New build homes are great for being ready-to-move-into from the minute you purchase them. However, an area of the property which may have been overlooked in terms of its use as habitable space is the loft area. New build homes can often be on the small side, and so a new build loft conversion could be the perfect solution for creating more space within your new build home.
But what considerations do you need to think about when it comes to converting the loft of a new home? Here’s what you need to decide upon, with advice from trusted loft conversion specialists.
Is there a difference between a new build loft conversion and a traditional conversion?
With a new build loft conversion, there are certain things you’ll need to know about and consider. First of all, it’s not always that simple to convert the loft of a new build home, although it’s rarely impossible.
The myths that often surround a new build loft, and its potential not to be suitable for conversion, are related to the truss roof structure often found in new build homes.
Whilst a truss roof can make converting your loft slightly more difficult, it’s certainly not insurmountable. However, it will require structural work in order to create the conversion, so it’s important to find and instruct loft conversion specialists for the work.
Another big consideration, and something which is different to a traditional loft conversion, is whether your new build home has a protective covenant on it. By this we mean a set of rules placed upon it by the original developer of the homes. This may dictate that all of the homes in the new estate or development look the same, and that no major alterations can be made which will make one particular home look out of place.
A loft conversion may fall under this type of restriction for a new build property, particularly if you wish to install the likes of dormer windows or a Juliet balcony. You will likely need planning permission for this sort of conversion anyway – which is where the guidance of loft conversion specialists can really come into its own – but you may also require the permission of the original developers in order to undertake the conversion.
How much usable space or storage space can be gained from a new build loft conversion?
A good amount of usable space can be gained from a new build loft conversion. Remember that the conversion will take up the entire footprint of your home, so you can really gain a lot of extra space from your new loft room.
Similarly, if you are clever with your storage ideas for your new build loft conversion, you can also ensure that you retain a good amount of storage space. You may even find that with the removal of any truss roof beams, you have more storage space than you had previously, without the need to duck and dive under and over the beams.
Can I convert a new build home with a flat roof?
Don’t feel that if you’ve purchased a new build with a flat roof you can’t create a loft conversion. New builds can be all the rage in new housing developments, with whole roads of houses built with a flat roof.
If this is the case and you live in such a home, you can often create a loft conversion. However, there may be extra work involved, as you’ll effectively be building an extra floor onto your home. Furthermore, you will need to check those aforementioned covenants and you will likely need to apply for planning permission, as this will be a major alteration to your home in comparison to the others in the development.
Consulting with loft conversion specialists will be necessary in order to ensure that the whole process is undertaken correctly.
What challenges to do I need to consider for a new build loft conversion?
Many of the challenges for a new build loft conversion are the same as those for a traditional conversion. For example, installing the correct insulation and rewiring to extend the electrics into the new loft room. However, loft conversion specialists will be able to assist with this, and why not use these considerations as an opportunity to future proof your home, for example by considering green alternatives for your home when converting the loft?
Similarly, the placement of loft conversion stairs may be more of a challenge than in a traditional home, as the downstairs rooms are likely to be on the more bijou side. But by working with your loft conversion specialists you will always find a way around these issues.
Need loft conversion specialists for your new build loft conversion? Contact Bespoke Lofts!
If you need expert Get in touch today to find out how we can help, and let’s get you more space in that new build home.