Thinking of Loft Converting? Listen up!

Loft conversions can be so beneficial to your property value. With a whole new liveable floor space added to your property, a new bedroom, study and bathroom can add big benefits when, in the future, looking to sell your home.

Photo: nu:projects

Firstly, think about how much you should spend on your loft conversion. You want to add value to your property with a loft conversion. However, if you spend too much, you may over value your home and the profit margin be non existent.

For example – your house is valued at £500,000. If your loft conversion costs £50,000, the projected cost of your home is £550,000. However, if the ceiling prices of houses on your street are £520,000, then you will never see your profit.

Loft conversions usually take six to ten weeks to complete. However, if it is a more complex loft conversion where the existing roof will need to be removed, the project can take eight to ten weeks.

In most cases, loft conversions don’t require planning permission as they abide with permitted development. However, if you are extending or altering your roof and exceeding the limits and conditions, then you may need planning permission.

There are three main types of loft conversions people generally have done on their home.

Roof-light Conversion: Generally, this conversion is kept within the existing roof structure. It tends to be the most affordable because of this. Space can be limited due to the room being contained within the original roof height.

Photo: Houzz

Dormer Window Extension: More expensive, this is where the volume of the roof is made into a 90 degree angle allowing vertical windows and doors, and therefore a lot more full head room. Generally, there is no need for planning permission, but there may need to be if changes are happening to the front elevation of the property.

Photo: Dezeen

Mansard Conversion: You will almost definitely need planning permission. In these cases, the existing roof structure is completely changed. Mansards allow the maximum amount of living space, extending the entire roof space to a flat roof with a steep front wall, 70 – 90 degrees.

Photo: nu:projects

Once you’ve decided what type of conversion to have done on your loft, bring in the Experts. Here at nu:projects, we have fixed our fair share of cowboy building jobs, especially on loft conversions. It is so important to make sure you are having work done by a fully qualified company. Here at nu: we are trusted with years of experience and insurance backed guarantee. Checklists include safety of the stairs, insulation levels, effective drainage and electrical safety – these points forgotten by some building contractors.

The little details. A new loft conversion needs to be practical. Think about the positioning of plug sockets and radiators, and also where the lighting should be installed, your nu: project manager will help you with all these details.

And finally, don’t forget about furniture and fittings. With awkward shapes being formed by the roof structure, a qualified carpenter will be able to create bespoke, individual fitting wardrobes and storage cupboards to fit your space exactly. This means that there is no wasted space as there would be with free standing cabinets.

Photo: Maple and Gray

Contact nu:projects today for any of your loft conversion queries or needs – we will build and fit your loft from the beginning of the construction to the completion. 020 7731 6841