Canvey builders
Loft Conversion – A Quick Guide
Short of space in your house? Put your loft to use! Yes, your loft is the simplest and least disruptive corner of your home that you can easily convert instead of having to move house.
As per statistics published by RICS, the average cost of loft conversion is said to equate to 1/3rd of the cost you will incur in moving to another house with extra space. That is not all! The addition of a loft room will bump up the value of your house by a good 25%. But, where should you begin and what are the things you must bear in mind before opting for loft conversion.
Practical considerations to bear in mind-
As a thumb rule, be sure to measure about 230 cm from your room’s flooring to the tallest part of your roof, to check if you have enough head height for a loft conversion. In order to construct a cozy living room or bedroom, at least sections of the loft space should be this tall.
If you live in a pre-war building that has a steeply pitched roof, you are in luck. These are easiest to convert but many need some additional support using steel beams to strengthen the structure.
Access-
As with any building, there are stipulations to loft conversion too. In order to make your loft into a study, bedroom, or even playroom, it must mandatorily have a staircase even if it is not as wide as the lower flights. You must at least have a stairway that resembles a fixed ladder or a narrow spiral stairway. Most reputed Canvey builders will take you through the regulations that you must follow to carry out a hassle-free loft conversion.
How long will it take to complete the project?
A really simple and straightforward conversion will take no more than 4 weeks. Most loft conversion companies will use scaffolding for access till a staircase to link the loft to the other parts of your house is erected. This ensures absolutely no mess indoors as all the material is hauled from the outside and waste goes down a chute. However, remember that the work can be noisy!
Budget your project-
Do not rush into hiring the first Canvey builder that offers you a quote. Do your research and compare quotes. You may also ask friends and family for references of a company they may have hired in the past. Also, spend time in shortlisting a design that is suitable for your home. Do not get carried away with fancy designs if it doesn’t fall under your budget.
