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A guide to Loft Conversions

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Mika, Staff Writer

Wednesday, 21 April 2021

When it comes to gaining extra living space in your home, sure you can extend, but have you considered thinking upwards? We are, of course, talking about a loft conversion, which could add as much as 20% to the value of your property. 

Loft conversions come in all shapes and sizes. The great news is, for the most part, they don’t require planning permission either. Whether you’re looking to add an extra bedroom or even a sleek new home office, a loft conversion could hold the answer. 

Here’s an overview of what the process involves to give your renovation ideas food for thought. 

Types of Loft Conversions

  • Roof light conversion

  • Dormer conversion

  • Hip-to-gable conversion

  • Mansard conversion

  • Modular loft conversion

Benefits of a Loft Conversion

Extending is the most popular way to add more room to a property, but due to various constraints such as a lack of outdoor space, it’s not always possible to do so. 

Alternatively, you might have extended already and so the only way to add more space is to build upwards or convert your cellar. Adding a loft conversion is an ideal fix to either one of these scenarios since they are much less hassle and offer an endless range of possibilities. 

Adding an extra bedroom is also extremely desirable for any property. You can either use it to house a growing family, for guests or even to generate additional rental income. 

What does a Loft Conversion involve?

The process begins by having a roof assessment carried out, to determine the suitability of undertaking a loft conversion. Once your roof has been given the green light, plans will be drawn up detailing how much usable space can be created, in addition to creating access points, windows etc. 

Your builders will then set to work removing the existing internal structures which are known as roof trusses. They sit in a triangular shape, leaving only a small area in the middle of your roof before the conversion. The trusses are removed to make space, with the entire roof being reinforced in the process. 

Once the structure is secure, windows, walls, plumbing and heating etc will be installed. Access to the loft will also be created by adding a new set of stairs. The loft space will be finished off by cosmetic work including painting and laying floors so that it is ready to be furnished. 

Loft conversion vs moving home

If you’re short on space, another option is to sell your property. However, this isn’t going to suit every property owner. For example, your children might attend a local school and you don’t want to move out of the area. Or, you could have a great relationship with your neighbours. 

Also, moving can be incredibly stressful, not least as unlike a building project, you have no idea how long the entire process can take. As a general guide, loft conversions take between 2 and 5 weeks on average to complete, whereas the house selling process can take anywhere up to 4.5 months from start to finish. P.S: That's if your house sells quickly, which they rarely do! 

But by staying put and opting for a loft conversion instead, you can fix the issue without having to uproot your family. Plus, any work you do carry out will be reflected in the increased value of your home, which in many cases could offset the cost of the project altogether. 

Loft conversion specialists near me

With a loft conversion, the sky quite literally is the limit! If you’re ready to get the ball rolling, or need some advice on what can be achieved with your property, you can find local Loft Conversion specialists on Bark.

Whether you want to add a bedroom, bathroom or even a home gym, the right expertise will bring your loft conversion dreams to life.

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