The Grain of Truth - Carpentry Truths, Myths and Laughs

Diving into Carpentry Truths, Myths and Laughs through the lens of loft conversions. We’ll cut through the noise with 3 truths every homeowner needs to know, bust 3 myths that keep popping up on jobs, and share 3 laughs from the reality of working in people’s homes.

From insulation that actually keeps a loft warm, to the head height rules that make or break a conversion, to the everyday quirks like sawdust sneaking into pockets, this piece blends hands‑on know‑how, myth‑busting facts, and the lighter side of the trade. It’s about what really works on site, what doesn’t, and the stories that make carpentry more than just timber and tools.

Q – Good Insulation is Essential in Loft Conversions

True – Lofts are often the coldest rooms in the house. Why? Because most roofs have little or no insulation, and the roof space is ventilated to prevent moisture build‑up. Without proper loft insulation, heat escapes quickly, leaving your new loft conversion feeling more like a fridge than a bedroom.

Over the years, I’ve tested plenty of loft insulation products, but the one that’s earned a permanent spot in my kit is Actis Hybris Panels insulation - https://tidd.ly/3WNxgxi. This reflective multifoil with a honeycomb structure delivers high thermal performance, airtightness, and even acoustic benefits. In plain English: it keeps your loft warm, quiet, and energy‑efficient.

What makes it stand out is how practical it is on site. It’s lightweight, comes in manageable packs, and cuts easily with a handsaw or insulation knife. No bulky rolls, no itchy fibres — just clean, straightforward installation that saves time and hassle. For anyone planning a loft conversion in the UK, good insulation isn’t optional; it’s the key to comfort, efficiency, and long‑term value.

Q – Head Height Matters

True – When it comes to loft conversions, head height isn’t just a detail — it’s the deal breaker. According to UK loft conversion building regulations, you need at least 2.2 metres of clear headroom. Without it, the space won’t qualify as a habitable room, and your conversion won’t pass building control.

I’ve measured plenty of lofts where the roof pitch looked promising, but once the tape measure comes out, reality bites. If you don’t hit that clearance, you’re not creating a bedroom — you’re creating storage. And no amount of clever finishes or fancy Velux loft windows can change the fact that you can’t stand up straight.

Getting head height right is one of the most important truths in loft conversions. It’s the difference between adding real living space and wasting money on a room you can’t use.

Q – Can You Live at Home During a Loft Conversion or Extension?

True – Dust, noise, and disruption are inevitable when you take on a loft conversion or home extension. It’s part of the reality of construction, but with smart planning and the right approach, the process doesn’t have to feel overwhelming or chaotic.

For loft conversions, I always set up initial access using a loft porch and scaffolding. This approach means I don’t have to traipse through the house each day, keeping the build contained and secure. At night, the site locks down safely, and during the day it saves homeowners the hassle of constant foot traffic. It’s a simple step that makes the whole loft conversion process cleaner, safer, and far less disruptive.

Living with a build doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right approach, a loft conversion or extension can be managed smoothly, giving you extra space without turning your home upside down.

Q - Do Loft Conversions Need Planning Permission in the UK?

This is one of the biggest questions homeowners ask, and the answer isn’t as simple as “yes” or “no.”

In the UK, whether you need planning permission for a loft conversion depends on your local council and the type of property you live in. Many lofts fall under permitted development rights, meaning you can go ahead without full planning approval — as long as the design meets certain size and style rules.

That said, most of the loft conversions I’ve worked on have required planning permission. Why? Because they’ve been in heritage properties, where councils are stricter about preserving the look and character of the building.

And here’s another important point: if you live in a terraced or semi‑detached house, you’ll almost always need a Party Wall Agreement. This is a legal requirement when your work affects a shared wall with your neighbour. It’s not just paperwork — it protects both sides and keeps the project running smoothly.

The best advice I can give is this: before starting any loft conversion, speak to your local council and confirm whether planning permission or a Party Wall Agreement applies. Taking this step upfront saves you from costly delays, legal headaches, and the frustration of discovering halfway through that you’re missing the approvals you need. A quick check now keeps your loft conversion project compliant, stress‑free, and moving forward without unnecessary obstacles.

Q – Do Loft Conversions Really Add Value?

