Loft Conversions COVID update

Operating in the post lockdown is a little more difficult than before. Materials can be hard to come by and timescales for delivery are erratic. That said here at PJB Project Builders, we continue to strive to offer the very best service and quality we can, both in our work and in our relationships with our customers. We continue to follow the best H&SE guidance and operate as a Covid secure business. We remain cautiously optimistic that eventually, things will get back to normal for everyone and like everyone else, we look forward to that day. Until then, we hope you all continue to stay safe, and don’t forget to wash your hands!

Getting a loft conversion is currently the second most popular way of adding extra space to our house, with an extension taking first place.

However, a loft conversion is cheaper, quicker and more trouble-free way of expanding your home. Here are 7 key points to think about when getting a loft conversion.

The first thing to do when considering a loft conversion is to look about the area you live in. Do any of your neighbours have them? What sort do they have? A dormer conversion is the easiest and most obvious one to spot, but you can also spot the tell-tale signs of a loft conversion with Velux windows inserted into the roof. This will help you decide what style of conversion you want. If you are friendly with them, ask to have a look around so you can get an idea of the space you could end up with and how best to use it.

Adding Value To Your Property

A loft conversion is a sure-fire way of adding value to your property. In fact, pound for pound it is THE most elective way to add value to your property. Increases in value of around 16-20% are not uncommon with a well-done loft conversion. A loft conversion does not overshadow or obscure other properties like an extension might. Extensions also have strict guidelines about where windows can be placed etc. Not so with a loft conversion, you can (within reason) have them where you want and you won’t need to feel like you’re spying on anyone.

Space: The final frontier. No matter where you live, space always becomes an issue at some point. We all expand our belongings to fill whatever space we have, small or large. A loft conversion immediately gives you more space. If you were to get an extension, you’d have to sacrifice some of your outdoor space. If that space is something you don’t want to lose, a loft conversion could be for you.

You can use the space for whatever you want. A proper loft conversion, with a staircase is legally classed as room in your property and you can use it for whatever you like. Be it another bedroom as your family grows, storage room or a games room, family room, cinema room, the list goes on. You could even have your own mini observatory and make stargazing your new hobby. One thing is for sure, no matter where you live, a loft conversion can give you some great views!

Loft conversions can make your home much more energy efficient. As part of the building process, you’re the roof and loft floor are insulted leaving you feeling cosy in winter and cooler in the summer. Plus, heat rises so you won’t need to spend as much to heat the room as you would with say a new extension. As loft conversions have large windows with nothing obstructing them, you don’t need to light them during the day, which can be one less light on in the house.

You will usually have to lose a little bit of space inside to put in the staircase. This is the key point and you should be certain that the benefits of the new room outweigh the loss of the existing space.

Some properties are just not suitable for a loft conversion. Some need serious construction work to make them viable. You may have to have the roof rebuilt, to accommodate it. Sometimes you may have to lower the upstairs ceilings to make adequate height in the loft room. These things can make a loft conversion more expensive and sometimes people may wish to consider alternative measures instead such as an extension. There are also strict guidelines about how your roof can and cannot be changed during your conversion, but these are mostly common sense, for example you cannot build a dormer conversion which is higher than the original roof line. However, a good builder or an architect will be able to tell you what is achievable.

We hope this mini has helped you decide if a loft conversion is for you. If it is, we are more than happy to visit you, assess if it is viable, and provide you with a quote for the works.

Why not check out our loft conversions Bolton page.