Planning Your Loft Conversion

With house prices static and even predicted to fall this year and first time buyers locked out of the market by high deposit requirements, the UK's housing market is not in great shape. Small wonder therefore that many home owners are abandoning thoughts of trading up and instead are looking at making the most of their existing homes.

One obvious solution is to consider a loft conversion. Once the preserve of the servants or children's nursery, in the last century attics have lost their appeal with these cold and drafty spaces being largely abandoned. Where children's laughter once reigned now the broken toys of childhood lie crammed in decaying boxes.

Luckily, modern building techniques and improvements in insulation mean that loft conversions are back on the menu. So what do you need to consider before you leap in and transform your dusty attic into a warm, bright and livable space? loft conversion plans need to have a good look at the fabric and structure of your roof, chimney and floor joists. A report from a building surveyor or extension specialist will not cost very much and could save you from making an expensive mistake later on. If any part of your roof or attic space needs remedial work it should be done either before or as part of the conversion work. Items to look out for include remedial work on the chimney to prevent smoke escape within the loft, the need to strengthen floor joists to take the weight of a conversion and whether your roof is getting to the end of its life and needs replacing.

Once you've got the structural considerations out of the way the next task is to plan how you want to use your new space. From chill out room to ensuite master bedroom, your loft conversion has the potential to transform the space within your home. Planning will help to ensure that you finish up with a space that is not only functional but is also flexible. If there is any possibility of the space being used as a bedroom in the future then plan now to install water and sewage pipes for a shower and toilet. Even if you don't plumb in a bathroom at the outset, having the pipes laid in will save potentially major structural work later on.

Finally don't forget the importance of light. Because it is at the top of your home your loft can benefit from direct sunlight. Choosing carefully where you want attic windows can mean the difference between merely letting some light in and flooding the room with the warm glow of the sun. With your loft conversion in place you can forget about the gloomy state of the housing market and instead bask in the warmth of your new space.