|
Homeowners who make the decision to invest in getting a loft conversion for their property will do so for a multitude of reasons. As the space in the attic prior to a conversion is unusable for the daily rigours of family life, each type of loft extension looks to expand this space to make ir functional. There isn't really a right or wrong answer as to what to use the space for, however, we generally see four main uses. The functionality of each use will depend on the type of conversion you ultimately choose.
Office Most offices do not need to be excessively large as what is usually required is a space for a decent sized desk, laptop/desktop, cabinets and maybe a sofa (for when you need some time out!). Because of these requirements, the most cost effective type of loft conversion is the Velux conversion. Bedroom (with ensuite) Probably the most common use for a loft conversion in the UK, creating an extra bedroom, especially with an ensuite, is considered the most effective way to increase the value of your home. General requirements are sufficient space for the ensuite to contain at least a shower, enough headroom to comfortably get in and out of bed and decent storage facilities. The best types of loft conversions for this would be a dormer, hip to gable or mansard conversion. Playroom The requirements for a playroom will differ considerably if its is meant for young children or adults. If it is for young children having enough storage for the toys and appropriate lighting is paramount, a cost effect type of conversion would be a Velux conversion. If you an adult, the requirements change and the amount of headroom becomes increasingly important. We would suggest a domer or hip to gable (if possible) as cost effective options. Living Room Some homeowners may want to create an extra lounge at the roof of their home to take advantage of great views or split the home to have “adults zone” and “children's zone.” The most appropriate type of conversion would be hip to gable or mansard loft conversions as these can increase the amount of usable space in your loft considerably. Of course this is not an exhaustive list, there are countless ways in which you can utilise your loft conversion. One thing to consider is making sure you get the right conversion to suit your needs, minimising the chance of overspending. BS1 Conversions Do loft conversions add value to your home? Loft conversions are large scale projects, which require a number of different trades to ensure the attic extension is completed to the appropriate building regulations. Depending on the type of loft conversion you go for, planning permission may be required, which will extend the total time. We have taken a look at the 4 major types of loft conversions in the UK and consider the average expected time for the build to take from start to finish.
Velux A Velux loft conversion is one of the simplest loft conversions you can complete. The roofline is left untouched and the interior is reinforced to make the space usable. Added to this, typically Velux windows are also installed, which improves the amount of natural light for the space. The typically timeframe is around 2-4 weeks but this can be extended if further modifications will be required as part of the conversion i.e. an ensuite. Dormer Dormer loft conversions are the most popular type of loft conversion in the UK, as they are a relatively affordable way of increasing the usable space in your loft, without extensive modification to your roofline. As there are many ways of completing a dormer conversion, the average build time will vary greatly from property to property. However, we tend to see these conversions completed in 6-8 weeks. Hip to Gable For those living in semi-detached or detached homes, hip to gable loft conversions are quite popular as they “square” the corners of your roofline, increasing the amount of usable space drastically. As with dormers, the timescale for these types of conversions depends on the size and complexity, however we typically see these builds being completed in 6-8 weeks. Mansard The largest and most complex types of loft conversions, mansard change the whole roofline to accommodate effectively an extra storey in your property. Planning permission most likely will be required, so expect to add up to 6 weeks on top of the build time as the complete start to finish time. We typically see these builds competed in 8-12 weeks. With all of the timescales above, these could be extended further due to bad weather, materials shortage or general unforeseen circumstances. Any professional loft conversion specialists will always keep you informed if the build time is expected to be extended. More information on lofts here Typical loft conversion uses |
AuthorYou're regular dose of attic topics ArchivesCategories |
RSS Feed
|
Company Info
BS1 Loft Conversions
3rd Floor, Old Stock Exchange, St Nicholas St
Bristol, BS1 1TG
Phone: 0117 290 0295
|
|
© COPYRIGHT 2018. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
|