Introduction

Bungalows are a familiar sight across Norfolk and Suffolk, from coastal towns like Cromer, Sheringham, Lowestoft and Felixstowe to villages and suburbs around Norwich and Ipswich. They’re popular for single-storey living, but they often come with one big drawback: not much built-in storage.

The good news is that the answer is usually right above your head. In this guide, we look at why bungalow lofts can offer so much usable space, what to consider before boarding one, and how to plan it so it works for you.

Why bungalow lofts offer so much space

In a two-storey house, the loft sits above the upstairs rooms only. In a bungalow, the roof covers every room in the home, so the loft often runs across the entire footprint of the property.

That can mean a surprisingly large area, sometimes enough to board a generous central walkway with storage either side, or even most of the loft floor. For many bungalow owners, it’s the single biggest storage space in the house, and it often sits completely unused.

Downsizing to a bungalow: where does everything go?

Many people move to a bungalow in Norfolk or Suffolk after years in a larger family home. Even after a good clear-out, there are usually things worth keeping: family photos, keepsakes, Christmas decorations, spare bedding and items for when the grandchildren visit.

Without a garage or spare room to absorb it all, those belongings can quickly fill wardrobes and cupboards. A boarded loft gives them a proper home, keeping your living space clear while everything stays safe and within reach.

Things to consider before boarding a bungalow loft

Every bungalow is different, so it’s worth thinking about a few things before any work starts.

Roof pitch and headroom. Some bungalows, particularly those built from the 1960s onwards, have fairly shallow roofs with limited headroom. That doesn’t rule out storage, but it affects how much of the loft is practical to use and where boarding makes most sense.

Roof structure. Newer bungalows usually have trussed rafter roofs, with timbers crossing the loft space. These can be boarded, but the trusses mustn’t be cut or altered, so storage is planned around them. Older bungalows with traditional roof timbers often have more open space.

Hatch position. In many bungalows, the hatch sits in a narrow hallway. The right ladder needs to fit that space and land safely without blocking doorways.

Ladder choice. Bungalows often have lower ceilings than older houses, so a shorter, sturdy ladder is usually needed. For anyone who finds steep ladders difficult, models with handrails and wider treads can make access easier and safer.

Insulation. If your loft has deep insulation, raised boarding may be needed to keep the insulation at its full depth while still giving you a solid floor.

Planning your bungalow loft space

Because bungalow lofts can be large, a little planning helps you get the most from them:

• Board where you’ll actually use it. A central walkway with boarded bays either side is often more practical than boarding every corner, especially where headroom drops near the eaves.
• Keep the most-used items near the hatch. Things you reach for a few times a year, like decorations or suitcases, are best stored closest to the ladder.
• Group items by zone. For example, keepsakes in one area, seasonal items in another and spare household items in a third.
• Add lighting. In a larger loft, a light near the hatch and another over the storage area makes finding things much easier.

Bungalow loft storage across Norfolk and Suffolk

Our Norfolk and Suffolk branch boards lofts and fits loft ladders and hatches in bungalows and homes of all types across both counties. We’ll look at your loft, talk through how you want to use it and recommend the right setup for your home.

Get in touch with our Norfolk and Suffolk branch today to arrange a free quote.