Attic conversions getting the most from your space
GIVEN that in the current climate many growing families simply can't afford to move to a larger house it's hardly any surprise that many homeowners are opting to move up instead of moving on.
Converting an attic can be costly and will almost inevitably require professionals but it's all worthwhile and if you get the job done right you'll not only gain a fabulous light- filled space you also get an extra floor for your home and your family to enjoy.
When planning an attic conversion it is worth spending some time thinking about lighting and other electrical requirements, this is especially important if you are going to use the loft as a study for example as you are almost certainly going to need more electrical sockets, for example.
Most people convert their loft to add an extra bedroom and bathroom to their home. The layout will largely be dictated by the position of the staircase and plumbing arrangements for the bathroom.
It can often be difficult to put the bathroom at the front of the house for example as it's often necessary to run piping to the back of the building where the existing bathrooms and toilets are situated.
Make sure you know what you want so that you can brief your architect. Are you considering more than one room? Do you want to include a bathroom and if so are you content with a shower or do you need enough space for a bath? What are the rooms to be used for? Have you thought about storage space?
You'll also need to consider the hot water and heating system. The boiler may not be capable of heating the extra space or providing enough hot water for the extra bathroom."
Converting an attic is a significant job and will undoubtedly cause disruption while work is being carried so it's important to have an idea what to expect and make plans accordingly.
Be sure to ask your builder how they will access the loft for the early stages of the work. A good builder will erect scaffolding and bring in all structural materials through the roof.
By the time they cut the stairwell out and install the staircase, the new room will be structurally complete and ready to be plastered. Some companies cut costs by taking everything through the house, but this can cause a lot of damage and aggravation.
Also to avoid problems later check with your local council for current planning rules. Some attic extensions and conversions can be carried out without the need for planning permission but other developments will require approval from your local authority.