A once big house that offered ample space for your family could slowly grow frustratingly small as your family grows. It is a challenge that many homeowners face at some point in life. While many wonder if that signals the right time to sell the property and move, it may be challenging, especially if you have fallen in love with the property and its neighborhood. Plus, the costs of moving, including surveys, legal fees, stamp duty, etc., are off-putting, considering it is money you won’t get back.

Thankfully, there is a way you can extend your living space on a budget without the emotional frustrations of moving and still get a chance to boost your property’s value. An extension provides the flexibility of design, and you can add the desired level of extra space to your house.

Loft conversions

Extending a house may not be a feasible option for some homeowners due to costs and time. If that is the case, you can focus on your space for inspiration. Your loft might be the best space for conversion based on various factors, including the ease of installing a staircase, roof structure, and height. The best thing about loft conversion plans is that they boast of many perks over a house extension. The construction can often be completed within a short time frame, and it is cost-effective too. Plus, it contributes to the value of your home.

Is your loft ideal for conversion?

With a combination of some factors, you can determine if your loft space is suitable for conversion. Always do your research before you approach a builder. Look into similar properties as yours that have gone through conversion and even look through the measurements. Consider these factors:

The roof height, pitch, and the entire space- you can measure the height from the floor to the ceiling in the tallest part of the loft. The ideal height is at least 2.2meters. You need a measurement of 2.2-2.4m for the traditional roof and 2.2-2.6m for the modern trussed roof. If you have head height problems, there are other ways around the problem, but they can be costly and complicated. Some of the solutions include raising the roof or lowering the ceiling below, but you should consider its practicality as you look at the overall space available.

The roof structure- another thing you should consider is the roof structure. Traditional rafters are more suitable for conversion as they go along the roof’s edge, leaving a hollow space below. But they may require strengthening beforehand. On the other hand, modern trussed roofs are a bit complex and need structural reinforcements. For instance, installing some steel beams between the load-bearing walls which also increases the costs of the entire project.

Other features- think about other elements that could impact the conversion, for example, a chimney stack. Also, your existing plumbing system might require you to install a sealed system.

The takeaway

When choosing a conversion plan, ensure the interior design you select gives an impression of light and space. Also, overcome the challenge of unusual angles and curved ceilings by carefully selecting your fixtures and fittings.