If you are looking for a way to maximise your living space without packing up and moving to a bigger property, you may want to investigate converting your loft.
A loft conversion can be anything from a simple, quiet place to relax, a light-filled studio space or home office or an extension of your current living space – the choice is yours!
The first thing to do is to get a feel for your existing loft – grab your torch and investigate the possibilities! You’ll need to look for a minimum ceiling height of 2.3 metres – and if the roof has a steep slope, it’s likely to be more suitable for a conversion. If the pitch is extremely steep, your options expand even further – you may be able to have room for a mezzanine level.
However, it is important to be realistic about what you can do with your loft and ask plenty of questions at the beginning – this will keep you from getting stung by costs later down the line. Important considerations include whether you plan to add a bathroom to your loft space, what proportions the new room will have, whether there is enough light, heat or ventilation, how much loft insulation you require and whether or not your current boiler can handle extra radiators if they need to be installed.
Budgeting is also an important consideration – you will want to make sure you have a realistic estimate of your costs before you begin. One essential thing to think about as well is the potential for profit – you will want to ensure your loft conversion is as appealing to future buyers as it is to you. You’ll also want to consider the energy efficiency of your new conversion – it may be a good idea to top up your wall insulation elsewhere in your house at the same time.
You may want to start by consulting with several loft conversion specialists or an architect. These experts can help you make the most of your existing space and also provide useful information about how your conversion may impact the resell value of your home – a loft that is only accessible with a flip-down ladder, for example, will not count as extra living space when you are ready to sell and may not be the best idea unless you plan on staying put for awhile.
Once you’ve made your plans, you’ll have to ensure they comply with building regulations by applying for planning permission from your local authority – a process which can take between three and four months to complete. Once your application has been approved, it is time to call in the pros.
Hiring recommended tradesmen to help you bring your loft conversion from concept to reality is a very wise idea – it helps you minimise the risk of mistakes, which can be expensive. Experts can help you with every step of the process, from dealing with building regulations and local authorities to securing essential items such as scaffolding or skips if they are needed. Make sure you consult with a few different professionals in your local area and get quotes from each, as this will help you make your decision about who to hire.
Depending on the scale of your project, your loft conversion could take between one and two months to complete – workers will strengthen the existing joists with steel ones, Velux windows will be fitted and interior walls will begin to take shape around halfway through the renovation project. Constructing the fixed staircase, as well as plumbing, plastering and electrical work comes next.
At this point, the big jobs are over – now it is time to add the final fittings. These could include shelves, a coat of paint, flooring and furniture to give your newest space a fresh and finished face.
Regardless of whether your new room is an extended living space, a home office or a sunny spare bedroom, your finished loft conversion is sure to be a place you’ll enjoy in your home for many years to come.
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