In many cases, having loft conversions is the ultimate solution to a wide range of spacial issues in your home. It can prevent the need to move by unlocking extra living space within your existing home. With such a wide range of possible uses, you have the flexibility of turning the space into practically anything.
That said, the process can be quite complex. In this short article, we’ll explore what it takes to start a loft conversion getting you acquainted with the basics of such a large-scale project.
START BY DETERMINING FEASIBILITY
While the idea of a loft conversion may sound idyllic, bringing your plans to fruition is a different story. You must go into this with a concrete idea of what you want to use the space for and a sense of how feasible it is to actually set it in motion and complete it. From a practical point of view to a financial one.
Not all lofts are created equal, and unfortunately, it’s impossible for some homes. After you have a few ideas of what you want to use your loft conversion for, determining feasibility is your priority: consult thoroughly with your architects to properly analyse the space – even if it might not seem possible at first, there are many creative solutions available that can get around a lot of common problems, such as ceiling height and dimensions.
An architect can help you understand the basic structural requirements and advise you on what’s possible and what isn’t.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT BUILDERS AND ARCHITECTS
In many ways, choosing the right builders and architects for the job is the most important step. You don’t want to simply choose any builder who tells you they can do the job – you need someone who specialises in loft conversions. Look at reviews, get personal recommendations and if possible go and inspect previous work they’ve completed.
When you have a team round for an initial consultation, ask plainly about their experience with similar projects to yours, and how they will approach solving problems if they’re encountered. Ask in detail about any logistical concerns you have; experienced builders run into the same sorts of issues all the time, so they should have good answers for you.
Good communication is key when planning a loft conversion, and everyone needs to be on the same page. The builders and architects should keep you updated on all aspects right throughout the process, from design and implementation to overall cost.
IMPORTANT ASPECTS OF DESIGN AND FUNCTIONALITY
Once you’ve determined the feasibility of your project and sourced competent builders and architects, it’s time to dial in the finer details of design and functionality. The architect will help you with this of course, but you need to carefully consider the overall layout and aspects such as window placement. If you want to store a lot of stuff in your loft space, there are also many clever storage solutions you can implement that work with the contours of the space.
There are also functional aspects like heating and electricity to consider – a loft space is very different to the rest of the house, so you may need to have all your usual amenities installed freshly and in a special way.
Planning a loft conversion can take a lot of time and effort. However, be patient, collaborate closely with your team, and you’ll have a beautiful new space to use in your home before you know it.
