17-10-07, UpMyStreet ©
A loft conversion can maximise the space in your property as well as increasing its resale value. New research by Alliance and Leicester has shown that a loft conversion can add up to £100,000 to the value of a property, making it the most profitable home improvement project.
Our step-by-step guide will help get your loft conversion off the ground.
1. Measure your loft space
Measure the dimensions of your loft space before you begin to plan. The highest point in the loft has to be at least 2.3 metres tall for a conversion to be worthwhile.
2. Consider your finances
The cost of an extension depends on location, property size and the current condition of your loft space - anywhere from £15,000 to £30,000. An average homeowner pays around £23,000 for the work.
You can get a homeowner loan to finance your loft conversion - shop around and compare different lenders to get the best deal on the market.
3. Check if you require planning permission
It's your responsibility to check if planning permission is required for the work. Most loft conversions do not require planning permission, but if do not apply for it where permission is needed, any work - even a finished conversion - may have to be undone.
Your local planning office will be able to tell you if there are any specific restrictions that affect your property, for example if you live next to a listed building.
4. Check requirements for your type of property
There may also be different legal requirements depending on your property type.
Detached - Because you're not adjoining any other properties, you should be free to go ahead with the work.
Flat - If you're planning a loft conversion in a top-floor flat and only own the leasehold, you will need the permission of the freeholder.
Terraced or semi-detached - Under the Party Wall Act 1996, you may need to write to your neighbours with plans of your project, if work is taking place on a shared wall. A specialist surveyor can complete this document for you. Contact the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors for more advice.
5. Get your plumbing and heating assessed
Most lofts are converted into bedrooms or bathrooms. If you're planning a bedroom, check that your existing boiler is capable of heating the extra space - get a professional in if you're not sure.
If you're converting your loft into a bathroom, you will need to ensure that enough hot water can be provided by your boiler. The design of the bathroom will need to take into account where pipes and plumbing can be laid.
6. Draw up a plan
Ideally you should hire an architect to draw up a detailed plan of the work you would like. They will consider all aspects of the project, including new windows and doors, extra support beams, lighting and electrical requirements as well as the overall design of the room.
7. Get quotes for the work
Take your architectural plans to several builders and specialist loft conversion companies for a range of quotes to compare. Ask for customer testimonials and read reviews of local companies. Only use professionals accredited by the National Federation of Builders.
8. Take out a warranty and check insurance
A standard home insurance policy probably won't cover the building work while it's in progress. Inform your home insurer of your plans to see what they can offer.
It's also worthwhile getting an insurance-backed warranty. A MasterBond warranty will keep you covered during construction and for 10 years afterwards. If the property is sold within 10 years, the warranty is automatically transferred to the new owner - a good selling point for potential buyers.
9. Commence the building work
A loft conversion can take between six to eight weeks to complete. Before any work starts, find out how the builders will access the loft. Use a builder who will erect scaffolding rather than move materials through the home, as this can cause a lot of damage and inconvenience. Expect disruptions to your home, and stock up on tea and biscuits!
10. Calculate your profit
According to Halifax, a loft conversion is the single most profitable home improvement project, wielding higher returns than other projects such as a new kitchen or conservatory. How much you'll make depends on the location of your property. Loft conversions are more popular in London and the South East, where lack of space is more of a concern.
Related articles
Building regulations
On completion, the converted loft space must meet regulations in terms of:
- Structural stability
- Fire safety
- Weather resistance
- Ventilation
- Stairs
- Thermal insulation
- Sound insulation
- Electrical safety
- Drainage
Planning permission
You may need planning permission for your loft conversion if:
- You live in a conservation area or your house is a listed building
- You want to put in dormer windows facing the road
- The position of a dormer window would invade your neighbour’s privacy
- Any part of the conversion (including a dormer window) will be higher than the existing roof
- Your house has already been extended to the limit of its permitted development (15% of its original size)
Average value added by a loft conversion:
- London: £54,930
- South East: £40,195
- West Midlands: £32,124
- East of England: £36,795
- North West: £34,471
- Wales: £20,752
- South West: £34,720
- Yorkshire and Humber: £28,505
- East Midlands: £28,505
- North East: £33,149
Based on a two-bedroom property upgrading to three bedrooms
Source: Alliance and Leicester, 2007
Useful links
- DIY and home improvements - find stores near Nuneaton
- Loft converters - find professional loft conversion businesses in Nuneaton
- Architects - find architects in Nuneaton to help design your loft
- Local council - contact your council for planning enquiries
- MasterBond - insure your loft
Your comments (5)
dave the bulder (Bromley), on 04/05/2008 at 02:11
The short answer is dont bother, in most cases you will be lucky to recoup your costs on a loft conversion, and never ever believe the hype.
dave the builder (Bromley), on 04/05/2008 at 02:09
Lucy wrote:
An identical house to ours has had a loft conversion so set precedent. This means we have chance to turn 3 bed house with 1 bathroom+ downstairs loo into 4 bed 2 bathroom. Is it worth the cost?
The answer is that you will be lucky to recoup your costs, do not believe the hype.
Maggie (Trafford), on 17/04/2008 at 22:47
Is it sensible to do a loft conversion in a house with a hipped roof? I haven't spotted many.
Steve (Sutton), on 17/04/2008 at 19:35
Lucy, as a carpenter that is currently building a loft room for a client & has previously carried out numerous loft conversions, the cost is more than worth it. The cost of your conversion will on average add double it's cost, (depending on size & location) to the resale price of your property. Good luck & I hope if you do decide to go ahead, that you reap the rewards.
Lucy (Tower Hamlets), on 17/04/2008 at 12:45
An identical house to ours has had a loft conversion so set precedent. This means we have chance to turn 3 bed house with 1 bathroom+ downstairs loo into 4 bed 2 bathroom. Is it worth the cost?
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