Converting Your Loft: Preparing Your Home for This Underused Space

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When you are renovating your home, extending your property is easier than moving to a new home and changing the space. When you are looking to get the most of your property, a loft conversion isn’t just a great way to capitalise on your existing property, but it is fantastic for resale value. As many homes don’t have many opportunities for surplus space, loft conversions are the ideal way to capitalise on your current situation.

Is Your Property Suitable for a Loft Conversion?

You need to check that your property is suitable. Before you bring the contractors and the carpenters in to plan your loft conversion project, it is important to work with contractors that can help you carry out a brief survey. When conducting a survey, you need to check the structure of the roof, such as whether it is a traditional cut and purlin roof or if it is a trussed roof. You also need to check if there is enough height within the loft, as well as if the space is large enough to function as a room. You also need to check if any services or chimneys do not pass through the loft space or if they need moving. Even if one of these issues presents a problem, it doesn’t necessarily mean you will have to avoid turning your loft into a space.

What Type of Loft Conversion Should You Have?

Finding out what sort of loft conversion is suitable for you depends on what you want to use the loft for as well as the type of roof you have. You also need to consider the budget. There are three different types of loft conversions. Internal loft conversions which are usually the cheapest. Dormer loft conversions are the most common type. And the loft conversions that require a full removal and build, which are the most expensive and complex. With each one, there are a significant amount of pros and cons. With each one, you need to consider your budget.

How Much Does a Loft Conversion Cost?

With each type of loft conversion, the cost can increase. If you are looking for a simple roof light conversion you can expect to pay up to £1,500 per square metre. A dormer conversion can go up to £2,400 per square metre. This is before you consider the cost associated with architects fees, engineer’s structural design fees, building regulations fees as well as party wall arrangement fees, and so forth. If you are looking to incorporate building works into the loft, such as by adding a bathroom or heating, you may need to budget up to £11,000. As a rule of thumb, underfloor heating is around £45 per square metre.

A loft conversion is a fantastic way to make the most of your existing property. But you have to be ruthless in terms of your budget. You have to over plan and also understand what you want to achieve from the space. Once you get a proper understanding, you can go into this process with your eyes open and create your ideal loft.