Adding extra living space to your home is a fantastic way to make the most of your property. Not only will it increase the value of your house, but it can also be a great place for children to grow up and play, or it can be used as an office or study. Unlike moving house or building a traditional extension, a loft conversion allows you to get the additional room that you need without eating into your garden or taking away valuable parking spaces in the driveway.
Before you start your search for a loft conversion company you need to know what size and type of loft you have, what kind of work is required and how much it will cost. It’s also a good idea to speak with neighbours who have had their lofts converted, as they may be able to recommend a builder that did a good job and offered competitive prices. You could even ask to visit their property to see the finished loft conversion for yourself.
A loft conversion can be a complex task and it’s important to find a loft conversion company that has experience and expertise in this area. The best way to check is to see if the company has any accreditations or membership of professional associations, as this will indicate that they are a reputable and trustworthy company. It’s also worth asking if they have a project manager that will oversee the entire build and can keep you updated as it progresses.
Once you’ve found a loft conversion company, it’s a good idea to discuss your ideas with them and get quotes based on the measurements of your property. It’s also a good idea for you to research the company online and read reviews to see what other people have said about their service.
Before the construction starts, it’s essential to clear out your loft or attic space and remove any unwanted items. Many lofts become the home of old furniture and keepsakes that you can’t bear to throw away, but it’s important to empty out the space before starting the work, as this will force you to deal with all that clutter once and for all. This will also give you the perfect opportunity to carry out a full clean of your attic before the build begins and get rid of any rubbish or old insulation that you no longer need.
As part of the build process, the loft will be insulated, which is required by building regulations and will help to lower your heating bills. It’s also a good idea that you inform your insurer about the work, as it will likely change the value of your property and you should have adequate buildings and contents insurance.
It’s usually possible to live in your home while the work is being done, depending on the type of loft conversion you choose. This can save you a fortune on hotels costs and will mean that your day to day family and working life is not interrupted.