RAISE THE ROOF Thinking of moving up? Your loft area could provide just the extra room you’re looking for

Thinking of moving up? The space in the loft could be just the extra room you’re looking for

As far as home improvements go, loft conversions are often considered to be one of the biggest projects you can undertake. From the amount of extra space you’ll gain to the way you intend to use it – perhaps an extra bedroom or bathroom, a home office, hobby space or extra living room – the benefits for your home and family can be enormous.

You should also take into account whether a loft conversion will boost the value of your home – ask an experienced local estate agent for their opinion. Proportion is another factor. Will a loft conversion create an imbalance in terms of the bedroom-tobathroom ratio, or the size of the house to garden?

Houses built prior to 1960 tend to be ideal for converting, as they often have good head height and their construction allows for maximum use of space.

For a loft conversion to be classed as a ‘habitable room’, it must have a permanent staircase and adhere to strict building regulations covering areas such as ventilation, insulation, safety and services. Fire regulations also require internal fire doors and a fire-escape window. It’s possible to ‘find’ extra height in a loft by dropping the floor, but this will depend on the ceiling height of the rooms below, and will also involve installing new joists and timbers, adding to the cost.

AVOID THE PITFALLS

Don’t overspend and, above all, make sure your budget will pay for the practical work to be done to the highest standard to prevent having to re-do anything at a later stage.

Don’t ignore planning permission or building regulations. If the work isn’t signed off and approved, future buyers could have difficulty obtaining a mortgage.

Make sure you check with a plumber that your boiler has the capacity to service additional radiators. An alternative is underfloor heating, which will free up wall space too.

FUTURE-PROOF IT

Think of flexibility and future use – if your teenager wants a gym space or gaming room, plan it as a multi-use zone that can serve another purpose, such as a study or guest room. Or, if fitted with a sink it would make a great place for an older child returning home (temporarily!) after university.

STORAGE SOLUTIONS

In awkward areas, bespoke is usually the best choice, although you could opt for a more budget-friendly off-the-peg solution. Media units are ideal for slotting under a sloping ceiling as they are long and low, while built-in drawers or cupboards offer a good use of space.

NEW PERSPECTIVE Create a light and bright seating area with a lovely view of surrounding trees and rooftops. These clever windows, from a selection at Velux, come in two parts with one ‘normal’ window and a sloping one above.

ROOM WITH A VIEW An office in the eaves is such a treat. Away from the noise of family life, it’s a quiet space to concentrate, and if you need inspiration, the view is a calming distraction. Centre pivot roof windows, from £292, Velux

FUTURE FEATURE Bespoke solutions can create something really special. Here, wooden cladding and a grid design on the glass aperture look stunning. Sail-like blinds provide privacy and can be rolled up to let light pour in.

DRAMATIC BLACK Place a window above the sink for an idyllic spot to watch the world go by as you wash up. White walls increase the feeling of light, while exposed beams give this sophisticated dark kitchen a more rustic edge. For similar, try the Milano in Pencil from Wren Kitchens

GO FOR ALL-IN-ONE Create a self-contained space with a sitting, sleeping and kitchen area that’s great for grown-up kids or visiting relatives. The compact Oakmont kitchen from Wickes – along with a generous window from a selection at Velux – is a fantastic combination that’s practical and super-smart