Your dream garden office

Convert your loft

There are five main loft conversion types that tend to be used in the UK. The loft conversion type you opt for should depend on your existing roof structure and shape, how much you want to spend and will, on some occasions, be dictated by planning restrictions. Your builder, house designer or chosen loft conversion specialist will be able to advise you further.

Dormer loft conversion A flat roof dormer loft conversion is a popular choice for many people, being one of the simpler and more cost effective types of loft conversion out there. A dormer loft conversion projects out vertically from the sloping section of the roof and uses standard windows — as opposed to rooflights. They can span the entire width of the roof, or simply feature a couple of smaller dormer windows spaced at regular intervals. This is a great way to add headroom, with its box-like structure creating an easy-to-use space with flat ceilings and walls. While not always aesthetically pleasing compared to other types of conversion, they can fall under permitted development. A gabled dormer, where the roof has a pitched roof as opposed to flat, is more visually appealing but might be a little more expensive and limit internal headroom.

Mansard loft conversion A mansard loft conversion is almost like adding an entire new storey to a house and is ideal for period properties and for loft conversions on terraced houses. Bear in mind that the party wall between houses will usually need to be raised and suitable agreements required. A mansard loft conversion involves altering the roof structure of a sloped roof, giving it an almost vertical wall – usually 72 degrees. The roof remains flat and windows are inserted into the new roof structure. Most mansard conversions span gable wall to gable wall. Mansard loft conversions are most commonly added to the rear of houses, but they can be added to the side and front too. Double mansard roofs are also possible, where they are added to both the front and rear of the house. Those after loft conversions with en-suites or attic conversions should consider this style of conversion. A mansard loft conversion is usually more expensive than other types of loft conversion, taking more time and, in the majority of cases, requiring planning permission.

Roof light loft conversion A roof light loft conversion will almost certainly be the cheapest way to convert a loft. The existing space remains just as it is, with roof windows added. The floor will need to be reinforced and stairs added. Electrics, plumbing and insulation will also be required for the space to become habitable. Roof lights are an easy way to draw in natural light and provide ventilation, with relatively minimal disruption to your existing living space. The frame of the roof lights will be fitted into a new opening in the roof, before flashings are added and the tiling made good around the new window. This is a good option for small loft conversions or simple loft bedrooms — although remember that a minimum of 2.25m of head height in the centre of the room will be required in order to properly build up the floor. It may also be necessary for the new loft stairs to come into the centre of the room due to limited headroom. In most cases, a roof light loft conversion won’t require planning permission (although it may if the roof lights will be at the front of the house).

Hip to gable loft conversion Those looking for ideas for loft conversions for bungalows, or for a semi-detached house, could consider a hip to gable loft conversion. In layman terms, a hip to gable loft conversion straightens the slanted (hipped) end of a roof in order to create a vertical wall (the gable end). The existing roof is taken back and the end wall built up to form the new gable with a standard pitched roof. This creates a good space internally with full headroom. The creation of this new vertical wall means standard window openings can be added for natural light.

Modular loft conversions Ready-made loft conversions, often made up using a steel frame, are fabricated off-site before being craned into position — after the roof of the house has been taken off. Many modular loft companies can organise planning permission approval on your behalf. This type of loft conversion is quick and requires little in the way of on-site labour – you can even choose packages which include doors, windows, electrics and bathrooms. Some modular lofts come complete with a Building Regulations certificate and a Part P Electrical certificate too. Accurate measurements and planning will be required to ensure a good fit and smooth installation.

Federation of Master Builders www.fmb.org.uk

Warwickshire Now

To book into the September issue of Warwickshire Now, contact:

Kate Gilmartin kate@pw-media.co.uk 01905 727904 Lis Gardner lis@pw-media.co.uk 01905 727901

Garden offices

We take a look at how to make the most your outdoor space by adding a stylish, long-lasting garden building to fulfill your home office needs.

Whether you want to create an office in your garden or just have a separate space to relax in, a garden room can provide you with all the modern technology needed to build a sanctuary, just a few feet away from home.

Larger than a summerhouse, garden rooms are designed to be an addition to your home with all the comforts needed to ensure they can be used all year round. They can be as elaborate as you want them, with some having additional rooms, plumbing and even a gym, depending on space.

