Have you been considering a loft conversion for a while and are ready to take the plunge? Then, you may be wondering how best to get started with the build. There is a difference between thinking about having your attic converted and actually planning for the work to be done.
Several things need to be considered before going ahead
Some of these aspects can be considered by yourself, and some you may want expert input on, such as Building Regulations, or if the loft room you are considering falls under Permitted Development rules. Either way, here are some questions to ask when getting started with your loft space transformation.
1. What do you want to achieve?
The first thing to consider when thinking about creating a loft conversion is what you want to actually achieve from the space.
Will it be an extra bedroom? If so, will it include an ensuite bathroom? Or is it going to be a home office or studio? Perhaps a hobby room, home cinema or maybe a teenage den? Whatever you want to use the space for, you need to have a good idea of what you want to accomplish before consulting a loft build specialist to see if it’s a realistic possibility.
Although it may seem like a choice that’s a long way down the line, you may also want to think about storage at this stage. After all, you will be clearing your attic of all the junk and seasonal clutter to create the new space, so it’s essential to know where the things that you want to keep will be going. Often storage can be inbuilt within your loft conversion, so it’s worth thinking about this and discussing it with your builders from the outset.
2. Is your loft a usable space?
Whether your loft is a usable space may be a question for your specialist attic conversion company. However, it’s worth doing a quick check to see if it’s likely to work out.
The main things to check are:
- Roof pitch: measure the angle of the roof of your loft. The higher the pitch of your roof, the higher the head height is likely to be at the centre of your attic.
- Internal height: your roof space needs to be of 2500mm minimum height to be converted. Measure from the top of the ceiling joist to underneath the ridge board of the apex to ascertain whether you have enough internal height.
- Footprint: your loft should measure 5500mm minimum from side to side, inclusive of the chimney if you have one. A minimum 7500mm front to back in order to have a viable footprint for conversion.
If you measure these three points and find that any of them fall short of the minimum, don’t panic. Often a specialist loft conversion company will be able to find a workaround to create extra space and the required head height.
3. Will you add value?
If you’re looking to create extra space within your home, you may not be considering adding value. It’s important, however, to know that should you ever wish to sell or remortgage, your loft conversion will add value to your home.
It’s worth speaking to a local estate agent in advance to see what sort of value your conversion will add to your property once complete.
Find a Specialist Loft Conversion Company
Once you’ve made your initial enquiries, the next step is to find a specialist loft conversion company. They will work with you to create plans for your dream space, and help iron out any little niggles that may be problematic within the conversion process.
At Bespoke Lofts, we have the experience and knowhow to convert your ideas from plans to reality through to planning permission, building control and even the finishing interior design touches. Talk to Bespoke Lofts today for all the expert advice you need to realise your perfect new roof space extension!