Loft Conversion Hints And Tips

By Author: Jane austin
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Considering getting a loft conversion done? There are plenty of things to think about first before picking up the phone and calling in the specialists.

Carrying out home improvements have increased greatly in recent years as more homeowners find themselves tied to the same property due to financial constraints. Doing so can increase the value of your home’s value but you need to consider some important points before taking the plunge.

Size and Cost

Before going ahead think about what this will cost. The cost depends on many issues such as the size of the loft to be converted and the condition of the existing property.

Floor space

a large sq ft area is generally going to cost more due to the extra materials used and the labour required needed to complete the work.

Condition

a loft in poor condition may require some further remedial works to make it suitable and safe for the conversion to be completed.

Scale of the conversion

there are a wide range of options to be considered when carrying out loft conversions. A budget install might just take a day and ...
... involve putting in joists, lights and new ladders whereas a full blown conversion that can be used as a bedroom will cost a lot more and involve much more work and time. However even a basic project can add value to a home since better access to the loft for storage poses a very attractive feature to many would be buyers.

Other Considerations

Getting a loft conversion done isn’t just about deciding on the size and simply placing some flooring in the existing space. There are plenty of other issues that require addressing before calling in the builders;

Complex Designs

for the more complicated designs then you may well need to speak with an architect prior to going ahead. The more simple designs can probably be drawn up by the builder.

Staircase Location

if the loft conversion is intended for use as a bedroom or other habitable room then you need a permanent staircase which itself will take up a portion of the second floor so therefore it will require some careful planning to ensure the stairs will not interfere with the floor below or look unusual.

Headroom

some lofts can be very cramped which severely limit their use. To be used as a room the loft ideally needs over 7 ft of headspace otherwise you could be creating an extra room that no one wants to use.

Planning Permission

many conversions don’t need any planning permission but certain additions such as dormers may need you to speak with the local authorities. Also consider safety standards which are not only important from a legal point of view but also your own families safety.
Fire Risk

consider how easily a person can escape from the loft area in the event of a fire.

Plumbing Considerations

the loft will presumably require heat which may mean it being connected up to the central heating system. Enquire as to whether this is feasible and if the existing system can actually cope with the extra room to heat. Adding a toilet or extra bathroom may complicate things further so get this answered before beginning the work.

This useful list of hints for loft conversions London has been brought to you by Landmark Loft who can organise and construct your loft conversion from the earliest of stages right through to final completion.