Is a Loft Conversion right for my house?
There are some crucial factors that will determine whether a loft conversion is suitable for you and your house.

What will I use my Loft Conversion for?
You need to consider if your home needs an extra bedroom, or more living space?
Maybe your loft conversion would make a luxurious master bedroom with ensuite?
Or maybe it would make a better family lounge, a childrens playroom ...or perhaps a sound-proofed music room!

How will a Loft Conversion affect the Value of my house?
It appears that high quality, well finished Loft Conversions add around 15 – 20% to the value of your home. The best value seems to be gained when you upgrade your house from a three bedroom to a four or five bedroomed home. You can include ensuites to maximise added value.

What about Storage Space?
A Loft Conversion means that you will gain more room, thereby more storage space. It’s important to make the most of any "dead" space that you have in your new conversion. The area under the new staircase might provide an ideal cupboard, while any awkward spaces, such as under the eaves, could be ideal places to install fitted presses or wardrobes. If you have dormer windows, consider a window seat, maybe with storage underneath.

Is the roof space in my house suitable for conversion?
A minimum ridge height of 2.3 meters is needed for a satisfactory loft conversion. Houses built pre-1960 are often easier to convert than modern homes because they have steeply pitched roofs constructed from individual rafters, leaving clear space in the roof void. Those built later often have a shallower pitch ( and therefore less head height ). Frequently newer houses have trussed rafters, and may be more difficult and expensive to convert, as the structure may need to be reinforced.

Is a conversion right for my family?
Loft conversions are ideal for growing families who don’t want to face the upheaval of moving, but need extra space. Loft conversion are also ideal for families with older children, who prefer to have privacy and independence. People who work from home can enjoy the benefits of an office away from noisy living areas. Domestic loft conversions tend to be unsuitable for people with mobility issues, such as the disabled or elderly.

Will I need planning permission?
The good news is that most loft conversions don’t need planning permission because they fall inside your permitted development rights. However you may need to seek permission if you live in; a listed building, a conservation area, a flat or maisonette, or plan to change the pitch, width or height of the roof.

What about Building Regulations?
During the conversion of a loft, it is necessary to comply with the Building Regulations Guide 2000 (Dept. of Environment, Heritage & Local Government). Factors such as; structural stability, fire safety, weather resistance, ventilation, safe installation of stairways, thermal and sound insulation, and electrical safety, need to be strictly adhered to.

Will I need to reinforce my ceilings?
Your existing ceiling joists will almost certainly be adequate for use as floor joists for the conversion. Even if added reinforcement is needed, in most instances it’s easy to install new floor joists and supporting beams.

What about Windows?
Depending on the cost and scope of your loft conversion, you have a choice about what type of windows you have. The cheapest and simplest option is the Velux window or skylight, which slot into the slope of the roof with minimum disruption. If you want more head height in your loft conversion, you might opt for dormer windows, which project out from your roof. These will not only give you more available room, but may give greater views from the top of your house. If you have a gable end on the end of your house, this could provide the perfect place for a window with a view.

What about the Stairs?
If you plan to use your loft conversion for habitable space, rather than storage, you will need a permanent set of stairs of the correct pitch and width, as well as clear headspace. If space is limited, you may consider a spiral staircase. Bear in mind though that these are more difficult to negotiate, and may be difficult for moving furniture into the loft.

What about En Suite Bathrooms?
If you intend using your loft for bedroom space, it is advisable to add an en suite. This makes the extra bedroom a far more practicable prospect.