Loft Conversions Offer Cost-Effective Additional Living Room

By Miles Nicholson


Many families find they need extra space for a diversity of reasons. At the moment economic circumstances make loft conversions an increasingly popular popular solution to this sort of dilemma. There are no moving expenses involved and they can often provide adequate extra room at an affordable cost.

Buying a house is easy, but selling your house is neither easy nor a good idea in the current state of the market, depending on the size of your bond. In addition there are fees and commissions which also add to the costs of a move. Extending your home instead makes sense, and converting loft space is by far the cheapest and quickest option.

New regulations pertaining to such a conversion have recently been promulgated and you would need to find out what restrictions apply to your situation. Only certain properties are permitted these extensions and the regulations cover the permitted size of conversion and aspects such as strengthening the joists and glazing of windows. Planning permission is not usually needed in the UK.

Whether you need the space as an extra bedroom or as an office to work from home or run a small business, this type of conversion would be ideal. In most cases you should be able to build a general-purpose room, easily adapted to whatever purpose you have in mind. Provision of a shower might even be considered, as these need not take up much room.

Normally such a project would be within the capabilities of a DIY expert, as many successful conversions can attest. Provided you have suitable tools and follow a good plan, there should be no difficulty. You should remember that a final result which is amateurish is counter-productive, so you need the work to be carried out to an acceptable standard.

Time constraints or other considerations might point to the use of a professional company specialising in this type of work. They will gladly provide a free quote for the work and will be able to offer a lot of advice based on their experience with such projects. If you are still uncertain of the planning requirements and other details they will be able to provide knowledgeable assistance, and using a professional firm will also make it easier to finance the work.

In the past such a conversion was often rather unappealing and makeshift. Nowadays it has become the province of interior designers, and can add space and light to a home. Properly done with good insulation, it can also increase the thermal efficiency of your home and cut heating bills. A good design will increase the value of your house, once values have risen again.

There are some amazing loft conversions around which demonstrate how effectively they can be used to make a home more livable and comfortable. With the advantages of affordability and not having to uproot the family from their accustomed surroundings, there is a lot to be said for them. While it will be necessary to exercise patience as the work proceeds, the benefits far outweigh any slight disadvantages.




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