Your home should suit your needs, and one of the most popular building refurbishment services on the market is converting your loft into a bedroom or study.
It is not difficult to see why; loft conversions can add another fifth to the value of your home when done right, as well as provide much-needed living space, functionality or a more comfortable working environment depending on your living needs.
Whilst it will benefit a lot of homeowners, it is not a solution that will benefit every home, so to understand if a loft conversion is the answer to your needs, here are three questions you should ask yourself before you start.
Is Your Loft Big Enough?
If your loft is not big enough to comfortably fit you and meet building regulation requirements, it may well be a bit of a non-starter.
Whilst it is possible to add more space by altering the roof shape via a mansard, dormer or gable roof, all of these options will be more expensive and will typically require planning permission to complete.
If you have a shallow roof or flat roof, you may be better opting for a different type of extension to give yourself more space.
Do You Have Alternative Storage Solutions Instead Of Your Loft?
Lofts and to a lesser extent garages often have a practical purpose to them, such as storing items out of the way. If you want a loft conversion, you need to make sure you have a place to put everything instead.
Some loft conversions take this into account, splitting the space into a storage space and a living space, but whether this works for you depends on the shape of the space itself.
Why Do You Want A Loft Conversion?
The most important question to ask is why you want one to begin with, as this will shape your budget, design and goals.
Do you want a loft conversion to add value to your home? A well-executed one can add up to 20 per cent to the value of your home.
Is your family getting bigger? An extra bedroom gives you more space to support your family and extended family if they want to stay.
Do you plan to let the space out? Loft conversions provide additional privacy for lodgers.
