At one time, the attic or loft was just a place to store old toys and cardboard boxes full of ancient photographs and neglected trinkets. Nowadays the loft is, quite literally, a waste of valuable space if it can be converted into a useful room. Loft conversions can accomplish wonders in terms of increasing available living space without incurring the more costly and onerous bureaucratic expenses involved in adding an extension, such as an annexe or a conservatory, to the house.
How loft Conversions are Carried Out
The initial stages of organizing a loft conversion involve an inspection by the building company undertaking the work and a discussion about how the new space is to be used. Measurements must be taken so that available headroom can be estimated and the potential position of a stairwell for access needs to be determined. Outline designs can then be prepared, and the budget for the work agreed.
Design elements are sometimes provided by the company undertaking the loft conversion work, and sometimes by homeowners who have a specific purpose in mind for their new space (bedroom, office, etc.) Planning permission may be needed for some of the work; however, the loft conversion company will normally be able to make the relevant applications so that building work can begin fairly promptly.
A key part of the work will be to extend the house services to the new room. Radiators, plus other plumbing work that may be required will be addressed and the electrical installations will be made. This work will be coordinated with fitting flooring; installing window lights in the roof and fixing interior cladding to create a usable space – the interior is then ready for decoration.
Creating Useful Extra Space
Some families decide to create an extra bedroom or playroom in the loft. A loft can house toys and equipment that take up rather a lot of space, such as a table tennis table or an extended train set.
A room for a teenager is also a favourite choice and, indeed, with many young adults returning home after university or college these days, a loft conversion can create a very cozy self-contained living/sleeping space complete with daybed, a desk for work and cheerful leather sofas for relaxation.
A loft room is a bright space and can provide an ideal study for working in the home, away from the distracting diversions of family life, with plenty of room for computer equipment and secure filing cabinets as well as other working materials.
Although probably not suitable for elderly relatives, creating an extra adult en suite bedroom in the loft will free up a downstairs space, so when older family members come to stay, there is plenty of room for everyone.
The Best Things about a Loft Conversion
As no extension is being added, it is unlikely that planning permission will be needed for a loft conversion, although occasionally permission to install windows in the roof is required. This means a beautiful new space will be created for a fraction of the cost it would take to extend the home.
Loft conversions can be completed in a matter of weeks, and that extra room will increase the value of a property – sometimes by around 25 per cent.
1. Canadian House and Home – Small Space Solutions
2.Tamir Addadi Architecture
3. Perfectly Imperfect – Home Office Makeover
Dedicated Post by Jody Parker
Photos Courtesy of Pinterest
Ahh Beautiful. I’ve always wanted to have a loft.
xo
girlintheyellowdress.com
I just love the idea of loft conversions. I would like to convert my loft as in the 3rd picture. Thanks for this!
Nice pictures. Really shows what can be done with your loft space. Love the wood panelling in pic 2.