If you find you’re running out of space in your home, instead of moving out, move up. A loft conversion is an attractive alternative to moving house.
Lofts are so versatile
You may have all the living space you require downstairs but find you could do with another bedroom or bathroom. A loft conversion is an ideal way to balance your home and bring it into proportion. You can convert the loft into an en-suite bedroom, den for teenagers or a home office. If you have great views from your home, converting the loft can take full advantage of them.
Nearly all lofts can be converted
You will need a minimum head height of 2.3 metres, but you will also need to take into consideration the pitch of the roof or obstacles such as water tanks or chimneys which may need working around. If the roof space isn’t 2.3m, there are still other ways to convert such as removing parts of the roof to get the headspace you need. Always check if you need planning permission before starting work.
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Design ideas
Lofts tend to have awkward angles and sloping ceilings, of course. These can be challenging but can also make nifty features. Bring in as much light as you can and create a sense of space by using glass and any other transparent materials. The staircase up to the loft may take up a lot of room on the floor below. So you can make a feature of it either by installing a spiral staircase to save space, or build a bookcase under diagonal stairs for more storage space. If you’re looking for inspirational ideas about loft conversions in Bristol, get in touch with a company such as http://www.caineslofts.co.uk/.
Think about the outside too
When designing your loft, don’t neglect how it looks from the outside too. You won’t want to create an eyesore. You’ll need to think about which materials will work well with your type of property. For instance, zinc and aluminium window frames and cladding work well with the older brickwork of a Victorian property.
Added value
Building in the loft can make you money. A loft conversion typically costs between £30,000 and £40,000 but can increase the value of your home by £50,000 to £60,000.