Loft conversions are becoming increasingly more popular as time goes on. Many new homes on the market now even include converted bedrooms a part of their package. While, by law, they’re not allowed to be classed as an additional bedroom, it will increase the value of your property. And that’s as good a reason as any to jump at a loft conversion, isn’t it? The actual process of converting a loft, however, isn’t as simple as many people believe. There are a number of things that you’re going to need to consider before you start. Let’s review them.
Will Your House Buckle Under the Weight of the World?
It’s simply a fallacy that all homes are created equally. Each structure is intricately designed on an individual basis. For that reason, every house is different. And as such, every loft is different. It just won’t be possible for every home in the world to be able to handle a loft conversion. It all depends on the structural integrity of your house’s foundation. You’ll need to have your home inspected in order to be positive that your home can take the weight of a loft conversion.
Is My Loft Big Enough?
Lofts come in all different shapes and sizes. It is a direct result of the shape of your roof. And while you may have been told that size doesn’t matter, it certainly does a far as loft conversions go, at least. Width and height will differ from loft to loft, and so you may find that you simply won’t have enough room to maneuver if you were to get a conversion. It’s better to get it checked out now to avoid disappointment once the conversion is finished.
Do You Have Planning Permission?
As with all building work, you may need planning permission before you undertake a particular job. And your loft conversion is no different. I know, it may seem silly that you need permission to build on your own land and inside your existing property, but the law is the law. You should apply for planning permission before you consult any builders or get your hopes up. It’s worth having a detailed scheme written up so that you’re more likely to convince them to accept you. You might also want to warn your neighbours that there will be some building work undertaken so as to avoid any resentment.
Will You Need to Overhaul Your Loft Structure?
All lofts have their own beams already installed as a way of keeping your roof from collapsing. But just because they’re strong enough to hold your roof doesn’t mean they’re fit for purpose. You may need to get new beams installed that are less intrusive, at least if you want to have a spacious loft conversion. You should get a consultation before any work begins so that you’re not stung by an unexpected increase to your budget. It’s also worth noting that – if you plan on radically restructuring your loft – you may need a rubbish removal firm, too.
Will Your Stairway Be Enough?
One of the most difficult parts of designing any loft, even before a conversion, is how the stairs are going to be. A lot of people struggle with this simply because of the precarious nature of a loft’s positioning. More often than not, a loft will be equipped with those folding stairs that you can pull down before you make your way up there. You’ll have to decide whether that’s going to be practical for you after your conversion. If not, you may want to have a second staircase put in, but it’ll take some pretty meticulous planning.
Can You Install New Windows?
Most lofts come equipped with a skylight window these days. They’re relatively easy to install without altering the structure of your roof, so they’re a great option. They don’t always allow for an abundance of natural light to enter your loft, though. You may find that you have to consider getting another window installed. How and where depends entirely on the structure of your roof. It may simply not be possible to install another window. You’ll have to get your loft checked out to have this verified.
Do You Have Safety Precautions?
Most homes are now regulated so that they have a means of escape in case of fire. Usually, this involves stepping out of your window and onto a raised platform. Obviously, the laws will differ depending on which country you live in, so you’ll have to check. It’s absolutely worth having, at least, one fire escape option per floor of your home. That can get a little difficult when it comes to your loft. You should get a consultation to see if it’s possible to achieve.
Will Your Insulation Be Adequate?
You’re probably already pretty familiar with loft insulation. We all have them. It’s how we keep the air of winter chill out of our homes throughout the colder months. And while it may be effective for retaining the heat in your house, it may not be as good at containing heat in your loft. If you plan to be spending any considerable length of time in your loft conversion (and why wouldn’t you?), you may need to look at more insulation. Again, this can add extra to your budget, so make sure you plan for it. You may also need to soundproof your loft if you haven’t already.
All of these things will come into your budgeting equation, but not all of them will apply to you. It all depends on the laws in your area and the state of your existing loft. You should check them all anyway, though. As I’m sure you’ll agree, it’s better to be safe than sorry. You don’t want to get mid-way through the job, having paid for those services, and find you can’t go on any longer. The builder that you contract may be able to clear some of this up for you when he’s consulting you about the job. Don’t be afraid to ask him any questions if you are unsure about anything!
(Original Post: http://www.propertyowl.co.uk/loft-conversion-the-hidden-costs-you-hadnt-accounted-for/)