Many homeowners are opting to utilise existing attic space to accommodate expanding families or maximising value potential in their property. However, extensions and additions can be expensive and time consuming to construct and can compromise the visual aesthetic of the house making the option of expanding ’upwards’ a more attractive option. Loft conversions allows you to utilize potential space. Instead of building an increased footprint for the house which will inevitably consume outside living space, loft conversions can be a very profitable and worthwhile home addition creating useable living spaces.
Consider this….. Ask yourself what do you want to create? A new master bedroom with en suite bathroom? People are increasingly working from home, a new dedicated home office? An A/V entertainment area maybe?
And what compromises will a loft conversion necessitate? It is quite likely that head height needed in the loft conversion will dictate the useable space and it may not always be easy to increase head height as invariably this will require the alteration of the roof line externally and thus the obtaining of planning permission.
There may be vital structural members within the new useable space and these may compromise the integrity and function of that space though may in some instances add character and interest.
The floor too, originally only intended to retain the ceiling underneath will probably require strengthening too. These areas weren't originally meant to be living spaces, so consider what work needs to be done in order to facilitate your plans.
Planning permission Whenever you add extra living space to your home, you will probably require planning permission. For this you will need to submit a planning application. Details of how to do this can be obtained from your local area planning offices. Perhaps your builder will be used to working on projects requiring planning permissions and so may be able to advise you on the process. Architects will be used to submitting planning applications for loft conversions as well as other home extensions and additions.
Once everything is in progress however, loft conversions are a very cost effective way to add liveable area and value to your home.
Bear in mind all issues you need to consider in constructing your loft conversion before you engage a builder or home contractor. Seek good advice and obtain the necessary permissions and you will create a worthwhile addition to your home. If your loft conversion project is done by an unqualified builder and without a written contract then you may experience problems. If your builder does not hold current public and employers liability insurances then you may well find yourself uninsured, out of pocket and liable for damage to adjacent properties.
Using a reputable tradesmen source like www.homepromatch.com will ensure that you connect with qualified builders and tradesmen, rated and recommended by other local homeowners.
About The Author An experienced trade professional, Nigel Beswick writes home improvement and maintenance articles for www.homepromatch.com, an online resource connecting homeowners with vetted and customer recommended home improvement tradesmen and builders throughout the UK.
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