Tips to Organizing a Loft Conversion
Many people consider the loft or attic to be a useless space. This is likely because whenever they go up there to check on the insulation or roof, it is dark and dreary. With a little work and creativity however, this area can be turned into a whole new living space. A Loft conversion London is a great investment for many homes as it can also add value to the property if done well. When planning for this renovation, it is a good idea to adhere to a few tips.
Make sure it is legal
Because loft conversions interfere minimally with gas, electoral and water supplies, and are internal to the structure of the property, they often do not require planning permission. It is however still a good idea to check with the local authority and get the necessary permits depending on what you intend on doing. Some will alter the windows by increasing their size and introduce balconies that change the front façade.
Hire a professional
Some people may have advanced enough do-it-yourself skills to undertake the conversion themselves. If however you are a novice, it is still a good idea to hire a contractor, especially if it involves dangerous works like introducing new electrical wiring, water and sewage lines up there. The finishing is also typically better and completed faster when a professional does the work. Make sure to carefully consider the professional you pick and ensure they have adequate experience.
Consider the cost
Loft conversions can really vary in terms of costs. It all really depends on what you intend on doing with the room. Conversions of spare bedrooms and home offices are typically much lower than if designing a new bathroom or self contained flat. The price can also vary greatly depending on how you intend to introduce new light. Adding some light fixtures and painting the room a light color is much cheaper than having a dormer put in. Using online home renovations software, or consulting a designer or contractor are good ways to work out the costs beforehand and make sure you can afford the project.
Stairway
Such a loft conversion London typically means you intend to more frequently access the space. As such you will need to factor in the cost and space required to put in a permanent staircase. This also means having to consider the space available for this introduction on the lower floor. In most cases the space you would lose here is insignificant as compared to what you would gain with the addition of the loft space.
Property owners should also consider the extra pressures that such conversions will place on existing utility lines such as sewerage and boilers. Lofts tend to suffer the most during adverse weather, but with good investment in insulation you can limit the effect on your utility bills in trying to regulate the temperature here. Also think about what you can add to the space to help limit the sound that will travel into the floor below. Adding insulation and padding the floors with sound proofing material or thick carpet can be a good investment.
Make sure it is legal
Because loft conversions interfere minimally with gas, electoral and water supplies, and are internal to the structure of the property, they often do not require planning permission. It is however still a good idea to check with the local authority and get the necessary permits depending on what you intend on doing. Some will alter the windows by increasing their size and introduce balconies that change the front façade.
Hire a professional
Some people may have advanced enough do-it-yourself skills to undertake the conversion themselves. If however you are a novice, it is still a good idea to hire a contractor, especially if it involves dangerous works like introducing new electrical wiring, water and sewage lines up there. The finishing is also typically better and completed faster when a professional does the work. Make sure to carefully consider the professional you pick and ensure they have adequate experience.
Consider the cost
Loft conversions can really vary in terms of costs. It all really depends on what you intend on doing with the room. Conversions of spare bedrooms and home offices are typically much lower than if designing a new bathroom or self contained flat. The price can also vary greatly depending on how you intend to introduce new light. Adding some light fixtures and painting the room a light color is much cheaper than having a dormer put in. Using online home renovations software, or consulting a designer or contractor are good ways to work out the costs beforehand and make sure you can afford the project.
Stairway
Such a loft conversion London typically means you intend to more frequently access the space. As such you will need to factor in the cost and space required to put in a permanent staircase. This also means having to consider the space available for this introduction on the lower floor. In most cases the space you would lose here is insignificant as compared to what you would gain with the addition of the loft space.
Property owners should also consider the extra pressures that such conversions will place on existing utility lines such as sewerage and boilers. Lofts tend to suffer the most during adverse weather, but with good investment in insulation you can limit the effect on your utility bills in trying to regulate the temperature here. Also think about what you can add to the space to help limit the sound that will travel into the floor below. Adding insulation and padding the floors with sound proofing material or thick carpet can be a good investment.