The 8 Benefits Of A Loft Conversion

8 REASONS WHY A LOFT CONVERSION CAN BENEFIT YOUR HOME

Are you finding yourself in need of more space in your home but the cost of moving and the high cost of Stamp Duty within West London and the surrounding areas is just too much for you? Then maybe you should consider the benefits of a loft conversion; and there are many. Maybe you have growing teenagers who no longer want to share a room, you have children with more toys than there is floorspace to store them, or you need a quiet workspace away from the rest of the household. Whatever your need, a quick, simple and cost-effective loft conversion could be your ultimate solution. In recent years, we’ve found loft conversions have become regularly sought after and cost-efficient options for those looking to create more space within their homes.

1. ADD VALUE TO YOUR PROPERTY: It is estimated that a loft conversion renovation can add an average of 20% to the overall value of your property, so your return on investment as and when you do sell will be well worth the decision. It will also bring a new lease of life to your property and give it a unique edge that buyers are always looking for when purchasing property. If you are concerned about the cost, you can usually easily remortgage your property to cover the fees.
2. EASY SOLUTION FOR INCREASED LIVING SPACE: Where a built-on extension requires planning and design to give your home more space, this is space that already exists, it just isn’t being utilised. Loft conversions are much quicker and easier to do and, in many cases, much more straightforward as you often don’t need planning permission and, if your ceilings are high enough and your floors sturdy enough, the conversion can be a simple and time-efficient solution.
3. VARIETY OF CONVERSION STYLES TO COMPLEMENT YOUR HOME: Whatever space you are working with in your loft, there are a number of style options that will make the most of what you are already working with. We have years of experience converting a number of different types of loft spaces and are always happy to give a free consultation of your space and advice what will suit best. For more detailed information about loft conversion styles, see our blog on the subject here.

Loft Conversion Styles Overview:

1. Dormer: This sort of loft conversion is a straightforward extension to the existing sloping roof to increase the volume of roof space to provide more head and floor space. Dormer windows are usually added to provide full head height and are versatile in that they can be built on terraced houses, end of terrace, semi-detached and detached houses. 
2. Velux/Roof Light: If you already have a lot of head height in your loft space you might consider a Velux style loft conversion which simply requires the installation of Velux windows into the roof which provides natural light into the space. We have provided many conversions in the West London and Berkshire areas and Velux conversions are proving to be a popular choice due to their simplicity and cost effectiveness. They require much less overall construction work and are therefore much less disruptive than other styles.
3. Hip to gable: A hipped roof is one that has three sloped sides. They are most common on end of terrace, semi-detached and detached properties. A hip to gable conversion requires the side roof to be removed from the side wall which maximises the head height inside the loft space and it is replaced with a vertical wall, known as a gable.
4. Mansard: This type of loft style is names after the 17th-century French architect, Francois Mansard. It is a space-creating design that has a flat roof with a back wall sloping inwards at 72 degree angle. The extension sits across the entire plane of the property’s roof and is suitable for most property types. We can provide a number of finishes that match the current look of your property for aesthetic purposes.

• MAKES USE OF OTHERWISE “DEAD” SPACE: Converting your loft is a great way to have that much needed clear-out of all your old junk and utilise the space for something useful like a bedroom or playroom. You can even add an en-suite bathroom and, if you have the space, you may even have room for two bedrooms. Of course, you’ll have to account for the items that you do want to keep and plan where to store them, but the benefits of your conversion will far outweigh the possibility of having to erect a small garden shed or buy a few more storage cupboards to keep the family photo albums in. We at Arrow Design and Construction Ltd are loft conversion specialists and we are always happy to consult on your current loft space and advise what style of conversion will bet suit your needs. All this depends on the type of house do you have and what the capacity is of the existing house block.

• AVOID UNNECESSARY AND MAJOR DISRUPTION: Moving house is a costly business and is one of the most stressful things that you can do in life. Not only is it a major upheaval in terms of packing everything up and unpacking in the new house, it is expensive and comes with a lot of additional costs from Stamp Duty tax to moving vans and even the hassle of maybe having to change schools for the children. A loft conversion is not only a much cheaper option and an alternative to moving house, it is also usually one of the least disruptive sort of house renovations you can undertake depending on the type of refurbishment required. We have spent years providing top quality loft conversions for our clients who have always been 100% delighted with their decision to renovate their attic space.

• ENERGY EFFICIENT: Many houses suffer from a substantial loss of heat through the poor insulation of the attic and roof area. By investing in a conversion of your attic space, we will incorporate full insulation of the space which results in a more energy efficient home and will save you money on your overall energy costs.

• THE BEST VIEW IN THE HOUSE: Transforming your loft space into a new room provides the additional benefit of having the best view in the house from the new windows. Look out over the city, town or countryside and appreciate the light and space that this conversion has brought. On clear nights you can even get a small telescope and enjoy a spot of stargazing from your rooftop windows.

• AN ADDITIONAL NATURAL LIGHT SOURCE: Attics are known for being dark and dank spaces so you’ll be amazed at how much light a loft conversion can bring to your new rooms. Whatever style of loft conversion you opt for, the new windows at the top of your home will encourage light to stream in and create a fresh and energetic feeling. If you are someone who has always been most productive when surrounded by natural light, then a loft conversion will be of endless benefit to you.