Moving home can incur costs running into the
tens of thousands of pounds, so it is not surprising that many people are
opting to move up instead of moving on. One option many people are opting for
is a loft conversion. Converting your loft not only gives you a fabulous
light-filled space and an extra floor for your home it can also add an extra
20% to the value of your home.
Most homes built after 1975 are suitable for
a loft conversion. A simple way to check if your home is suitable is to see
whether you can stand upright in your loft at its highest point, as this needs
to be at least 2.3 meters. A loft conversion is a major job and you will need
to get architectural plans drawn up. You will need to consider things like
whether you want a bathroom, what the rooms are to be used for and the amount
of storage space you want. It is also worth thinking about lighting and other
electrical requirements, such as how many electrical sockets you will need.
There are various options of loft conversion
available and the style you choose will be influenced by the type of house you
live in or the area. The various styles for a conversion are roof light, gable,
wrap around, and mansard and rear dormer conversion. Whatever your needs or
wants, a loft conversion
is one of the most cost effective and efficient ways to add to your living
space without actually moving.
Contact your local authority building control
and your local planning department to get a full understanding of the rules and
regulations involved. Make sure your builder and designer explain any changes
to your existing property with regards to fire precautions. Be aware that you
will need to be flexible, for example the positioning of windows. DO NOT rush
your decisions and plan carefully as this is an important investment and do not
expect the job to be over in a week or two.
No matter how good your builder is, this is a major job and will
inevitably be disruptive for a while.
