Add space and value to your property with a loft conversion
It might be an understatement to proclaim the property market’s in a bit of a pickle at the moment, but there is a positive behind the doom and gloom – it has never been easier, or cheaper, to renovate your home.
Now might well be the time to convert that forgotten space, which is currently being held hostage by bags and boxes of family keepsakes - the loft....you’ll add space and value to your property in no time.
Why you should improve - not move
With the current economic climate as tumultuous as it is, a loft conversion makes sense. If you’re going to have to stay put, you might as well look for ways to improve your property and create more space for you and the family.
It’s relatively cost-effective too. The VAT rate is down, there are builders desperate for work and new planning laws introduced in 2008 mean that certain loft conversions no longer need to be approved by the council, which saves you further red tape, time and expense.
When it comes to the new planning laws, there are still some complex rules. But in general, as far as loft conversions go, there’s no need to apply for planning permission if alterations don’t affect the appearance of a house from the street.
3 key points to consider are:
- Loft conversions don’t need planning permission as long as the volume added to the house is less than 50 cubic metres for a detached house, or 40 cubic metres for a terrace house.
- On the side of the house facing the street, only skylights lying flat on the roof are allowed.
- At the back, a dormer (an extension with a window at the front) will be allowed, as long as it’s no higher than the existing roof and is set back at least 20cm from the eaves.
Any works beyond these three points will probably need planning permission, so play it safe and make sure you’re not infringing any laws before you book the builders.
More information on loft conversions can be found at www.planningportal.gov.uk. And again, before booking the builders, make sure you read Got the Builders In? Make Sure you Don’t Invalidate your Home Insurance.
Be practical
Unlike the heady days before the property slump, when gold-plated finishes and designer-laden rooms were the name of the game, these penny-pinching times mean you’ve got to think practically.
An extra bedroom or office space are popular options. Get it right and you’ll add a lot of value to your home at the same time. Furnishing the new room-cum-loft shouldn’t take too much out of your savings either.
Ask lots of questions
Before you do anything, arm yourself with a torch and tape measure and get up into the loft to see what kind of space you’re dealing with.
Ask yourself lots of questions such as how sound-proof is the room, is there enough light, how do the proportions of the loft work, where will electrical points go, do you have a party wall agreement with your neighbours? This will save time and money in the long run.
Cover yourself
Even in its simplest form, a loft conversion can prove an immense under-taking, so check first to see if your home insurance will cover all eventualities.
And although it works out cheaper to carry out conversions these days, don’t get carried away. It’s possible to have too much space and the end result could mean a house that’s top heavy with too many bedrooms for the amount of living rooms beneath.
Finally, it’s important to know that once you’ve added size and value to the property, you’ll probably need to upgrade your home insurance to cover the new rebuild cost and any contents contained within the extension. For an idea of what this figure is for the newly extended property, read How to Find the Rebuild Cost of your home.
Original Source [Confused.com Guide to Loft Conversions]
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