Last Updated on June 22, 2023 by Kimberly Crawford
There are all kinds of reasons why now may be the perfect time for a loft conversion. If you’ve got plenty of space up there that’s primarily used for storage, why not look into converting your loft into additional living space? Lots of homeowners transform their lofts by adding an extra bedroom, games room, or home office.
What’s more, loft conversions can boost your home’s value too. This means if there comes a point where you want to move, this project could prove financially lucrative. Before the hard work gets underway, here are some important things to bear in mind so you can run a smooth and successful loft conversion project.
Available Space
If you’re unsure whether a loft conversion is right for you or not, one way to settle this and make up your mind is to check how much space you’ve got.
It’s imperative you have enough space to convert, otherwise, you could end up spending money, time and effort on a project that falls flat.
Regardless of what your intentions are for your loft conversion, knowing you’ve got enough space to roam around and enjoy should be your top concern.
Building Regulations and Planning Permission
Before you undertake a loft conversion, take time to familiarise yourself with any building regulations and planning permissions in your area. What you’ll find is some loft conversions can fall under permitted development rights, whereas others require planning permission.
What’s more, building regulations govern structural considerations, energy efficiency, and safety. It’s especially important you set aside time to conduct research so you can be confident you’re doing everything above board and avoid any hefty penalties.
Structural Integrity
Next, it’s time to assess the structural integrity of your existing loft and roof space. It’s wise to contact a structural engineer who can work alongside you and determine whether any reinforcements or modifications are needed to support the additional weight of the conversion.
Warranties
You need to make sure you’ve got warranties for your loft conversion, particularly for homeowners who plan to sell up in the near future.
Taking this step will stop you from splurging extra cash, especially if something goes wrong in the weeks following the completion of your project.
For instance, you may have a leak seeping through the roof or a problem with the insulation. Turn your attention to Buildsafe who can help you find the right building warranty. In your case, you will need a conversion warranty that can protect your project.
EICR Report
Once your loft conversion project is complete, inevitably, you’ll be routing electricity into it. Understandably, there are dangers that can present themselves, meaning you’ll need a professional to carry out an EICR (electrical installation condition report) first.
This helps in establishing whether there are risks of electric shocks, and whether the existing circuits can be used. This document is crucial for proving your property is in good condition and can be sold on.
Purpose and Design
When undertaking a loft conversion, you need to define the purpose for doing so. Perhaps you want to add a home office that you can work in, or maybe you have a growing brood and want another bedroom.
Essentially, your design must align with your specific needs. There are numerous factors to take into account too, such as ventilation, natural light, and storage space. The best advice we can give is to not cut corners. You need to figure out the exact purpose of your loft conversion to help the project stay on track.
Budget
You will probably already know loft conversions don’t come cheap. If you’re serious about undertaking one, you must have a budget in place and stick to it. There are all kinds of costs involved along the way that need to be accounted for.
From hiring professionals to carry out the work and unforeseen expenses, knowing you’ve got the funds behind you to cover the project from start to finish will bring peace of mind.
Creating a budget will help you stay on track and most importantly, ensure you don’t find yourself in debt halfway through proceedings! Make sure your budget is set in stone before hiring professionals too. You should obtain several quotes first so you can decide what route to take going forward.
Timeframe
In an ideal world, a loft conversion would be done and dusted within a blink of an eye. Unfortunately, this just isn’t the case. Loft conversions are hefty projects that will take some time to complete.
Because of this, you must have a clear understanding of the expected timeframe. There may be disruptions throughout the project which can impact your day-to-day routine. If you find the drilling, banging, and any other noises associated with loft conversions draining, it may be wise to find alternative accommodation while work gets underway.
Natural Light and Ventilation
Loft spaces are normally darker and more confined than other zones of the house. Therefore, you should think about incorporating suitable skylights and windows to maximize natural light and ventilation.
If you’re planning to use your loft space for living purposes, having good lighting is essential. Think about ventilation too. Adequate ventilation is a must for preventing dampness and ensuring a healthy living environment.
Insulation and Energy Efficiency
Loft conversions can significantly affect the energy efficiency of your property. You need to make sure you’ve got proper insulation installed in your loft to prevent heat loss while complying with building regulations too.
You can use eco-friendly solutions like energy-efficient windows or renewable energy sources. Both of these are brilliant for reducing your carbon footprint while helping the planet in the process.
Loft conversions are great for transforming a boring room in your property into liveable quarters. If your mind is made up and you want to get your project up and running, just make sure you take all the above into consideration first. That way, you’ll be more educated on what steps to take, what to expect along the way, and whether the project is financially viable.