Want to boost your home and create a one-off living space without having to extend the footprint? Then, a mezzanine loft conversion is probably ideal for you. This architectural element, which has its own distinctive mark, namely the ‘raised floor within a room’, gives a unique approach towards creating additional space without infringing on the open feel of the house.
This guide intends to answer all your inquiries, ranging from the types of Mezzanine loft conversions to their advantages and disadvantages, practical use, costs involved, and steps to construct a mezzanine floor for a bedroom.
What is a Mezzanine Loft Conversion?
A ‘mezzanine loft conversion’ refers to the style that adds an intermediate floor to a space vertically within the home. This is usually within a loft or a high-ceiling room. As is true with most open-plan areas, a mezzanine serves to provide additional space without the need to enclose an entire new level. For the most part, platforms or ‘mezzanine’ floors are built over the main floor and, in some cases, are accessible via a staircase. Best suited for high-ceiling rooms where the additional floor won’t obstruct the function or beauty of the space. The most popular areas for mezzanine construction are sleeping, living, and home offices.
Main Types of Mezzanine Loft Conversion
When planning a mezzanine loft conversion, it’s crucial to know the various types offered, as each one serves differing requirements and spaces:
1. Standard Mezzanine Loft Conversion
This is the most popular variety of type, where a straightforward shelf is placed above the main floor. They are usually propped by columns or walls, which leave the area below open. These are fantastic for loft areas where you want to keep most of the floor space unfurnished.
2. Glass Mezzanine Loft Conversion
A glass mezzanine attic may be ideal for you if you wish to preserve some of the ‘lightness’ inside the room. This type incorporates glass floors or railings, enabling unobstructed natural light to flow through the room as well as giving an outer perception of space. It is quite common in modern or minimalist settings.
3. Partial Mezzanine Loft Conversion
This version of the mezzanine floor takes partial coverage of the room. This can be used to help distinguish between different areas. For instance, it could serve as a loft mezzanine bedroom, while the space beneath it remains open and used as a living area.
4. Loft with Raised Ceiling
In certain situations, specifically for residences which have an unusually tall ceiling, a raised ceiling mezzanine loft is constructed with added enhancements to increase the vertical height. This provides even greater breadth of the mezzanine space as well as functional utility.
5 Things to Consider About Adding a Mezzanine
There are a few critical considerations to notice before a mezzanine loft conversion to guarantee that the project fulfils your expectations:
1. Ceiling Height
Upper deck height considerations are crucial, but not more than the ceiling height. Without adequate headroom, trying to navigate spaces below or above the new construction becomes a major obstacle, not to mention adding extra steps to the building process.
2. Structural Integrity
You will want to evaluate whether your current structure could support adding a mezzanine as it comes with considerable weight-bearing. You must get the opinion of a structural engineer to validate that the flooring, ceiling, and walls are capable of supporting the load.
3. Space Usage
Also consider how you want to utilise the mezzanine space. If it’s a loft mezzanine bedroom you’re building, think about privacy, light, and ventilation. If it’s a reading nook or home office, make sure to configure the cabin for its purpose.
4. Staircase Access
Getting to the mezzanine level is an access design question that also comes with selection of a staircase. It’s essential to have a safe access point to the raised floor so the staircase’s design must also fit in the overall space design.
5. Lighting and Ventilation
In lofts or rooms with limited windows, mezzanines can appear especially dark and cramped. Doing anything from adding exterior windows to skylights can allow for more light. Controlling the ventilation is different but equally as important for making sure that air doesn’t get stuffy and uncomfortable.
What are the reasons for creating a Mezzanine Loft Conversion?
There are numerous explanations as to why a homeowner would opt for a mezzanine loft conversion. The following are a few of them.
1. Maximise Vertical Space
In rooms or attics with high ceilings, a mezzanine gives a chance to a highly underused vertical space to make use of. It allows a building to increase the usable living area without increasing the area of the structure.
2. Increase Property Value
Knowing how to build your home’s interior with a mezzanine adds great value to the house. It leaves some additional space and contributes greatly to the modern look that attracts a lot of buyers, especially living in towns or cities with large families and limited space.
3. Enhance Aesthetic Appeal
A mezzanine can transform into glorious pieces of architectural features that enhance and add openness and grandeur. The customisation options make it possible to achieve a modern, stylish, or even a mechanical look.
4. Create Functional Space
A mezzanine floor serves multiple uses, like a private hideaway, an office, or a secondary bedroom. It is perfect for people wanting to add a loft mezzanine bedroom or a home office.
Pros and Cons of Mezzanine Loft Conversion
As with any home renovation, mezzanine loft conversions come with both advantages and challenges. Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons:
| Pros | Cons |
| Required less construction and much more comfortable than full loft conversion. | If used as a bedroom or office it does not offer the same level of privacy. |
| Provide additional usable living space. | Structural reinforcement may increase the cost of conversion. |
| Its open plan structure ensures the free flow of natural light and ventilation. | If not soundproofed, the noise can travel easily to the other rooms, causing disruption. |
| A stylish and functional mezzanine improves the property’s resale value | Access to the mezzanine requires a staircase that can consume the floor space. |
How to Use a Mezzanine Loft Conversion?
A mezzanine loft conversion can be used in several ways based on your requirements:
- Loft Mezzanine Bedroom: Give your sleeping area some privacy by making an elevated sleeping area.
- Home Office: The Mezzanine level can be utilised as a distinct workspace, which is superb for remote employees who need a secluded high space.
- Living Area: The mezzanine can serve as additional seating, perfect for relaxing or hosting visitors.
- Storage: A mezzanine can also work as a modern storage cubicle for infrequently needed or seasonal items.
What is the Significant Difference Between a Loft and a Mezzanine?
The most significant difference between a mezzanine and a loft are the intended use of the two and how they are structured:
- Lofts: Generally refers to the entire upper storey of a building, most often associated with large open spaces, high ceilings and significant headroom. Residential lofts are custom enclosed and are fully functional for living use.
- Mezzanines: A mezzanine is an intermediate floor that’s only partway between the floor and ceiling within a larger room or space, such as a hall. It is more about an elevated platform instead of a fully clad floor.
How Much is the Cost of a Mezzanine Loft Conversion?
Each and every factor plays a major role in determining the price of a mezzanine loft conversion. These factors include:
- Location:Areas like London with a higher living cost are bound to charge a lot more in comparison to less expensive areas.
- Size and Design: Price hicks in the presence of structural reinforcements that need to be integrated into the construction.
- Construction Work: Naturally, the price of the project is higher if it involves a larger sale or if it has a more beautiful design that includes custom glass features.
Mezzanine loft conversion cost around £15,000- £30,000 while a full conversion would cost double or triple that. This conversion is budget friendly when compared to a full loft conversion.
Final Thoughts
Adding a mezzanine loft is an excellent way to maximise vertical space in your home and enrich its elegance, usefulness, and value. Whether it is a mezzanine loft bedroom or for other purposes, multifunctional spaces like mezzanines serve different needs. A mezzanine can be the answer for enhancing your home if you have the right area and are ready for a change.
FAQ’S
Adding a well-structured and maintained mezzanine can add value to the property, especially if it improves the aesthetic appeal of your building.
Generally, planning permission is not required for the construction of connecting floors, unless your construction work falls outside the permitted development rights.
Yes, the mezzanine level also forms a part of the overall floor area in the UK. If you aim to sell the property, this can be particularly advantageous for the homeowners.
Loft conversions with mezzanine levels are great for people with high-ceiling lofts and open areas who wish to make use of vertical space.
Describe your needs
it only takes 30 seconds