What if you’re outgrowing your living space, but the idea to move to a bigger house doesn’t attract you? You are happy with your current location, you wouldn’t like to leave your beautiful garden and friendly neighbours, or you simply can’t afford larger dwelling.
You do have options to solve the problem. First, you can extend your house. Second, you can turn existing space not meant for living into bedrooms and bathrooms.
Let’s take loft conversion as an example.
- A converted attic provides an opportunity of two families living in one house (elderly parents on the ground floor and a young family occupying the first floor and the loft space).
- There is no need to compromise the house in terms of daylight, and in terms of enjoyment of the garden for the existing rooms.
- With skylight windows in the attic you have a big advantage of very good daylight and avoid problems with your neighbours’ privacy.
- Moreover, a well planned loft conversion will add value to your house without extending its actual space.
If you are undertaking loft conversion (or some other house renewals, such as garage conversion, single or multi-storey extension, etc.) the first thing to do is to think over all physical, legal and financial aspects involved.
- Your plan should comply with local building regulations.
- Think about ventilation and lightning, insulation, wind infiltration, water supply, headroom standards and fire safety.
- Internal and external design of your loft should be very well thought through from the aesthetic point of view as well as comply with planning and building regulations.
- Consider all possible spendings.
- Of course this takes much effort and time. Another way to make your final decision is to get an expert advice of specialists before the work starts. Decent builders will provide you with all the necessary site surveys and quotations free of charge.
Rainbow experienced builders carry out all forms of general building work from house extension, conversion, renovation and refurbishment to roofing, brickwork and ground work. All work undertaken with full public liability insurance. All site visits and quotations are free of charge.
Sources: http://www.boarshurst.co.uk/Html/Lofts.html , http://www.northtyneside.gov.uk/building/lofts.htm