Collaborative post: A loft conversion is the ideal way to add more space without sacrificing any of the garden. Because of this, loft conversions are popular with families looking to improve their homes. But what makes one loft conversion better than another? Here’s five suggestions to get the most out of your conversion and really make it stand out.
Give your windows a view
Although Velux windows are great for natural light and ventilation, they only offer you a good view of the sky. So, if you really want a stand-out space, it’s worth budgeting for dormer windows or a Mansard-style conversion. This can typically add between £15,000 and £40,000 to your loft conversion cost. But in return you do get more headspace and a much better view.
Think about how it looks on the outside
There’s no denying the fact that a large loft conversion will change the look of your home. So, it’s important to think about how it’s going to look externally. The last thing you want is an ugly box protruding from your roof.
Whether you’re going for a dormer, hip-to-gable or Mansard conversion, make sure the design complements your house. Take the time to discuss the shape, cladding materials and window styles with your architect and builder to get the best result.
Build in your furnishings
A lot of planning goes into building a loft conversion but that care shouldn’t stop at the construction stage. Well-thought-out furnishings can make or break the space, especially if a sloping roof makes it hard to fit in standard furniture. Consider building in beds, wardrobes and other essentials, so they make efficient use of the space. That way you won’t be trying to cram everything into the centre of the room.
Work out all the practicalities
Furnishings aren’t the only practical element to work out. You need to think carefully about how you plan to use the space, to ensure the build meets those requirements. For instance, if the loft’s going to house a couple of bedrooms, then you need to consider adding a bathroom too. Otherwise the occupants of those rooms are going to need to go up and down the stairs to use the family bathroom, which is less than convenient in the middle of the night. An extra bathroom will relieve the pressure on the family bathroom and increase the value of your home, so it’s a win-win. It’s also worth thinking about how you’ll get in and out of the space easily—especially if it’ll be used regularly. You might want to install a drop down loft hatch to make it more convenient to access the space, without having to set up a ladder every time. Especially if this space is for kids, who are likely to go up and down multiple times a day, this can be a more practical option.
If you’re using the loft as an office, then you need to plan in plenty of electrical sockets and make sure there’s a good level of natural and artificial light available. Should you plan to use the conversion for a games room, music room or cinema, then you’ll have acoustic and soundproofing aspects to think about.
Get the temperature just right
Pay close attention to your loft’s heating, insulation and ventilation as getting the balance right play’s a crucial role in creating a space that’s comfortable all year round.
Being at the top of the house, a loft can suffer with the extremes of hot and cold weather. Insulation keeps warmth in and heat out. So, you really need to make sure you’re using the best products you can afford and that they’re installed correctly. With any room that’s thermally efficient, there’s a danger of moisture getting trapped inside. This makes ventilation equally vital to your conversion.
Put in a proper staircase
Basic and space-saving access methods include fixed ladders, spiral staircases and alternating treads. But these can’t be used in certain loft conversions. For instance, alternating treads are only permitted for use in conversions with one habitable room. So, this limits your options on how you use the space now and in the future. It also limits the value the conversion will add to your home. Plus, you have to ask yourself whether anything other than a proper staircase would be safe for your family to use.
