Velux Loft Conversions: A Complete Guide

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A quicker and more practical alternative to a dormer, a Velux loft conversion usually has either two or four roof light windows. Easier to build a Velux conversion can be completed in less time and at a more affordable cost than other kinds of loft conversion.

What is a Velux loft conversion?

A Velux loft conversion is one which uses roof lights instead of a dormer. Velux is a trade name which has become an anthimeria for roof lights. In other words, Velux is often used as a verb by homeowners to describe a roof lights conversion.

They are easier, faster, and less expensive to build which is why they are so popular. But it is also the quality of the windows which make Velux conversions stand out from the crowd. When it comes to roof lights, Velux set the standards which the rest of the industry aspire to.

Such is the quality of their products; many specialist builders will only use Velux windows when they build loft conversions.

How much does a Velux loft conversion cost?

Although the average price is around £28,000, depending on your location, the size of the loft, and whether you opt for two or four windows a Velux loft conversion will cost between £25-£50,000. However, there are several factors which will determine how much you’ll pay.

If you’re in the south east you will pay more for your conversion than if you were in the north of England or Northern Ireland. That said – we can look at some ballpark figures but don’t forget to add in a premium if you’re converting a property in London or the home counties.

The size of the loft will also impact on the price you pay. For example, a 20 square metre loft with two Velux windows will cost around £25,000 while for a 30 square metre loft you’ll be looking at an extra £8-10,000.

Installing four rather than two windows will add an extra £2-4,000 to the costs. Of course, availability of materials, labour costs, and extras like planning fees can also increase the final cost of your loft conversion.

How long does a Velux loft conversion take?

Because there isn’t the added structural work associated with building a dormer, a Velux loft conversion can be completed much faster than other projects. All things being equal and assuming no hidden obstacles, a specialist builder will complete a Velux loft conversion in four to six weeks.

What are Velux windows?

Velux windows are a trade name for roof lights also known as roof windows. They are the most popular brand of roof lights and are the go-to windows for many specialist loft conversion builders.

Velux conversions vs dormers

Why do some homeowners opt for a Velux conversion instead of installing a downer? There are a few reasons. The first is cost.

As we’ve already discussed, a Velux conversion is considerably cheaper than a dormer. Probably around £12-18,000 cheaper depending on the size of the loft.

As well as the cost savings, a Velux loft conversion is considerably quicker to build. A dormer conversion can take up to three months to complete and a minimum of ten weeks. By contrast a Velux conversion can be completed in as little as four weeks.

Velux conversions are easier to build and therefore you’re unlikely to run into many of the issues which can plague a more complicated project such as building a dormer.

And, because they are quicker and easier to build, there will be considerably less disruption to the household during the build.

All of which goes a long way to explaining why Velux loft conversions are so popular.

Why are Velux roof lights so popular?

Velux is a name that has become commonplace, and the company’s windows are among the most popular products used in the UK by homeowners and builders when converting a loft.

The company is famous throughout the world as one of the top producers of roof windows for loft conversions. Their windows are brilliantly designed, are fantastic quality, and are fantastic value for money.

Knowing the benefits of installing Velux windows it is then a case of how many of them you need to install. The advantage of using Velux products is they can be fitted in any sort of roof.

A builder or loft installer will not only be well placed to advise on your loft conversion, but also how many windows may be able to be fitted.

It must be mentioned that the building regulations in the UK may insist that you must have an escape route out of your new room in case of fire.

Velux produces an escape window to help you meet these laws. Because loft conversions come in various styles, Velux has developed differing kinds of roof windows. There are the centre-pivot windows, operated by a top control bar.

Other options include a roof window which can on occasion be swiftly turned into a balcony with their proprietary balcony system.

Some skylight windows are electrically controlled, whereby a hand control set allows you to open and shut windows that are set high and are not able to be simply reached.

And the company also produces a special type of window for properties located in conservation areas where planning permission regulations are extremely stern.

With such a good range of choice of windows they have become one of the top brands for those wanting the benefits of sunlight for their loft areas.

More About Velux

Velux are, without a doubt, the biggest name in the loft conversion industry. Everyone has heard of the famous company, which, for over 60 years, has been producing top quality products.

So well-known has the company become that their name is synonymous with loft windows – yet there are many more manufacturers of roof lights within the UK.

But many specialist loft conversion companies will only recommend Velux loft windows, so it may be helpful for anyone planning a loft conversion to have more information about the company and their products.

The company began manufacturing loft windows in Denmark in 1941 and have always remained at the fore-front of the industry by enlarging their product base and staying ahead of the pack with their use of technology.

They now offer roof lights in a variety of styles with multiple glazing options and electrically operated units.

The advances they have made are staggering and, for those seeking the ultimate luxury for their loft conversion, their roof terrace and balcony systems are quite extraordinary.

The company’s balcony system is, like most great ideas, a brilliant but simple concept.

The window comprises two parts and its appearance when closed is like most other roof lights.

To operate the upper section of the toughened and laminated window is first opened before the lower section is ‘pushed’ forward.

Banister rails then automatically fix into position to ingeniously complete the transformation from window to balcony.

A balcony loft conversion is such an exciting and unusual project you should consider it if possible.

For the ultimate in luxury, and for ensuring that the Jones’s will never be able to keep up with you, the company’s roof terrace system is probably the last word in loft conversion design.

The roof terrace features a two-part unit. The upper section opens to 45 degrees with the lower sections being walk-through. By combining a number of units, the roof terrace can be built to any length, although extra work may need to be completed on the building’s structure.

In recent years Velux have been known for their innovative approach to loft windows and their electrically operated windows and blinds are a great addition to any conversion. Bedrooms especially benefit from electrically operated windows.

It should be pointed out that this website has no connection whatsoever to Velux but a UK loft conversion resource could not be complete without looking at some of the innovative products produced by this company especially as Velux loft conversions has become a popular option for homeowners looking to extend their home.

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