A Loft Conversion May Be Cheaper Than You Think
As families grow and homeowners find the need for a larger property with more bedrooms, this becomes increasingly more difficult in today’s economy and with the property market as it is; for this reason loft conversions are becoming more popular. The loft conversion cost is certain to be less than the increased price of a larger home coupled with the costs of moving.
Loft conversion costs will of course depend upon the type of property and its location, as well as the style of conversion required. In 2008 and again in 2011, the government made changes to the laws concerning property extensions, so that in many cases there is no need for planning permissions; which in itself can save around £1000 in administration fees. If however the loft conversion will require a dormer or mansard style; which will alter the shape of the existing roof or property, then permissions will have to be requested. Property owners are advised to consult their local planning department to find out exactly what they are allowed to do and which permissions are required.
The most common type of loft conversion will use windows that fit flush to existing walls or roof surfaces, whereby eliminating the need for planning permissions, as alterations will be to the interior of the house and will not involve structural changes.
Loft conversion costs in the UK can be expected to be a minimum of around £10,000 and could possibly be a lot more, depending upon the intended use of the space. In London the minimum would probably be closer to £13-15,000, and in Ireland a lot less.
Homes in London are being snapped up by professional people and so a separate office space will be a helpful selling point, so the loft could be converted to a comfortable study, or when the loft is used to build a larger bedroom, one of the smaller bedrooms below can be used as an office.
When a family member is at college or university and needs a space to study, the loft area can be converted into a bedroom/study/reading space where the student can have independence as well as peace and quiet. Indeed the entire area can be converted into a studio style living area, incorporating a kitchenette.
The total loft conversion costs will not be wasted however, as the conversion is guaranteed to add to the overall value of the property. Adding an extra bedroom with dormer windows may cost around £20,000 – £25,000, but you can be sure that more than this will be added to the value of the home by turning a three-bedroom house into a four-bedroom property, or by the addition of an independent habitable unit in the loft.