Are you considering transforming your home’s loft to create more space and increase the value of your home? We’ll walk you through the process from design, planning and building regulations, to dealing with neighbors and choosing the right company for your loft conversion.
Why to go for loft conversion?
A loft conversion can increase the value of your property by up to 20%. Many homeowners decide to convert their loft space as a way to get more space without the hassle and expense of relocating. Work in the loft area can also be done in a way that is less disruptive than adding a lot of extra space to an existing living area. However, it’s important to remember that you don’t want to over-extend your space. Investing too much and extending too far means you won’t see the return on your investment.
How to use the loft space?
Once you’ve roughly defined your home’s suitability for loft conversion, consider how you’d like to utilise it; for example, an extra bedroom with an en suite bathroom, a den or play room for your growing children, or a space to relax and study away from the family. Alternatively, it could be a multipurpose room with a mix of uses; for example, extra living space that doubles as a guest accommodation. If you’re planning to include a bathroom in your loft conversion, do you want it to be a shower room, or will there be room to accommodate a bath? When planning your bathroom, make sure you leave plenty of space.
Think about storage too, as often built-in space is included, particularly in the eaves. Don’t overthink the space you’ll get from the floor plan, as you may have angled ceilings that limit movement and the types of furniture you can install. By necessity, most domestic loft conversions provide useable space of comfortable size, ideal for sleeping, playing or office use.
Can I do loft conversion myself?
Installing a loft conversion is complex and may involve your local planning department and will definitely need Building Regulations approval. You can DIY a loft conversion with a bit of help from a professional, but the amount of work involved means that many people opt to hire a professional loft conversion company to carry out the conversion.
Pitfalls that you may encounter
Adding stairs to a new loft can be challenging. There are rules to follow, including the minimum 2m head clearance under the stairs and above them. There are no fire exits in a loft conversion, just as there are in a commercial building. However, there should be means of escape and fire prevention / detection. In most cases, plumbing will be an add-on to the existing system. However, after testing and surveys, the system may need to be upgraded.
Your home’s insulation properties may need to be upgraded, or the work may not be certified, and Building Control Authority will always check this to ensure the standards are met, and that energy-efficient measures are at their maximum. However, with a bit of planning, the right designs, and the right contractor, your loft conversion will go off without a hitch. While it’s important to have a bit of a back-up plan in case of unexpected issues or overruns, generally speaking, a loft conversion will pay off handsomely in terms of usable space and value added to your home. Want to make your loft conversion process a stress free and create a space worth your memories? Avail the services of Detailed-planning.co.uk, known for the best loft conversions in London.