Loft conversion – a great way to extend your space

If you've been thinking of adding extra space to your house and you don't want to sacrifice the outside area, a loft conversion is a great way to do it. Most people use it as a bedroom, a gym, office space or storage space. Loft conversion work can also be less disturbing than some major extension to an existing living field. But, before you decide whether to do it and throw in interior decorating, you need to check whether your roof is suitable for conversion or not. Our advice is to check these major things first:

•    available head height

You need to measure the height from the top of the ceiling to the edge of the ridge below the top. Head height in your loft conversion needs to be at least 2.2m, but it is advisable that loft conversion is done at 2.5m high ceilings and more.

•    roof pitch

Measure the roof pitch. The higher the angle of inclination, the greater the possibility of central head height, which means that the cosiness potential increases.

•    roof structure

The most suitable type for loft conversions is often traditional frame type roof structures because you can do the conversion easily and cheaply. Lattice roofs require a larger structural entrance, which usually implies the insertion of steel beams between the load-bearing walls on which new supports are carried on the floor and the rafter section on which it rests.

•    building regulations

It’s best to check with your local planning department to understand what you are allowed to do.

If your loft meets all of these major requirements, you can start the conversion. You might encounter certain obstacles such as building stairs to a new loft conversion, upgrading plumbing or improving the insulation properties, but with a little accurate planning, the loft conversion should be a smooth job. Of course, you can appoint architect or designer,  or, even better, design and build  company (you will get an all-inclusive service but also an all-inclusive price for that) to get guidance and advice. Also, here are some of our pieces of advice to make your space look warmer, cozier, bigger and more functional.

‍

You need to acknowledge the layout of your completed loft conversion long before you start work. This means positioning pieces of furniture, the bathroom, and any built-in storage.

To make the room look wide and spacious, white walls are always the best way to achieve this effect but you must take care to avoid the hospital effect. Pair with warm wooden furniture and   paintings, for example.

Maximize the daylight. Glazing should take 20 percent of the roof area and it will be prescribed by the shape of the roof.

‍

When you make sure that your loft conversion brings the balance to your home (which means bringing the house into proportion), you’ll determine which room to position in your loft conversion. If that room is a bathroom, think about a freestanding bath which can be sided under a low ceiling.

If a home office is what your house needs, the essential thing about these rooms is the lighting. Think about the pale blinds in neutral shades which will let the light in but reduce glare in order to provide a good working atmosphere.

‍

Loft conversions are often fitted out for kids, so we’d advise using soft and cheap furniture in cheerful colours keeping in mind their rapid taste change.

Every girl’s dream is to have a huge dressing room, so maybe the loft conversion is the right opportunity to make one. This idea is both beautiful and useful: this bespoke dressing room uses the space cleverly and a large skylight fills the space with natural light.