When the roof pitch is shallow or the existing loft is unusually low, a standard Velux or dormer conversion may not give you a room you can stand up in comfortably. This is where a piggyback loft conversion comes in.
A piggyback loft conversion is a less common option than a Velux, dormer or hip to gable conversion, but for the right property it can be the difference between a loft that just about works and one that feels like a proper extra floor. This guide explains what a piggyback conversion actually involves, why it suits certain roofs, and when it is worth considering over other types of loft conversions.
In simple terms, a piggyback loft conversion involves removing the existing roof structure and rebuilding it slightly higher on top of raised perimeter walls. Rather than working within the roof you already have, you are effectively creating a new roof that sits above the old roofline, which is where the name comes from: the new structure sits piggyback on the old one.
The perimeter walls of the loft are typically raised by around a metre, and a new pitched roof is built on top. That extra height at the edges of the room is what makes the biggest difference. Instead of a loft where you can only stand up in the middle, under the ridge, you gain proper head height right out towards the eaves.
It helps to see where a piggyback conversion sits alongside the more familiar options:
Because the whole roof is rebuilt, a piggyback conversion can often create a larger, more consistently usable space than a dormer alone, without the very boxy look that a large mansard can sometimes give a property. Many homeowners also find it keeps more of the original character of the roofline, since the new roof is still pitched rather than flat.
Most loft conversions rely on there being enough height in the existing roof to begin with. Building regulations set a minimum ceiling height once the new floor and insulation are in, and if your loft is too shallow to meet that, a Velux conversion on its own will not be enough.
A dormer or hip to gable conversion can add space in specific areas, but they still work with the existing ridge height. If the roof pitch is low across the whole property, even a generous dormer may not solve the head height problem everywhere in the room. A piggyback conversion tackles this directly by raising the whole roof structure rather than adding to one section of it, which is why it tends to come up for homes with shallower roof pitches or bungalows where the loft space is naturally more restricted.
A piggyback conversion tends to make the most sense when:
It is not usually the first option we look at. For most homes with a reasonable roof pitch, a Velux, dormer or hip to gable conversion will do the job at a lower cost and with less structural work. A piggyback conversion earns its place when those simpler options genuinely will not give you the space or height you need.
Because a piggyback conversion changes the height and shape of the roof itself, it is treated differently to many straightforward loft conversions. Permitted development rights, which cover many Velux and modest dormer projects, are unlikely to apply once you are raising the roofline, so you should expect to need full planning permission from your local authority.
The structural work is also more involved than a typical loft conversion. Raising the perimeter walls and rebuilding the roof needs to be properly engineered, and your existing walls and foundations need to be capable of taking the additional weight. This is exactly the sort of assessment we carry out during a home visit, looking at the current roof structure, the condition of the walls below, and whether a piggyback approach is genuinely the best route for your home before recommending it.
The main benefit is straightforward: significantly more usable head height across the loft, without needing to lower ceilings on the floor below. That extra height opens up options that a lower roof simply will not allow, such as a proper walk-in wardrobe, a full-height en-suite, or larger windows and roof glazing that make the room feel bright and open rather than cramped under a low slope.
Because the roof is being rebuilt, it is also a good opportunity to improve insulation and ventilation from the outset, so the finished room is comfortable all year round rather than an afterthought fitted around an existing structure.
As with any loft conversion, we start with an honest assessment of your roof. If your loft has enough height for a Velux or dormer conversion, we will say so, since there is rarely any benefit in taking on the extra cost and complexity of a piggyback approach unless it is genuinely needed.
Where a piggyback conversion is the right fit, we will talk you through the structural work involved, handle the planning application on your behalf, and manage building control throughout the build, so the whole process is looked after from the first conversation to final sign off. As with all our projects across Hampshire, Surrey, Berkshire and Wiltshire, we also plant 100 trees for every conversion we build through our partnership with Tree-Nation, so your project supports reforestation as well as adding space to your home.
If your loft feels too low to convert in the usual way, a piggyback conversion may be exactly the option you have been missing. Get in touch with Life Lofts to arrange a free initial consultation, and we will help you understand what is possible in your roof space.
Loft conversions are one of the most popular ways to increase both the living space and value of a home. Whether it’s creating an extra bedroom, office, or entertainment area, a loft conversion is a smart investment that maximizes the potential of the property. In this guide, we’ll explore
Loft conversions are one of the most popular ways to increase both the living space and value of a home. Whether it’s creating an extra bedroom, office, or entertainment area, a loft conversion is a smart investment that maximizes the potential of the property. In this guide, we’ll explore
Loft conversions are one of the most popular ways to increase both the living space and value of a home. Whether it’s creating an extra bedroom, office, or entertainment area, a loft conversion is a smart investment that maximizes the potential of the property. In this guide, we’ll explore
