How high should my ceiling be?

Wherever possible, we try to get 2.4m ceiling height - the same as a modern home. Because it comes down to volume, you could gain more floor area by dropping the ceiling. But it's not a great idea!

- Ceiling becomes noticeable when it's closer to the top of your head, and not the kind of thing you want to be constantly aware of.

- The bigger the room, higher the ceiling needs to go to feel proportional, so trading one-off for the other not great.

- I remember walking in a low-ceilinged loft room and the twinkley downlighters burned my head so I'd actually walk round them

- Shower heads need to be mounted at least 2.2m affl (accounting for raised shower tray/ bath) so that it comes down on your head rather than in your face.

Ideally, 2.4m. It’s the minimum in modern houses - lampshades will hang, there’s space for airflow, and you won’t feel the heat from the roof or downlighters. It will also feel normal, similar to the other rooms in your home.

Lower than this (depending on your height), around 2.2m you’ll become aware of the ceiling over your head. Still liveable though.

2m is the minimum. Doorways are 2m high so ceilings below this won’t allow normal doors, and french doors and window frames to the dormer will be flush with the ceiling.

More insights on headroom

The factors at play are

• The new floor depth
• The distance from ridgeline to dormer face
• If a hip to gable conversion then the height of the ridgeboard above the new floor.

Can we make it better?

Councils will not allow you to raise your ridgeline, no exceptions.

But if possible, we can improve the situation by designing the floor to be thinner. You’ll only gain 25cm or so, but that could be make or break for the quality of living in your new room.