How Much Does A Loft Conversion Cost?
Once you've found somewhere you like to live, it's a pain to move house.
Whether it's convenient for work, good for the local schools or just the place you've always dreamed of, you don't want necessarily want to uproot if your circumstances change.
If you need some extra space at home but you don't want to move, there are options to make better use of the space you have.
Many homes have a loft that will allow conversion and create additional living space at a lower cost than putting your home on the market.
Once you take into account the fees, stamp duty and general hassle of packing up your life, looking into your roof space for the additional room to ease your space woes makes a lot of sense.
Things to consider When Pricing Up Loft Conversions
There are several things you'll need to take into consideration before you decide to take the plunge and expand into the loft.
Firstly, take the time to have a good look around in your loft space.
You're only going to be able to usefully convert it if there's a reasonable amount of space in which you can stand upright and walk around.
Of course, there's always the option of installing a dorma, but that brings with it a whole host of different questions.
If you're satisfied that you have enough space to use once a conversion is done, think about what you want to use the space for. Do you want it for storage?
A playroom for the kids? An extra bedroom?
All of these things will have a bearing on how you go about fitting out the area when it comes to conversion.
Planning permission is not usually required for a loft conversion, but there are some regulations on what is permitted.
Provided you're not planning to extend beyond the existing plain of the existing roof slope or a balcony or veranda, there's no need to apply for permission before starting work.
Once you've thought these things through, it's time to get some quotes.
There's bound to be a number of loft conversion contractors in your area who will be keen to win your business.
They will be able to inspect the space and check it for safety and stability, as well as giving advice on what is permissable within the local planning regulations.
They will also be able to calculate with a greater degree of accuracy the amount of usable space once the conversion is complete.
They can provide you with plans and give you a real picture of how things could look once complete.
Loft Conversion Costs - What will it cost?
The cost of a loft conversion can vary due to the type of your house and design but generally, a loft conversion can cost upwards of £20,000. As a loft conversion needs a lot of planning and building skills/ experience, hiring a specialist company is key for a good loft conversion. Be sure to get a range of quotes from different companies to compare prices, experience and previous examples of work so that you choose the right company for you.
A full loft conversion can cost anywhere between £10,000 and £40,000 depending on the size of the loft, what needs to be done and the area in which you live.
Conversions in London or in conservation areas will be more costly due to the price of materials, labour and compliance with regulations.
When considering if it's worth the outlay, you need to take into account the benefits.
Moving home these days can incur a hefty bill for solicitor's fees, mortgage arrangement, moving costs and stamp duty.
In contrast, an investment in a loft conversion can be expected to add an average of £18,000 to the resale value of your home – an increase not to be sniffed at.
