Loft extension is the best method used to avail of the dead space in the house and convert into a usable living area. Loft conversions are perfect for creating extra room or just that all important work space, spare bedroom or home office, so if you don't want the bother of moving house, and don't have the budget for a house extension, a loft conversion is a great option that can add that much needed space to your home. Here is everything that you need to know about the loft extension and how useful it can be in improving the worth of your house and the liveliness of your life.
Why you need a Loft Extension.
Increase Living Space: The most important purpose of having a loft extension is because of space requirements among homeowners. If you decide to extend your family or just need an additional bedroom for different activities or as an office, turning your attic might be the best solution that will not take up your garden or other territories.
Add Property Value: Loft conversions have always been considered value for the property considerably. They can be very useful, they in fact add value to your home in the long run by making it sellable at a higher price than before. Across the board, a loft conversion will make an addition of up to 20% of your property's value, making it a good investment for any homeowner willing to enhance their home.
Cost-Effective Alternative to Moving: At the same time, property prices are steadily increasing, as well as the expenses on the moving that is why the loft extension is much cheaper than the moving. It provides you with a chance to remain in your current home, do not think of the complications of moving and get the additional living space.
Types of Loft Extensions
There are several types of loft extensions to consider depending on your budget, the type of property, and the amount of space you want to create:
Dormer Loft Conversion: This is one of the most common loft extensions that people prefer to do today. It entails the act of protraction of the roof in order to achieve the extra headroom as well as floor space. As dormer loft conversions are non-projection in nature they can be built on most types of houses, which makes them a viable solution for a large number of people.
Mansard Loft Conversion: Mansard loft conversion is quite common on older buildings where a new roof slope with a flat face and a steep ridge are formed from one or both original slopes. If this form of extension is likely to make considerable alterations then this is probably the largest type of extension although it may necessitate the obtaining of planning permission.
Hip-to-Gable Loft Conversion: This kind of extension is suitable and well-suited in families dwelling at semi-detached or detached houses. This is done by converting the slanted or pitched side of the roof to a standing upright in the form of a gable thus creating more space for the interior of the loft.
Velux Loft Conversion: Velux extensions are the cheapest kind of loft extensions since there is no structural modification needed for the roof. However, Velux windows are installed just to introduce light into a specific room and as such, it is perfect if you are a person working hard to cut costs.
Planning and Building Regulations
Loft extension does not always require planning permission, therefore anyone intending to embark on the project must first determine if he or she needs permission. Loft conversions are often developed as permitted development rights which means one will not have to apply for planning permission as long as some guidelines are met. However, in case the conversion to be made brings the following noticeable alterations such as Mansard conversion then a planning application would be required.
Furthermore, your loft extension work will have to meet the building regulations for the new space to be safe, well constructed, and energy effective. For instance; how the building complies with the fire safety measures, the quality of insulation and the quality of ventilation.
Advantages of lofts extension
Maximizes Existing Space: Loft extension takes advantage of space that is not very useful in the house without special conversion and converts the attic into a functional living area.
Increases Natural Light: New Velux windows as well as dormer windows in the loft thus ensure that more light is is allowed into the room hence making the atmosphere luminous.
Customization: Loft conversion can be done in such a manner that it will depend on one's preferences with an aim of making a room that suits him or her.
A loft extension is therefore the best option for any homeowner who would wish to expand their living space, increase the value of their property and at the same time minimize the inconvenience of relocation. These are some of the options you can choose from and since there are many designs to choose from, you can be sure you are getting the perfect home and working environment that will not only give your home a face lift but also increase value in the long run.
