoor climate
If your goal is to create a bright and inviting environment, roof light conversions offer a low-impact way to dramatically improve the atmosphere.
Finishing touches and long-term value
A successful attic conversion is about structure as much as how well the space serves your needs. The right finishes elevate functionality and boost your home’s value long into the future.
Built-in storage and wardrobes
Maximise every inch of space with bespoke storage solutions tailored to your loft’s unique layout. Options include:
- Fitted wardrobes along sloped ceilings
- Under-eaves cupboards for hidden storage
- Custom shelving for work or display areas
Thoughtful storage design helps you maintain an open, clutter-free feel while adding practical value to your new living area.
Flooring, lighting, and bathroom options
These details make a big impact on comfort and usability:
- Wood or laminate flooring adds style and durability
- Carpet enhances warmth and reduces noise
- Recessed lighting ensures brightness without crowding the space
- Bathrooms increase privacy, especially for guests or older children
When adding a bathroom, account for plumbing layout, ventilation, and water pressure, all of which affect daily comfort and resale value.
How to future-proof your attic space
A well-designed attic conversion should evolve with your needs. To ensure it does:
- Invest in quality insulation, wiring, and materials
- Choose neutral finishes that stand the test of time
- Design the layout to allow for future reconfiguration
By building with flexibility in mind, you not only maximise today’s benefits, you also prepare your home for tomorrow’s possibilities.
Unlock the hidden potential of your attic with The Attic Company
Choosing the right type of attic conversion is an opportunity to reimagine how you live. Whether you need an extra bedroom, a bright new office, or a luxurious en suite, the perfect attic space starts with the right plan.
At The Attic Company, we’ve been helping homeowners across Ireland unlock unused space and add lasting value for over 16 years. From cost-effective standard conversions to dramatic dormers and transformative hip-to-gable extensions, our expert team handles everything, from design and planning to building and finishing touches.
Here’s what you can expect when you choose Ireland’s leading attic conversion company:
- Tailored solutions for every roof type and layout
- Planning permission sorted by our sister company, AtticPlanning.ie
- Premium craftsmanship using high-quality materials
- Complete project management from concept to completion
- Certified compliance and a 5-year workmanship guarantee
- Thousands of successful conversions across Ireland
Whether you’re looking for a fast, affordable upgrade or a full-scale transformation, our team is ready to guide you every step of the way.
Contact us today for a free, no-obligation quote and start turning your attic into a space you’ll love forever.