Loft conversions are a shrewd choice for homeowners looking to expand the available space in their property. They are also one of the more popular forms of domestic renovation at the moment, as the number of people who chose to renovate instead of move home increased five-fold in the years pre-pandemic. But a loft conversion is a major decision; before you call a contractor, you should ask yourself the following questions:
Is My Home Suitable?
The very first question you should ask yourself, before considering anything in relation to design or budget, is if your home is suitable for a conversion to begin with. Some smaller properties may have a narrow loft space, or a shallow-pitched roof with little in the way of headroom beneath. These factors can make a loft conversion impossible without serious intervention and cost. However, if your loft is relatively spacious and has an acceptable degree of headroom, a loft conversion may be much more accessible to you.
How Much Will It Cost?
Having confirmed your property’s viability for a practical loft conversion, your next question regards budget. How much will your conversion cost, and do you have the means to afford it? Even if you cannot afford your ideal conversion outright, financing options are available – and it is important to remember that loft conversions add value to a property.
This question is important beyond ascertaining your budgetary capacity, though. Asking this question also requires you to reckon more directly with your plans for the loft conversion – what you intend to use it for, what kind of conversion you are leaning towards and how you would like it finished. You will need to account for essential materials like roofing insulation and plasterboard, while considering optional additions such as lighting and materials that suit your design concept.
Do I Need Planning Permission?
Planning permission can be an off-putting aspect to any home extension – but thankfully, loft conversions are largely exempt from planning permission, making them relatively straightforward to commission. However, there are some caveats, and before you progress with your plans you should ensure that your loft conversion does not cross the line into planning permission territory. As an example, your loft conversion does not require planning permission if it remains within the bounds of your home – that is, if it doesn’t extend beyond your exterior wall, or above the highest point of your roof.
How Long Will the Conversion Take?
Loft conversions can be a disruptive intervention into your home life, whatever the scope. Even the most basic form of loft conversion, which sees the existing loft space insulated and decorated with one or two skylights installed, can be a major interruption of your day-to-day living. Meanwhile, larger dormer conversions could render your home inhospitable until work is complete. As such, you need to understand the time it would take to complete your conversion, and the demands of your personal schedule in the prospective window for conversion.