LOFT CONVERSION
Loft Conversion
Loft conversions offer a fantastic opportunity to expand the living space in your home without increasing its footprint. You can turn your loft into a comfortable guest room, a luxurious master suite, a peaceful office, or even a teenager’s hangout spot.
Introduction to Loft Conversion
Buying and selling properties is timely and stressful hassle which nobody enjoys going through. But if you need more space, it can seem like a necessary option. However, this is not the case, as you have many other options to consider before going through the motions of selling your home for a bigger property, including considering an extension or loft conversion.
A loft conversion is an excellent way of using the dead space in your property, which can be around 20% of your total floor space, transforming it into a functional area of the home completely tailored to your needs and budget.
The Simply Construction Group has over ten years of experience in attic conversions and home extensions, with our brands Simply Loft and Simply Extend. Our ten-year warranty has brought relief to hundreds of our clients, with projects ranging from London to the West Midlands, including Birmingham.
Simply Loft has received hundreds of positive reviews on TrustPilot and Google and has accreditations from TrustMark and The Guild of Master Craftsmen.
With this experience, we have gathered all of the information you need to know before investing in a loft conversion, to make your life easier in what is presumably an already stressful time. From planning permission, to party wall agreements, and costings to lighting options, you can find the information you need right here.
Design and Build Loft Conversions
If you are looking for a good way to add both more space and light to your property, a dormer loft conversion is a good option. This type of loft conversion includes creating a structure that will extend vertically from the roof. Depending on the type of roof you have, the modern dormer loft conversion can be flat, gabled, or hipped. And yes, a double dormer loft conversion is also possible if your property allows it.
Why Do I Need a Loft Conversion?
Before you think about the specifics of a loft conversion, it is good to know why you want one and what you need the space for. If you are a working professional who needs a home office, why is your property not already suitable? Do you need to get away from the noise of family members, or maybe a space away from distractors like the TV? Typically, we find that most families invest in a loft conversion to add an extra bedroom to their property or guest area, so that they can welcome a new addition to the family or move in elderly relatives. Whatever your need for more space in your home, take some time to think how much space it is that you need, and what you will be using the loft conversion for.
What is My Loft Conversion Budget?
Perhaps the most important question to consider, is what budget do you have to work with. This is absolutely key, as there is no point in going through the motions of getting quotes if you do not know what you can and can’t afford. Loft conversions can range from £30K + VAT upwards, with different types and sizes having different approximate costings. The cost of a loft conversion will also depend on what fixtures and fittings you will require in the space, especially if you are including a new bathroom as well as a bedroom. With Simply Loft, we offer fixed price packages, with a price-matching service that runs through exactly what you are paying for. We are transparent with our costs, providing a full, detailed specification list. It is always good to budget for an extra 10% of the cost of your attic conversion, in case of any modifications, upgrades or alterations you want to make during the build. In the next section we have listed the approximate costings for each type of loft conversion you can have.
Is the Time Right for You to Have a Loft Conversion?
Having any type of construction work carried out in your home can come with disruption of varying degrees. Although loft conversions are deemed one of the least disruptive home improvement projects (work is carried out above the existing home), there will still be loud noises, dust and workmen going through your home, anywhere from six to twelve weeks. If you have young children, or you are going through a stressful period at work, it may not be the right time to have construction work completed in your property. It is important that you are honest with yourself about what you can, and definitely can’t, deal with, and that if you do go ahead with a project you make this clear to your project manager or building team. Alternatively if budget allows, you may want to consider a short term rental or holiday during the most disruptive weeks of construction.
Mansard Loft Conversion
A mansard loft conversion is a very popular choice, with many London families opting for this type of attic conversion due to the large amount of space it creates. Not only does it create more headspace, but it also allows more usable cubic metres of space. It is the loft conversion which requires the most amount of construction work and is therefore the most disruptive, however they are considered one of the most aesthetically pleasing types of loft conversion. They are suitable for most property types, including mid-terraces.
What Type of Property Do I Have?
When researching loft conversions, there can be a lot of emphasis on which conversion suits your property type. Traditionally, in London, we see three main types of period property; Edwardian (1900-1910), Victorian (1840-1900) or Georgian (1720-1840). There is also an abundance of 1930’s homes, which are perfect for adding loft conversions too. We can even add loft conversions to new build properties, meaning there is a loft conversion type to suit most types of property. Ultimately, do not stress too much about the type of your property, as our experienced surveyors will know exactly what type of conversion will suit your property and your budget.
Cost of a mansard loft conversion
The cost of a mansard loft conversion begins at £45,000 incl. VAT, but does depend on the personalisations of the build, as well as the size and complexity. You can choose how many rooms you would like in your mansard attic conversion, with many families opting for bedrooms and bathrooms to entertain house guests. Our Simply Loft surveyors are on hand to provide you with an accurate quote after they have completed a site survey at your house. No project is too big or too small, and we can help advise you on what your property and budget would suit best.