With the economic climate in its current state, buying a larger home is not always possible for some people. However, with growing families, people can find themselves struggling for living space. So, many then may consider expanding their current home. This could be in the form of a conservatory, or expansion of the kitchen, perhaps with an extra bedroom above. Any form of extension to your property can add value to your home, all at differing levels.
There are some families however, that don't have the outside space required for any form of extension. A loft conversion could be the perfect answer in this instance, especially if they need an extra bedroom. Loft conversions can also add value to your home, therefore proving to be a good investment. They are also the least disruptive conversion to choose, as most of the work can be done from outside.
The financial considerations
A loft conversion can cost up to £20,000. However, this can add £40,000 to the value of your home. GE Money, a mortgage lender, conducted a survey among 110 estate agents. The survey concluded that a loft conversion can add 12.5% to the price of your property.
You do need to get planning permission for some loft conversions, so it can be considered as a formal extra room. This is imperative, if you wish to resell your property in the future. If any neighbours have taken the same route, it should not prove to be problematic for such permission to be granted. You do need to ensure that any loft conversion that you create is sympathetic with the style of your home however. Again, looking at what any neighbours may have already done with their properties can give you an idea of what will be accepted when you are applying for planning permission.
You can get further details about planning permissions for your loft conversion by clicking on the following link:
With the floor space that you have available in the loft area, which expands the length of your home, there are many design options that you could choose from. The loft can be converted into an office area if you work from home, a teenager's room, or even as a stunning master bedroom with en-suite. You will need to strengthen the floor joists in the loft, which will raise the floor level. So it is important that you ensure that you will have enough head room once the conversion has been completed.
Planning your loft conversion
If you are going to be doing a loft conversion in your home, there are certain points to consider:
Heating €“ how will you heat the room, and can your current boiler cope with the extra radiators that you will require?
Plumbing €“ if you are thinking about placing an en-suite in the room, you need to ensure that the plumbing can facilitate this. Having an en-suite included in your loft conversion is an added bonus, and well worth the cost if it is possible.
Electrics €“ you will need to have an electrician check your properties wiring so that it can be fed into your loft area. This can add costs to the refurbishment, but a necessity if you are going to be using the room regularly.
Insulation €“ how will you keep the room warm, and not add extra costs to your energy bills?
Headroom €“ you do need to consider the pitch of your roof. If the headroom isn't sufficient, you may need to have a dormer loft extension. In this instance, you will need to look into government and your local councils requirements. Looking at neighbours' homes can help in this instance to see what they have done with their properties. Then you can get guidelines of what you can achieve in your own home.
Storage €“ what areas in the room can be utilised for storage purposes? This can help there to be less furniture being in the room, making it even more spacious.
Noise €“ if the room is going to be used on a regular basis, you may need to consider some form of sound proofing. Then noise will not travel to other areas of your home.
Windows €“ the type, and how many windows that you need to give light to the area is also another consideration.
If you want your loft conversion to be classed as an official extra room, then you may need to have a staircase fitted. Then you can be assured to add value to your home, which is an important factor should you come to resell it in the future. This is why it is imperative that you get all the correct permissions from your council before you proceed. By doing so, this will also assure any future buyer that you have fulfilled all the required legal procedures for your loft conversion.
Using an architect
By employing an architect, you can get expert advice about the best design for your loft space. Thus making the most of the space you have available. If your budget is only low, you can consider having the plans drawn up by an architect and then complete any smaller tasks like decorating yourself. You can get more details through the link below.
http://www.architecture.com/Explore/Home.aspx
Environmental benefits and Green Deal funding
As a loft conversion can help to reduce energy costs within your home, some of the works could be partially funded through the Green Deal. Also, if you qualify, you could get financial help through the ECO (Energy Company Obligation). You can get impartial advice regarding both of these through the following website:
To relieve you of some of the stresses involved when planning your loft conversion, you could opt to use a professional team. They can deal with all the paperwork for you, ensure that all building and fire regulations are met, and even organise things like skips and scaffolding. You should get several quotes, organise a schedule, and ensure that they are fully insured. You can find such a team by visiting
Maximising natural light
Whatever design that you choose for you loft conversion, lighting is very important. You need to create as much natural light as possible. There are many options available so that you can achieve this, quickly and cheaply.
Depending on the space that you have available, you may just opt to have one or two single roof windows fitted. Should you be dividing the room to accommodate an en-suite or walk-in closet, then smaller, thinner windows can be used to provide natural light to the area. However, there are alternatives that you can choose from.
There are double or triple flashing kits available, so that two windows can be placed alongside each other. Duo flashing can also be used so that windows can be fitted above one another. Should you desire four windows to be placed, either in a row or as a square, you can get a quatro flashing kit to accommodate this. Any of these options can provide you with a tall or wide area of glass for maximum natural light to the room.
A balcony feel can be created using windows that open two different ways. The bottom creates a small balcony, while the top can be opened clear to provide you with a glass awning.
Should you have the benefit of having a terrace within your loft conversion design, you could choose to use a roof terrace window. Their vertical lower element creates an outside area, while the bottom opens sideways to be used as a door onto your terrace.
Roof terrace windows can also be used if you already have an existing extension to your home. The flat roof of the extension can be fitted with promenade tiles, and the window fitted so that it creates a wonderful extra seating area for you to enjoy.
The initial process when having a loft conversion done can take three to four months for full approval to be granted. The actual works will then be from four to eight weeks, depending on the size of your property and the complexity of your design. You can also expect to receive occasional visits from a council building inspector. They will check that the works are being carried out to the approved plans. You will then receive all the relevant certificates to show that the conversion has been done correctly, an important factor should you decide to sell your property in the future.
If you are having a loft conversion done, you do need to find a reputable builder to do the works for you. Some people are fortunate to have a friend who is a qualified builder. Should this not be the case for you, make sure that you do your research. You need to use a reputable company, investing in a loft conversion can prove expensive. It would be a nightmare to spend so much, and then have a poor quality finish upon completion.
You can find building and window companies in your area through the telephone directory, your local newspaper, or online. Alternatively you could ask family, friends and neighbours which companies they recommend. If someone you know has had similar work done, you can be assured that their recommendation is well founded through their own personal experiences.
