Loft Conversions turning empty space into a functional room

Sep 26
06:17

2012

mehboob talukdar

mehboob talukdar

  • Share this article on Facebook
  • Share this article on Twitter
  • Share this article on Linkedin

A loft conversion is the process of turning empty and unused space in an attic into a functional room. This could be anything from a bedroom to an office or even a home gym.

mediaimage
Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0in; mso-para-margin-right:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0in; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}

Loft conversions are quickly becoming one of the most popular types of home improvement in the UK as they have numerous benefits. The process of converting a loft can be a complicated process and there is a large amount of work involved which means it is a much better idea to hire the services of a professional and specialist loft conversion company to undertake the project rather than do your own DIY job.

 

The first step when undertaking a loft conversion project is to closely inspect the space in the loft to work out its exact dimensions and to also establish whether a loft conversion is actually feasible. You will need to establish whether there is enough space under the ridge of the roof. This is because 2.3 meters is required to allow for enough headroom. You can still have enough room from as little as 2.1 meters. There should be a minimum of 2 meters clearance above the position of the staircase that will be used to access the loft. The roof will also need to be checked for any signs of rainwater entering the roof space. If you find there are dark stains on the roof rafters then this is a sign that rain water has entered. Repairs to the roof are usually part of a loft conversion process when dormers are constructed and roof windows are fitted. Most properties are able to have a loft conversion as long as the minimum height is 2.2 meters.

 

Installing a loft conversion has many benefits and this is the reason the rise in their popularity. Up to 30% of a home’s potential space is located in the attic and converting this will provide a significant amount of room that can be used for a variety things. A professional loft conversion can also add value to a property and can increase a house’s value by 20%. Many people choose to convert their loft as an alternative to the costly and stressful process of moving home.

 

There are two popular types of loft conversions that are most common:

 

A roof window loft conversion is a popular option for homeowners as they fit into the line of the roof and will not require any restructuring of the roof. Installing these windows means the loft will have substantial light. A roof window loft conversion can generally be completed under permitted development rights and does not require planning permission,Loft Conversions turning empty space into a functional room Articles but will require building regulation approval.

 

Another popular type of loft conversion is a dormer conversion. A dormer loft conversion is a window featured extension of the roof and is installed so as to provide more headroom and space within the loft itself. A dormer conversion also provides improved staircase access. Dormer loft conversions have been proved to be popular because they give an aesthetic enhancement to your home. Remember that installing a dormer loft conversion will require planning permission from your local authority.