What to Consider When Planning a Loft Conversion

*This is a collaborative post about what to consider when planning a loft conversion

Planning a loft conversion is an exciting process, but it is also easy to feel overwhelmed whilst you decide what you want your new space to look like, function as, and cost. There are lots of elements to remember and it can be difficult to picture your new space without expert guidance. But fear not, because here are the top aspects to consider when planning your ideal loft conversion. 

Firstly, you will need to consider your total budget. This can be a little more deceiving than you may first think because a lot of the time a cost of a loft conversion can be quoted without clearly stating the total price including VAT. The total cost of your build will contain all the building materials, planning permissions, workforce wages and then an additional 20% of that total cost will be VAT you will need to pay. So, before you say you have a budget of £100k for your loft conversion, consider that only £80k will be able to be spent on loft design luxuries. 

Planning a loft conversion next steps

Next you need to consider the function of your new loft space – identify why you need this new space in your home. For most people, it will be to add a new bedroom and bathroom to their home, to either add value before they sell or to provide more room for growing family members. If you are wanting a loft conversion for these reasons, you can be more creative with your loft space. You could have a cinema room, a private roof terrace or a home office. Once you have confirmed what you want to use your loft conversion for, you can start thinking about what you are going to need in the room. 

If you want to have a wide desk or bed, then you need to make sure you have a section of wall which can accommodate this. For example, if you want to have a Juliet balcony and a small bathroom in your loft space, this can take up a lot of your wall space, which could make it difficult to fit a wide desk or bed. Start thinking about what you are going to fill your room with, and this will guide how you want your loft layout to be. This is a good time to consider if you want multiple rooms, including any bathrooms or ensuites. 

Considerations when planning a loft conversion

Another important consideration will be lighting for your loft space. Most commonly, skylights are chosen as they provide beautiful natural light to your room. If you want a brightly lit room, use bright downlights or spotlights. If you want a cosier aesthetic, wall lights with warm lightbulbs can create a homely ambiance. 

Once you have considered these main aspects, you will be ready to approach an architect or a building company to begin the official planning stage of your build. Ask as many questions as you need to, and don’t forget that the most important consideration is going to be your budget. Be clear with your budget boundaries, and you’ll have your ideal loft in no time!