Choosing the right office for you There are many different garden offices out there to choose from. You need to make sure that you oick the best one for you. Here are a few that I’ve picked out to suit your garden and home office needs. The Rowlinson Garden Studio from Cuckooland (shown above) is the perfect little hideaway from the hectic household. With its lockable doors and flowing fresh air from the tilt and swivel windows, you’ll be feeling energised and relaxed before you know it. It’s a perfect space for when friends and family come to visit. Perfect for both the summer and winter months, whatever the season everyone will know where to find you.

The Summerhouse Garden Pod from Ornate Garden has an addition of a removable office table, this pod will make the perfect home study, ideal for a quiet spot of home working or even for your little ones to complete homework. The pod is fitted with all of the creature comforts you would expect indoors, such as heating, LED

The 4m x 3m Harlow Insulated Garden Room from Waltons has ultra-modern architecture and clean lines to elevate this garden room into a contemporary extension of your home. Set up a bespoke gym, luxury office, or entertainment zone in which to relax with friends and family. The premium Eco-quilt multi-foil insulation in the walls, roof and floor is super-slim, providing a comfortable space for all-yearround use. The 100mm double-skinned walls include removable internal panels, so you can easily insert handy mains connections and hide unsightly wiring. With double-glazed French doors and windows can be customised, meaning you can set your garden room up to suit your own requirements. You can also paint the exterior of your garden room to suit any style of garden.

Oeco Garden Rooms also have stunning, superior quality garden structures since 2006. Their buildings are all constructed to an excellent standard, exceeding building regulations even for new homes.

If space is a problem for your garden, get creative. You may only need a laptop and a pen and paper for your work; so build a small hideaway in the corner of your garden. Build a summerhouse or even a small covered seating area surrounded by plants, small trees and a water feature; build your own secret garden.

Heating solutions Keeping your garden room at a constant comfortable temperature is vital if you are going to turn it into an office all year round. The position of the construction in the garden is important. Think about where the sun falls at certain times of the day. If you are working in the evening or throughout the day, where your office is positioned can create heating issues. If your garden gets particularly cold during your working hours, think about installing underfloor heating, installing radiators or an insulated roof.

By Daisy Bennett

www.oecogardenrooms.co.uk

Medium Summerhouse Garden Pod £18,995 www.cuckooland.com

Harlow insulated garden room Price: £9,949.99 www.waltons.co.uk

Two brand-new, high-quality developments are coming to Warwickshire - courtesy of Redrow Midlands

Midsummer Meadow, in Warwick, and Poets Grange, in Stratford-upon-Avon, will bring a combined 332 new homes to the region.

Part of the larger Myton Green project, Midsummer Meadow is surrounded by open farmland, woodland, and waterways, and lives up to its charming name. Ideal for commuters looking for a slice of country life, the development, which offers a range of two, three and four-bedroom homes, is just a short drive away from the bustling town centre, and offers great transport links across the Midlands.

Poets Grange is part of the larger Meon Vale development and will feature a leisure hub, sports pitches and plenty of public open space once complete. Add in the great transport links to Warwick, Worcester, and Birmingham, combined with all the cultural heritage, and you have the ideal location to settle down and raise a family in one of the beautiful two or three-bedroom homes the development has to offer.

Both developments have recently launched their own show homes. including the Oxford Lifestyle. Boasting a timeless, traditional exterior complete with classic bay windows, this home features an elegant, modern interior designed for both comfort and convenience. Alongside an integrated garage, the home includes spacious living areas downstairs, with a light-filled open-plan kitchen and dining room, ideal for families.

Upstairs, the Oxford Lifestyle offers a luxurious main bedroom, complete with walk-in wardrobe and sleek ensuite. The remaining bedrooms, which also include their ensuite, all offer plenty of space and flexibility and can easily be converted into a guest room, home gym or office.

To find out more about homes at Poets Grange or book an appointment, please visit redrow.co.uk/developments/poets-grangestratford-upon-avon-082727 To find out more about homes at Midsummer Meadow or book an appointment, please visit redrow.co.uk/developments/midsummermeadow-warwick-082726 n