Myth – One of the biggest myths is that loft conversions don’t add much value. The reality? A well‑planned loft conversion can increase your property’s value by 15–20% in the UK. That’s not small change — it’s a serious investment and one of the most cost‑effective ways to improve your home.

For many homeowners, moving isn’t an option. Maybe the housing market is too expensive, maybe you love your area, or maybe you simply don’t want the hassle. If you’re short on space and can’t build outward, building upward with a loft conversion is often the smartest move.

A loft conversion doesn’t just add square footage — it creates usable living space. Whether it’s a new bedroom, or a home office, you’re unlocking potential that was sitting idle above your head. Done right, a loft conversion adds lifestyle value and property value at the same time.

Q – Do Dormer Loft Conversions Ruin the Look of a House?

Myth – Many people think a dormer loft conversion will spoil the appearance of their home. The truth is, dormers can be designed to complement your property beautifully. It all comes down to the exterior finish and how well the dormer ties into the existing roofline.

There are several ways to make a dormer look like it belongs:

• Tiled dormers – Matching your roof tiles creates a seamless, traditional finish.

• Rendered dormers – Available in different colours, render gives a clean, modern look.

• Timber cladding dormers – Adds rustic charm, though it needs regular oiling or staining.

• Composite cladding dormers (like Cedral) – Durable, low‑maintenance, and available in a wide range of colours for a contemporary style.

Personally, I prefer pitched roof dormers. They’re more aesthetically pleasing than flat roof versions, blending naturally with the house. The trade‑off is that pitched dormers can reduce usable head height compared to flat roof dormers, so it’s always a balance between looks and practicality.

Q - Velux Windows Are Just Holes in the Roof?

Laugh – I hear this one a lot, and honestly, it’s a bit silly. A Velux window isn’t “just a hole in the roof” — it’s a purpose‑built roof window designed to fit seamlessly into your loft conversion or extension.

Velux windows are engineered to bring natural light and ventilation into spaces where a traditional wall window isn’t possible — like lofts or extensions with sloping ceilings. Instead of leaving that roof space dark and stuffy, a Velux transforms it into a bright, usable room.

They’re not only practical but also stylish. With options like double glazing, blackout blinds, and even remote‑controlled opening, Velux windows are about comfort, performance, and design — not just cutting a hole and dropping in glass.

Q – Are Garden Rooms Just Fancy Sheds?

Laugh – At first glance, a garden room might look like a shed with ideas above its station. But the truth is, a properly built garden room is a world apart from a shed.

Unlike a basic timber box, a modern garden room can be:

• Fully insulated – warm in winter, cool in summer.

• Wired for electrics – lighting, sockets, and even internet connections.

• Finished like a studio – plastered walls, flooring, heating, and glazing that make it feel like a real extension of your home.

That’s why garden rooms have become one of the UK’s most popular home upgrades. They’re not just storage — they’re home offices, gyms, studios, playrooms, or guest spaces. Done right, a garden room adds lifestyle value and property value, all without the hassle of a full extension.

Q – Do Carpenters Really Carry Sawdust in Their Pockets?

Laugh & True – Sawdust has a way of following carpenters everywhere. It clings to work clothes, hides in tool belts, and somehow sneaks into pockets no matter how careful you are. By the end of the day, most carpenters are practically walking bags of wood shavings.

My wife will tell you it drives her absolutely potty. By the end of the day, I empty my pockets and out tumbles half the building site — little piles of sawdust, stray offcuts, and the occasional screw or nail. It’s not intentional; it’s just part of the carpentry craft.

So no, carpenters don’t deliberately carry sawdust in their pockets — but it always finds a way home with us. Think of it as the carpenter’s glitter: messy, impossible to avoid, and a sure sign you’ve been hard at work.

The Wrap-Up

From loft conversions and dormers to Velux windows and garden rooms, the truth is clear: these aren’t myths — they’re smart ways to add space, style, and value. Sawdust in pockets? Just proof of honest craft. Bottom line: done right, these projects are investments in your home and lifestyle. Got questions or myths to share? Drop them in the comments.

Some of the gear I mention includes affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you buy through them. It won’t cost you anything extra—and it helps keep the site running.