Loft conversions have become increasingly popular in the UK. And for good reason: they add extra living space to your home, without the same hassle or cost that comes with an extension. Plus, if planned and executed correctly, they can add value to your home – a loft conversion can be an excellent investment. But you’ll need to think hard about it to get the most out of your conversion. Below, we explore the important things to consider when converting a loft.
Reinforce floor
For a start, you should consider reinforcing the floor of the loft. This is usually essential: when you convert your loft, the floor will need to be strengthened to be capable of carrying all the additional weight. Begin by assessing the kind of flooring your loft has before consulting with an architect or construction workers to decide the best option for reinforcement.
Insulate roof
Next, you’ll need to consider how to insulate your roof. Now that you’ll be living in your loft every day, the room needs to be capable of keeping you warm in winter and cool in summer. Roof insulation can help retain the heat in your house, and keep water out if it’s water resistant.
Fitting electrics
It’s easy to overlook electrics as they’ll be hidden away in your loft. But if you don’t sort your electrics early, you could face practical issues down the line. The electrics will be necessary for your lights and gadgets to function optimally. Ideally, you’ll have a clear plan for how you want to use your loft conversion. This can allow you to add your electrics before the plastering without having to carry out any costly rebuilds.
Adding windows
Windows are more than just functional additions to your loft conversion – by getting them right, you can elevate the entire room. After all, natural light has been proven to boost your mood and wellbeing. Skylight windows don’t require structural alterations and can allow natural light to enter the room. If you’re feeling more ambitious, you could consider dormer windows, but you will most likely need planning permission.
Access
One of your final considerations should be accessibility. Installing a staircase can be tricky, especially if you’re tight on space. You can opt for a narrow, winding staircase to take up less space, but this will limit your ability to carry furniture up and down the stairs. Either way, you should consider the accessibility and emergency escapes carefully.
Converting your loft can be a thrilling home improvement project. And by following the guide above, you should be all set to plan your new living space to perfection.
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