Monday, 5 August 2013

Loft Conversions Offer Cost-Effective Extra Room

By James Anderton


As family numbers grow, there may be a need for more living space. Loft conversions are a cost-effective solution to this problem, and are very popular as a result. They obviate the need to move and can provide a reasonable amount of extra space, while you can tailor a conversion to suit your pocket.

Going this route also solves the problem of selling your house, which can be a real problem, especially if you still owe a lot on it. Not only is this a near-impossible task, but you will still have various fees to pay as well. Against the background of this scenario, adding an extra room to your existing house is a welcome alternative.

With new regulations having recently come into play, some investigation would repay the minimal effort. Avoiding the need for planning permission is a big time-saver, and you should see whether your dwelling qualifies. There are various other considerations as well, such as strengthening the joists so they can carry more weight and the design of windows, but none should be insurmountable.

An increase in the size of your family is not the only reason to wish to extend: Many people telecommute or run a business from home as well. Whatever your reasons are, a room in the attic can be quite flexible in use and can be adapted to meet changing needs. You could even consider incorporating a shower cubicle if space permits and you foresee a need.

Normally such a project would be within the capabilities of a DIY expert, as many successful conversions can attest. Provided you have suitable tools and follow a good plan, there should be no difficulty. You should remember that a final result which is amateurish is counter-productive, so you need the work to be carried out to an acceptable standard.

For this reason, and also because you may not have enough time to devote to converting the space, conversion companies should be considered. Most will give you a free quote for the work and will advise you on whether your project falls within the limits or whether permission will be needed. You will also be sure they will finish the job off properly, and using professionals will also make it easier to get finance if necessary

In the past such a conversion was often rather unappealing and makeshift. Nowadays it has become the province of interior designers, and can add space and light to a home. Properly done with good insulation, it can also increase the thermal efficiency of your home and cut heating bills. A good design will increase the value of your house, once values have risen again.

There is no doubt that well-designed loft conversions have a part to play in the effort to increase accommodation in a home. They certainly have a lot going for them, and are both more practical and more affordable than having to sell and then buy a new house. Any slight inconvenience experienced while the work is being done will be more than offset by the long term benefits of an extra room.




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