This is a brief article which is useful general reading for anyone interested in or considering getting a loft conversion done. It outlines the reasons why they are popular, the styles available and the things to look for from the builder
Loft conversions have become increasingly popular in the last few years, especially since planning laws were relaxed in 2008, allowing most loft conversions to come under the banner of “permitted development”. This basically means that in most cases planning is not required provided certain criteria regarding size and look of the conversion are met. However do not confuse planning with “Building Regulations”, which you will still need to apply for if you wish to use the loft conversion as a liveable space.
Loft conversions have the obvious advantage of providing a great space, they increase the value of the property, they take away the hassle of moving and adding an extra bedroom in the loft is often much cheaper than moving to a house with an extra bedroom in the same area. Loft conversions are also advantageous in comparison with traditional extensions in that they are cheaper to do, they don’t take up valuable outside space and you don’t have the hassle of sharing your house with tradesman for weeks on end as most of the work is carried out through the roof space.
There are various options of loft conversion available and the style you choose will be influenced by the type of house you live in or the area, but rest assured most houses can be done, including those with modern trussed rafterlofts. The various styles for a conversion are roof light, dormer, front/side gable, wrap around, mansard and rear dormer conversions.
Also whilst all this work is happening on the loft conversion, it could be a good time to do something for the environment and your pocket as well! It might be a good idea to fit solar panelsfor either your electricity, wateror both. Not only would you be doing your bit to lower your carbon footprint the government is currently offering financial incentives to householders who use solar electricity and our soon going to introduce a similar scheme forsolar water.
When choosing a builder please do the usual, check their credentials, don’t pay money upfront, make sure you have a contract, make sure they have a schedule of how they are going to undertake the work and don’t just give a job on price alone. If you get three quotes and one is way cheaper my advice would be to avoid as they are either going to try and hammer you with hidden costs or have not priced it correctly and the job will be done on the cheap, if they can finish it at all.
Finally if you are interested in getting a loft conversion and you live in West Yorkshire or the surrounding areas please get in touch with www.moveuplofts.co.uk
