When it comes to make the most of the house you own, whether it is due to an expanding family or to add value to it, a loft conversion is high on the list. Many people go for conservatories as their first step to adding to the house but the fact is, these may look wonderful but they have limits. A loft, meanwhile, can offer a lot more than just a warm and sunny breakfast room.
Why a loft conversion?
The first thing to think of with a loft conversion is that it is the best way to get an extra bedroom and a bathroom. Yes, there is work involved in the process but a lot of this can be done from outside the house, meaning there is less mess and disruption inside. It also works with the natural shape and size of the house instead of merely adding a bit on the back.
Experts say that by spending £20,000 on a loft conversion, the value of the house increases by £40,000. There is nothing to say this will work for every house in all parts of the country but gives a glimpse into the potential gains from the job.
It can also work out more economical to convert the loft than to add an extension. A typical conversion to the loft costs around £500 per 600/m2 while for the same amount of space on an extension costs around twice as much as this.
DIY or get in the pros?
A loft conversion isn't something that a keen DIY fan can take on single-handed but it never hurts to have a basic idea of what would need to be done. Shop around with this information for the right builders to do the job and remember that cheapest isn't always best.
There needs to be enough headroom in the loft to make it useable and the roof structure needs to be made from either trusses or cut roof timbers. If the loft is filled with thin timbers, this is what is called a fink truss roof and could prove to be a lot more expensive to convert.
There are also building regulations that apply to loft conversions, so be aware of them when planning what work is to be done. A builder will be able to advise exactly what the rules are but generally areas such as having a means of escape if there was a fire and the insulation in the roof are some of them.
Making it habitable
Making the loft into a useable space isn't just about adding some flooring and a staircase €“ most lofts don't have any windows. Getting natural light into the room is vitally important if the plan is to use it for anything other than storage. The good news is that there is a variety of different windows that can be added to a loft that can easily transform it into as bright and light a room as any in the house.
Not only do windows add light, they can also release heat from the whole house, so getting the right windows are ones that are double or triple glazed. Good quality windows can come in single doubles or even quarto flashings where four windows come in a block, meaning that one of these can provide all the light needed for the room.
Another option is a cabrio balcony €“ this is a special window where the upper half is top-hung to open outwards while the lower half unfolds to a balcony with side railings. These windows are glazed in such a way to stop heat loss and make them safe and secure but also allow not only light in but also fresh air when they are opened into their balcony option.
Consider the downsides
The main downside for the loft conversion idea is that you need to add some means of access. Whether this is a full-scale staircase or something a little less comprehensive, it will need space to be able to do this. However, the amount of space needed for a staircase versus the amount of space gained when the loft is opened up will still see an increase in overall house space.
There are also potential planning regulations that you might have to comply with. Employing a professional builder and design firm can help you negotiate this path although, with careful research, this isn't something that a DIYer can't do
Planning your layout
What can be done with the loft once the basics of the conversion have been completed are only limited by money and imagination. Whether it becomes a large bedroom for the kids with play areas or a master bedroom with an en-suite, the loft is a true multi-purpose space. It can be a hobby room, to keep that ever spreading hobby out of the rest of the house. Or it could be a storage space, but one that can be easily moved around. Light and bright, insulated and easy to get around, a professionally done loft conversion is an excellent addition to the layout of your home.
