What do you use your loft for? Christmas decorations? A boiler? Random junk you can’t throw away, but also don’t want to keep?
Even the most modern of houses have lofts – they’re great at keeping the rest of the house warm and safe from the element, but just because you have a loft in your home doesn’t mean it needs to be hidden away and unused, never to be seen again.
The best way to make use of your loft is to convert it into a place you can use. Loft conversions offer much-needed extra space – it can even become an area for projects or an office!
Converting your loft is no mean feat, and there are several things you’ll need to consider before you invest your money and time.
Don’t go cheap
There’s no other way around it – converting anything in your home comes at a price. That doesn’t mean you can’t shop around, but be realistic with your budget and don’t ever, ever cut corners – your loft is supported by the foundations of your home, and any changes to it can cause significant destruction if you’re not careful. This also means you should take extra precautions if considering converting your loft into a bathroom.
Have a clear plan
You can also save on costs by having a clear plan of what you want to convert your loft into. You’ll be wasting time and resources if your extra bedroom suddenly becomes a walk-in wardrobe halfway through your project. Set out your goals and how you’re going to achieve them – including any potential risks and future-proofing into the mix – is an extra bedroom worth the conversion if the space won’t be needed in a few years’ time?
Ask for recommendations
Ask your friends, family, and neighbours and connect with people who’ve already had a loft conversion. They’ll be able to recommend the best contractors and skilled workers to get the job done – they might even be able to give you a few pointers on what to consider for a loft conversion too.
Review your current loft space
What kind of state is your loft in? For example, if it’s been damaged by rainfall due to a leaky roof, it might cost you a lot more than you think just to get the structure habitable and safe again, so adding on more expense might set you back. Measure the space you have and compare that with what you want to convert your loft into – which will also help you when calculating your costs.
Take pictures
Seriously – it’s good to take pictures of before and after! It will help you to remember the steps taken to convert your loft and when it was converted too, so you’ll know when it’s time to check for problem areas and redecorate.
So, now you have a few pointers on what to look out for when considering a loft conversion, the most important question is: what brilliant project will your loft become?
