Thursday, 6 October 2011

Why to get your loft converted

By David S Kingston


There are different reasons why we improve our homes. We might do so simply to make it nicer or better suited to our needs, or we might do it as an investment. One of the best ways to add value to a home is to add extra rooms. You can do this via an extension or a loft conversion.

The housing market indicates that moving from a three bedroom house to a four bedroom one can cost as much as 100,000. This is because three bedroom houses predominate in the UK, whereas four bedroom houses are harder to come by. This also means that by adding a fourth bedroom, you can drastically increase the value of your home.

Adding another bedroom can be a great alternative to moving as well. You gain extra space without paying estate agent and solicitor fees and without having to sort out all the details that add to the stress and upheaval of a move.

Not all lofts and attics are suitable for conversions. If it is too low, it will not be possible to convert it. Equally, you cannot convert a loft when the pitch of the roof is too steep. There needs to be 2.3m of head room at the apex of the roof and at least 2m over the stairs.

If you go ahead with a loft conversion in Surrey, there are issues should you be making any significant structural changes. The addition of dormer windows or similar will require planning permission and any work that involves a wall, floor or ceiling of an adjoining property will require a party-wall agreement.

Consider the cost of the work as well. A conversion with the addition of a bedroom and shower room will typically cost 30,000 to 40,000 but set more aside in case of unforeseen issues. You may also want to take the opportunity to add solar panels at the same time, which will be another cost.




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