Four Things to Consider Before You Start a Loft Conversion

Loft conversions are amongst the most popular home renovations carried out by households today. They are preferred by many due to their cost-effectiveness, and the utility of existing space as opposed to the creation of new space through outward extension. However, the cost of a loft conversion has increased considerably in the past year. As such, if you are thinking of converting your loft you should consider the following four things first.

What Will You Use the Space For?

Before you begin to think about the legal and logistical elements of your conversion, you should ask yourself simple questions about why you want to create new loft space. Firstly, this will ascertain the extent to which you want the loft space, ensuring that you are committed to the process before you start to spend time and money on it.

Your intentions for the space will also have a significant impact on your budget and planning, as well as some of the aesthetic decisions you make down the line. If you want the space for a new bedroom, you will need to factor in the cost and installation of fitted wardrobes, for effective and aesthetic loft storage. If you want to use your loft as more of a utility space, you may be able to save on your budget, or make specific plans unique to your needs.

Is the Space Suitable for Conversion?

The next question is to ascertain the viability of a loft conversion in your home. For some households, a loft conversion might be logistically difficult; for example, homes that still use conventional boiler systems with a loft-housed cold water storage tank may struggle to utilise the remaining space effectively. Low headroom may preclude you from converting your loft without submitting to a complete re-roofing project, while older homes with asbestos insulation may present unique and expensive difficulties to construction teams.

Will It Add Value?

Your next consideration regards your home’s value. Will your loft conversion increase the overall value of your home? This may not be a pressing concern to you, but ensuring you receive return on investment at the eventual sale of your house can be a strong motivator for you to expand your budget a little – or a useful way to moderate your expectations. Older buildings might risk losing value on account of losing ‘character’, or desirable period construction.

Planning Permission

By and large, loft conversions are now considered a ‘permitted development’ to a home, meaning they do not require planning permission provided they do not extend beyond the house’s existing limits – in terms of exterior walls and the roof’s highest point. However, there may be some instances in which planning permission is required. In order to be sure, you should consult the architects or contractors you intend to retain for your project.