Whether it’s in the hope of selling or it is simply because you want a nicer family home, home improvements are tasks that, when done right, can be very effective. You know how to avoid dodgy tradesmen and when considering home improvements you certainly want to find an Al Borland and not a Tim Taylor. In this new blog series, we will look at some of the options when looking to improve your home.
Old boxes of junk that never got disposed of, Off-cuts of carpets, tiles, and extra wallpaper leftover from when you last decorated, Christmas decorations for 11 months out of the year. This is the typical case when one dare venture up into the attic of their homes. We personally think this is a huge waste of potential. Which would you rather have? A place to hide your junk that you keep constantly closed and argue about whose turn it is to go up there? Or a wonderful new room that is a pleasure to go into? Loft conversions add a brand new dimension to the family home whether it is a new bedroom, bathroom or study.
Plan
- Space. Is there sufficient space for the project you have planned? We know the idea is always tempting but if you cannot stand up straight in the centre of the loft then the conversion will only lead to awkward movements and back problems. There are options to raise sections but this would all be subject to planning permission. Contact the local Council to find out the regulations and planning permission rules before you consider undertaking such a project.
- Access. Another regulation is that of a fixed staircase. Do you have enough landing space for a fixed staircase? The most common options are fixed ladders or spiral staircases, these will take up less space and still meet the requirements.
- Function. What are you planning to convert the loft into? If there is sufficient space for the above and any planning permission is granted, then now is the time to decide what this loft conversion is going to be. An extra bedroom, bathroom, study? The choice is yours. Once you have decided, get in touch with a trusted local Loft Conversion Company for the quotation. Now is the time to start designing, let’s look at some ideas.
Design
- Windows. Any room in a house needs natural light. How this natural light is delivered is your choice. The two real options for lighting a converted loft are roof lights and dormer windows. Roof lights are the standard fair when it comes to loft conversions, easily fitted into the roof itself, they certainly are the cheaper option, also requiring less work and come from a variety of sources. There are different versions, each of which open at an angle that allow for cleaning from within the loft, some are even treated so they require cleaning much less frequently. Dormer windows on the other hand require more work but will allow for extra headroom wherever they are placed, which is certainly advantageous over the former option.
- Fixtures. If you are planning to convert the loft into a bathroom then consider where the fixtures will go. Balancing the loft is imperative in creating a functional room and careful consideration is required here. Consider the roof height in relation to the fixtures i.e. the bath doesn’t require a high ceiling above it and therefore, should be situated at a point where the roof is lower. The sink and shower on the other hand are used when standing so these should be placed centrally under the highest point of standard housing roofs. Consider the same with a bedroom or study. Beds and desks do not require standing so they again can be situated under lower points whereas wardrobes and bookshelves will need sufficient height wherever where they are situated.
- Colours. You are free to do whatever you feel is best here but a point worth noting is that lighter colours give the illusion of a more spacious room. This illusion is also furthered depending on the amount of windows installed and with most lofts being relatively small; these minor considerations make all the difference.
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