Deciding to convert the loft within a property has become a popular thing to do to add extra living space with many homeowners throughout the West Midlands and the rest of the United Kingdom. Rather than enduring the pain and expense of moving house, more and more property owners are turning to putting an extra bedroom in the loft. No longer is this part of the house just somewhere to store furniture, old family heirlooms, or Christmas decorations; it can now be a master bedroom with an en suite or anything else that you want.
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What Exactly is a Loft Conversion?
Simply put, a loft conversion transforms your unused attic space into a functional room. This could be anything from a cosy bedroom retreat to a home office, playroom, or even a mini apartment. The possibilities are pretty exciting, right?
Why Consider a Loft Conversion?
- More space without moving: Let’s face it, moving is a pain. A loft conversion lets you expand your living space without packing up your entire life.
- Boost your property value: Extra square footage usually means a higher house value. Ka-ching!
- Customization: Unlike buying a new place, you can design the space exactly how you want it.
- Cost-effective: A loft conversion is often more budget-friendly than moving or building an extension.
Types of Loft Conversions
There are several types to choose from, depending on your roof structure and budget:
- Roof light conversion: The simplest and most affordable option. You basically add some windows and strengthen the floor.
- Dormer conversion: This involves extending the existing roof to create more headroom and floor space. It’s like adding a box to your roof.
- Hip-to-gable conversion: If you have a hipped roof (sloped on all sides), this extends one of the sides to create more internal space.
- Mansard conversion: The most extensive (and expensive) option. It involves changing the entire roof structure to create a flat roof with very steep sides.
Is Your Loft Suitable?
Before you get too excited, you’ll need to check if your loft is suitable for conversion. Here are a few things to consider:
- Head height: Ideally, you want at least 2.2 meters at the highest point.
- Roof pitch: A steeper pitch means more usable space.
- Obstacles: Water tanks or chimney stacks might need to be moved.
- Structure: Your existing floor joists probably aren’t strong enough to support a conversion, so factor in the cost of additional supports.
Anyone unsure whether they should have their loft converted should read the list of benefits below.
Increases Property Value
Not only are you rewarded with extra living space by having a loft conversion, but it also helps to increase the overall value of your property, which is great when you eventually come to sell it. If done right and to a high standard, a loft conversion can add as much as 20% to the value of your home. That means if your house is valued at the UK average of £254,624, then converting the loft can add an extra £50,000 to the price – a great investment by anyone’s standard.
Does Not Require Planning Permission
When making significant structural changes to your property, such as adding a large extension, you must apply for planning permission. However, this is very rarely the case with loft conversions. This is because they are deemed to be permitted developments. The only time planning permission is required with a loft conversion is if it alters the appearance of the exterior of your house, such as if you were adding a dormer window.
Provides More Living Space
Although when you purchased your house, it may have seemed big enough, it cannot take long for a family to outgrow the space they live in, and thus, it requires a greater amount of living space. Having the loft in your property converted provides you with this much-needed space. The best thing about it is that a loft conversion can be used for anything, although most people use it as bedroom space. It can be used for a games room, a gym, a cinema room, or even another lounge. The possibilities are endless.
Simpler Than Moving House
Having your loft converted is so much simpler than going through the hassle and financial burden of moving home. So when you think you have outgrown your property, rather than look for a bigger one, you should convert the loft space into an extra bedroom or bedrooms, a bathroom, or even an entertaining space.
If reading the above benefits has convinced you to have your loft converted and are based in the West Midlands, then loft conversions in Birmingham can help you make the most of the space.
Final Thoughts
A loft conversion can be a fantastic way to breathe new life into your home and create that extra space you’ve been dreaming of. It’s not a small undertaking, but with careful planning and the right professionals on board, it can be an exciting and rewarding project.
So, next time you’re up in your attic, take a good look around. You might just be standing in your future dream room!
