When to Commit to a Loft Conversion

Committing to domestic house construction can be a daunting thought, but if you want to make changes in your home, you have to say yes at some point! When you reach that point however, can be down to several different factors. So, here is a checklist on when to commit to a loft conversion…

You know what you want (well, roughly!)

It may seem obvious, but before you commit to a loft conversion you need to know what exactly it is that you want. There are many different types of conversion, from mansards to dormers to loft pods, and they all have different styles, prices and construction times. Most popular is the rear dormer, which can be twinned with a hip to gable conversion too. These add height to the sides of your loft and extend the width by building on one side of the roof structure, removing the old roofing. These are ideal for loft bedrooms or playrooms, as they can be quirky and spacious, with the option of having lots of natural light from skylights.

You know what you want to use the space for!

The reasoning behind why you want a loft conversion can be a big determinant on what type of loft conversion you need. If you want a home office, a loft pod may be the best investment of your money, proving to be particularly popular during the Covid-19 pandemic. However, if you want a whole new floor to your home, a mansard is more appropriate due to the extra height gained to the property. Your surveyor will be able to advise you what is best for your property based off of what you will be using it for.

You have the funds…

Again, slightly obvious, but if you don’t have the money to invest in a loft conversion then don’t commit! Make sure you have slightly more in your budget to allow for any surprises, but also so that you can really invest in the room to make it exactly what you want it to be. It is not uncommon for people to forget that building the loft conversion is one expense but decorating it can be equally as expensive!

You have the space.

It sounds contradictory, but if you don’t have the space in your house to store whatever is being kept in your loft, then you may need to wait before committing. Investing in a loft conversion adds a lot of functional space to your property, but it can take away a lot of storage space too. It can be good motivation to sort through those old boxes you have tucked away, and finally throw out the old toy boxes that have been gathering dust for years! If you are going to be keeping your belongings in the new converted room, it may be good to hire a storage container to keep your belongings in whilst the building works are taking place. This will stop your home being cluttered during the construction work, minimising the madness in your home!

You are willing to live with construction work.

Now this is a big one. If you are committing to a loft conversion, you are not just committing to the finished product. You are committing to the dust, noise and general workings of an active construction site. If you are about to start a stressful new job, or are working at home, it may not be the right time to commit to a conversion. Of course, if you are in a position where you can temporarily leave your home for the duration of the build, or for the first couple of weeks when the major construction is taking place, then this can be worth the money if you don’t like being disturbed.

You own the loft…

If you live in a flat or maisonette, it can be quite common to not realise you do not own the loft space above you. It is always best to check your deeds or contact the freeholder to confirm you have permission to make changes to the loft space. If you do own this space, then you can absolutely go ahead with your loft conversion plans, but if not, then it may be back to the drawing board…

Check local restrictions.

Typically, your surveyor will be able to tell you if there are any local building restrictions called permitted development in place, which varies from borough to borough in London.  If you live in a conservation area, there are limitations to what you can build, but your surveyor can advise you on this. If you want to know what you are allowed prior to meeting a surveyor, you can look on your local council’s conservation site and see what the requirements are for building works on your road. You can also view other planning applications in the area to see what has previously been allowed or rejected, which is often the best way to determine what is possible for your home, prior to committing to plans.

Do your research on your builder!!

Finally, but MOST importantly (!), you must do your research into the builder you have chosen to work with. Look at their accounts online through the government website and check how long they have been trading. Have they liquidated and reformed after going into debt? Can they fund your project if anything were to go wrong? What are the reviews like for them? You can have the best loft conversion plans in the country, but without a reliable and experienced builder, you can be hit with nasty bills. Don’t be scared to do your research, ask to speak to previous clients of theirs, and look at their finances.

So, if you are thinking of committing to a loft conversion, make sure you have done your research on both the build and the builder! Ask yourself if your life can support domestic construction work currently and if you can financially support the costs of a conversion. A loft conversion does not have to be a stressful experience if you are prepared for the process!

If you have any questions about building a loft conversion at your property, get in touch with Simply Loft on 0800 917 7571 for a free, no obligation quote. We have over ten years in the construction industry, being London’s leading loft specialist with hundreds of happy clients. Take a look at our portfolio to gain inspiration for your dream loft!