Moving Out Or Moving Up - Picking A Loft Conversion Over A New Home

By Author: Robert Deans
Total Articles: 246
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With a recession that shows no sign of lifting and a housing market that's as unstable as the British weather, moving home during these times might be dangerous territory. But what do you do when your family are outgrowing your house and space has become a problem? You could look at extending your existing property, it doesn't have to be extended to the side, you could look at extending upwards, in the form of a bungalow loft conversion.

Whether it's a bungalow loft conversion or a large home maximising space having a third floor, all homes would benefit from investing in upwards expansion. It could be as you are expecting a new addition to the family or maybe considering starting a business from home and require some office space. Or maybe you'd like to add an additional bedroom to rent out for a little spare cash. Whatever your motive which means you would like extra room a bungalow loft conversion will be the answer.

But why is a loft conversion a better idea than moving into abigger, more suitable home?

Financially, moving home causes enormous strain, particularly in these current ...
... times. Just remember the expense involved in your first property purchase - it wasn't simply the cost of the house itself; there are fee's to pay to estate agents and solicitors plus the dreaded stamp duty. Also look at the current housing market. Whilst there was a small increase in house prices, they are now on the decrease again. It's impossible to predict for certain what the housing market is going to do over the coming years, you will not want to find yourself losing money on a property which you buy in haste, so a bungalow loft conversion or a conservatory perhaps is not going to be a solution to your lack of space but it really will add value to your present property.

Moving house is also a stressful time for people. As exciting as it may be viewing properties and imagining how you'd make them your own, there are many other areas to consider that the excitement is quickly outweighed. Is the area ideal? What transport links do you want and are these available? And are there adequate local amenities? If you've got dogs, ideally you want to be near to a park, and when you have children you need to ensure that there are good schools within a close proximity. This is on top of selling your present home and be accepted for a mortgage.

The strain doesn't end once your perfect property has been discovered and the finances are organised, the physical move may be incredibly stressful too. We often never realise how much we own until we start putting it all into boxes, and after several years in the same home, it's difficult to not become attached, particularly when many memories are connected to the building.

Sometimes the strain of a house move can impact on the children. Children rarely like change, and they will probably be more attached to your home than you are, particularly if it's the only real home they've ever known. It's extremely stressful for children when they have to move schools; it may be hard enough to make friends when all the children are starting school on the same day, also it can be extremely stressful for a child starting school when bonds have been formed, especially if your child is on the shy side.

When you have already made up your mind and you wish to move house to resolve the problem of limited space, then the current housing market won't deter you and if you plan to remain in your new home for some time to come, it is unlikely to become a big issue. But when you would like the easy life, then extending your existing house is possibly the right route for you.

This article was written by R.Deans on behalf of Buckley Loft Conversions, experts in bungalow loft conversions. For more info on bungalow loft conversions please visit Loft-Conversions.com.