Loft Conversions: Extend Your Home

House owners in need of more space do have the option of moving to a larger property, but there is an option that offers additional space in an existing property without the upheaval of moving home.

That option is a loft conversion.

Here are some major benefits and reasons why an increasing number of households are finding such a conversion to be an excellent alternative.

Far less upheaval all around:

Finding a new home to suit your space requirements can be time-consuming and stressful.

Costs incurred will include the value of the new property, stamp duty, solicitor fees and the actual cost of moving from one house to another.

Packing your worldly goods and then unpacking them is another consideration that adds to the challenge of moving home.

You then need to take into account facts such as:

• Unless you find a property in reasonably close proximity to your existing one it may mean additional commute time to your place of work (or finding new employment).
• Arranging a new school for the children.
• Settling into a brand-new environment with the social challenges this brings for the whole family.

When all of these factors and many more are taken into account it is easy to understand that moving home is quite rightly viewed as a huge project, one that cannot be taken lightly.

Gain space without losing any!

A major reason for considering moving home is that your growing family now require more space.

Yes, you can consider building an extension on your existing home, but unless your property is situated on ample grounds you will certainly lose outside space and the freedom which goes with it.

By taking the advice and ideas of a well-respected architect you will find that the conversion of your loft will add additional, very functional space such as an office, a children’s den, or the most popular choice; an additional bedroom with an en-suite bathroom.

A light, airy addition to your property:

By definition, a loft conversion can be designed to make the most of natural light. Being at the top of the house means natural light is far less restricted from surrounding properties or trees.

Window styles can be far more expansive and a roof window really can make the most of sunshine and daylight. You will also find views from a loft conversion far more elevated than from other rooms in your home.

Added value to your home:

We must make this point because a loft conversion is seen as one of the most cost-effective and valuable home improvements you can make.

The fact that the external structure is already in place reduces the overall cost, inclement weather does little to reduce the progression of work as the majority of this will be carried out from the inside (unlike building an extension), and in many cases planning permission is not required.

A well-designed loft conversion can add up to 20% to the value of your existing home.

A final point to ponder:

In many cases, the cost of converting your loft as opposed to moving home is equivalent to the stamp duty you will pay if taking the latter option.

This means that by deciding on a loft conversion you are gaining more living space while paying less for it.