Should I get a loft conversion or should I extend my home?
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If you are stuck between whether to convert your loft space or extend your property on the ground floor then you may want to consider the key factors mapped out in this article. Your property has potential which is fantastic but the wrong decision can easily be made leading to regret once the project is complete. The decision is entirely down to you... if you can make a decision.
It is key to be aware that planning permission may be required for both options so we would always advise speaking to a qualified contractor if needed. You do not want to get lost in the planning process and later find out that your project is not able to go ahead.
Questions you need to ask yourself:
- Would my house benefit from an additional reception room/bedroom?
- A loft conversion will add another staircase, do you have space for this?
- Is the loft big enough for a conversion?
- Does the roof pitch offer enough head room?
- Would you need to budget in to add an additional dormer to improve head space?
- Will there need to be additional funds to access drainage?
Inviting an expert into your home will help you evaluate your options - most companies will offer a quote and some advice free of charge. There are many types of a loft conversion such as a hip to gable conversion, flat roof dormer or even a Mansard conversion. A qualified contractor will be able to advise you on what option is best for your circumstance and budget.
Single storey extensions are usually added to create a larger living area, dining area or kitchen but can also add additional bedroom space. It is no secret that adding a bedroom to your home will usually add value overall so either project should in most cases add value but be sure to speak to local estate agents if you need reassurance on this. One of the biggest reasons people have a loft conversion is to eliminate existing dead space! Venturing into an untouched loft space is usually a dreaded task: man handling the pull down sliding ladder (If you have one), dragging yourself through what may be a small loft hatch to retrieve Christmas decorations or barely used items that you have clung to for a few years too many. A loft conversion will not affect any outdoor space you may have and if 2020 has taught us anything - having a variety of space at home is essential!
The decision to go for a loft conversion or an extension will be heavily impacted on your immediate environment: if you have a small garden already then a loft conversion is probably the way forward for you. On the other hand if you have plenty of outside space then keeping rooms on the ground floor maybe the way forward for you.
Desirability
Keep in mind that practicality is not always the primary factor - adding another small bedroom to a six bedroom house for example may be more hassle than it’s worth. Adding an additional reception room to a large home however might increase the desirability of a property. What will adding an extension or conversion achieve - does it resolve practical issues in your home or are you parting with your hard earned cash to improve the desirability... or does one of these options tick both boxes?
What will the view be like?
Will you be waking up in your loft conversion overlooking a majestic view, endless rooftops of the city you live in or will you be looking directly at your neighbours? The same questions can be asked with a ground floor extension.
Natural Light from above
Forking out the extra cash for a large lantern or roof windows will flood your new space with natural light. This is a key factor you need to consider especially if you opt for a ground floor extension - extended brickwork can create dark spots and a ‘Tunnel’ like feel if the project is not thought through.
If an extension is decided upon you will likely be spending additional funds on footings, drainage and additional furnishings/appliances depending on the use of the room. A bonus for a loft conversion however is that you may be able to convert the space that is already there without the need for a dormer for example keeping costs down.
With these key points in mind: What suits your property best?