Some Things to Think About when Converting Your Loft


Regardless of whether you are a proud owner or only a landlord of a property in the UK, now could be the perfect time to consider expanding your property, without having to relocate, which is not only costly but can also be quite unpleasant. This is why you should consider some alternatives, such as loft conversion. Namely, if you have an empty and unused loft space, this would be the perfect time to turn it into a living space and you will notice that your options are basically unlimited, only restricted by the size and accessibility of the loft space.

One popular option in loft conversion is turning it into an extra bathroom or a shower room for your guests, a lounge, an office or even a small entertainment centre. For all of you landlords or people interested in selling there property, a valuable piece of information is that these conversion projects can drastically increase the value of your home, from 15-20%, in accordance with the information from Nationwide Building Society and Federation of Master Builders.

Probably the most important point when making the decision on conversion is the expense you will put yourself under. In accordance with the available data, the cost of loft conversions depend on many factors including the region your property is located in, the size of the loft space, the scope of work necessary, as well as the purpose and a level of decoration. For example, the estimated loft conversion costs vary from around £11.700 in Northern England to over £13.000 in inner London area. Also, according to published pricing, another important factor refers to the type of conversion, whereas DIY conversion can cost around £9.500, popular dormer loft conversion £25.00 in average, while mansard loft conversion can go all the way to £35.000.

Now, if all this got you convinced that it would pay off to convert your loft into a living space, there are a few things you need to consider. Firstly, make sure you have consulted applicable regulation and obtained all necessary building permits. Also, it would probably be a good idea to consult a professional from the start and gain valuable information on the accessibility of the space i.e. just how much of the space can actually be converted and make your plans accordingly. This goes for all elements of construction, including staircase which are often forgotten but should not be, due to the fact that there are many very valuable options that could help you gain additional space, such as space-saver stairs. And last, but not least do not forget to insulate. Please note that although your loft space might already be insulated with some rolled insulation (such as glass or rock wool) this might not be quite enough if you are planning on turning your loft into a living space, but there is a good chance that you will need additional insulation added to the walls. One option are rigid insulation boards, which are great for both internal and external applications, while another popular option is again mineral wool insulation, packed in slabs and installed into the frame construction of your newly converted loft wall. If you are turning your loft into a bathroom, just make sure that you have taken humidity into account and chosen some type of insulation that will not be affected by the excessive moisture or at least be adequately protected through properly installed vapour barriers.

Improve your home insulation with our high-quality insulation products. Call us today, visit our online store or contact us for assistance by email.