Reimagine the dead space in your home by transforming the loft area into a fully functional room, brimming with potential
BRIGHT IDEAS
Lighting plays a vital role in making your new room feel like a welcoming part of the existing house. Wall lights, lamps and spots will illuminate your space without infringing on the limited head height. In addition to traditional lighting, the wooden roof beams in this bedroom have been fitted with up-lighters that create a focal point of these characterful details as well as brightening the room.
BUILDING UP
In the majority of cases, you will not need planning permission to convert a loft. You can add up to 40m3 of space to a terraced property, and up to 50m3 to a detached or semi-detached house under Permitted Development. If you live in an attached property, you will need a party wall agreement with your neighbours. You can hire a party wall surveyor to handle this. Listed homes or those in a Conservation Area will likely face additional restrictions and specific permissions might be needed. For more information visit planningportal.co.uk.
Building into an empty loft space is one of the best ways to extend your home. Unlike ground floor extensions, which eat into the outdoor space, by adding a loft extension you don’t compromise on your home’s existing floorplan.
‘Most properties will be suitable for a loft conversion as long as the space measures 2.3m at the highest point. Other features that will determine suitability are the roof pitch, the type of structure, and obstacles such as chimney stacks or water tanks,’ explains John Allen, managing director at Econoloft. Before starting work, you also need to seek expert advice on if the foundations are able to support the added weight.
Loft conversions are one of the most cost-effective methods of adding space to your home According to experts at Checkatrade, a basic loft conversion costs around £27,500, while a dormer design is closer to £45,000. In contrast, the average 30m2 home extension costs about £66,000. John Allen also notes that ‘a loft conversion can add more value for money per m2 than any other extension, adding around 20 to 30 per cent to the value of a home.’
OUT OF SIGHT
The only downside to converting a loft into a usable room is the resultant loss of storage. When designing the space, try to plan in cupboards for Christmas decorations and other items that are generally stored here. ‘Bespoke fitted furniture can be tailored exactly to the space, making the most of awkward points, such as eaves and low-lying ceilings, ensuring that no area is wasted,’ says Rebecca Nokes, design director at John Lewis of Hungerford. Its Artisan fitted wardrobe in Lysandra Blue is from £5,000.
GO WITH THE FLOW
If you have
