Many homes have untapped potential in attic space and as the cost of living grows and more people are starting to live under the same roof, homeowners are turning to loft conversion in order to create extra space on their property. If you are considering a loft conversion, check out these pros and cons to help you determine whether or not it is worth it for your home.
Pros of Loft Conversions
Maximizing Living Space
Attic space in a home is usually used for storage space or is left empty, so when a homeowner decides to convert it into a loft space, they will find that they can create a whole extra bedroom or a hangout space for kids. There are so many possibilities when you have a big empty space like that at your disposal.
Added Property Value
Making usable space in any area of your home can add to your property value, so loft conversion is no different. If you can prove that an attic space can be used as a bedroom or any other kind of valuable space, you will be rewarded in the future if you choose to sell your house. To explore all of the different options for loft conversion, Click here to speak to loft conversion professionals about your attic space. From there, you can see how investing in a loft conversion can add property value to your home.
Cost-Effective
A loft conversion can be an economical alternative to building home extensions in order to create more space in your home. Because attic space already exists within your house, a loft conversion requires a lot less building material and permission than a build-out. There is no need to build structural support because the space already has it from when the house was built.
Optimized Natural Light
Because the attic space is at the top of the house, it will receive the most natural light. During a loft conversion, you can install a skylight as well in order to optimize the natural light that gets into the room. This will also save you money on electrical bills as the loft will only need electrical light after the sun goes down.
Privacy
As a completely separate space above the rest of the house, a loft conversion can serve as a private space for whoever chooses to inhabit it. By being confined to the topmost part of the house, the loft can serve as a bedroom, a meditation room, or a playroom where family members can go for some peace and quiet.
Cons of Loft Conversions
Planning Permission
Depending on where you live and how much change you want to make in your loft conversion, you may need to get permission from your local authorities. This planning permission will allow you to do whatever you want to your attic space, but it may take months to obtain and you may run into complications with the local governing body.
Limited Head Space
Attics are generally shorter spaces than other rooms in a home, so whatever loft conversion you end up with, you may have to hunch down a bit in order to enjoy the space. An attempt to alter the roof to make the space taller would cost a lot of money and may not be allowed according to neighborhood height regulations. If you have kids, though, this space may be perfect for a playroom until they outgrow the space as well.
Complicated Access
Many attic spaces can only be accessed by a ladder or hole in the ceiling, meaning that you will likely have to build a whole staircase to make the loft conversion more accessible. This is something to consider, especially if you have a family and you do not want to risk anyone falling off the ladder whenever they go up to use the converted space.
Temperature Regulation
Because lofts are on a different level from the rest of the home, it may be difficult to figure out how to regulate the temperature up there. You may have to compromise by feeling a bit colder in the winter and a bit hotter in the summer if you choose to spend time up there during extreme weather months.
Impact on Neighbors
Because a loft space will be at the top of your home, the window looking out onto the neighborhood may be higher than the rest of the houses around you. This may raise concerns from neighbors who prefer their privacy.
Taking on the task of building a loft conversion is a great way to get the most out of your home’s potential, but there are many things to consider before making the leap. Weigh these pros and cons with your family and decide if a loft conversion is the best choice for you.
