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Loft conversions frequently top national surveys for being the best method of increasing the value of a property.
Depending on the roof structure and planning constraints, a loft conversion is one of the most straightforward ways of getting extra space.
Almost all houses can benefit from this extension with a bit of basic planning.
According to one recent survey by the Nationwide Building Society, adding an extra bedroom and bathroom to a three bed house can increase its value by as much as 21 per cent.
This research, together with the current uncertainty in the housing market and the spiralling costs associated with moving house, shows that now is the ideal time to stay put and create new space in your home. • • • • • Lorraine Howard Adds value to your home. Significantly increases your living space. Incredibly cost-effective. No planning permission required in most cases. Cheaper than moving house. • • • • Doesn’t impact on yourour garden. Improves the quality of your home life. Allows you to extendd even if you don’t have a garden. Quicker to completee than other types of home extension. the following: • The reinforcement of the floor. • A couple of skylights. • Added insulation. • A staircase to the loft. • Electrics, lighting and heating. • And fire safety measures to comply with Building Regulations such as fire doors and smoke alarms. Do you need building regulations? Yes, all loft conversions need Buildings Regulation approval, regardless of whether planning permission is needed or not.
A building control surveyor will inspect your work at various stages and will issue you with a completion certificate on final inspection.
If your home is semi- detached or terraced, you’ll need to notify your neighbour of your proposals if the works fall under the Party Wall Act requirements.
For instance, if you are building in beams which will bear on the party walls.
The features that will decide the suitability of the roof space for a loft conversion are the available head height, the pitch and the type of structure, as well as any obstacles such as water tanks or chimney stacks.
An inspection of the roof space will reveal its structure and physical dimensions.
The cost of your loft conversion will depend on your roof structure, the existing available space and whether any alterations need to be made to the floor below to accommodate the staircase.
The second option which does not require dramatic changes to the roof is to do the above and add dormer windows to increase the useable floorspace and give you head height.