A lot of people convert their homes into a charming habitat to live in. But sometime people need more space and may start to feel cramped after a while. In a place with limited space, this results in one of two things, building or buying. In this case, you may be thinking of building a loft conversion. Which is a wonderful idea, but you may not be sure how to do it. With the help of Carai Lofts, which does loft conversions in London, we will answer that for you.
To do a loft conversion, you will need to either build it yourself or hire someone to build it for you. Depending on your budget, you may be better off hiring help as you might not know how to do it on your own.
DIY vs. Hiring Builders
If you are building a loft conversion yourself, then you have lots of resources online to guide you along the way. In the end, you may be tired but definitely more fulfilled knowing that the floor you are walking on was built by your own sweat and hands.
On the other hand, hiring builders may be the best option because if you know nothing about building or anything that comes along with building a loft then hiring a helping hand can help you not only do it correctly but help you finish faster. You may need to contact different companies to see who can help you out with your loft conversion but also stay within budget.
Whether you are hiring help or doing it alone, make sure you are doing your loft conversion correctly. According to Yell.com, “If loft conversions are done incorrectly, they can sometimes be problematic. In fact, 36% of builders and tradesmen surveyed by a Direct Line Home Insurance have experienced issues when carrying out loft conversions in the UK, including issues with building regulations, loft space and ventilation.”
What Goes into Doing a Loft Conversion?
A loft conversion may involve a lot of different things. Depending on what kind of conversion you are doing affects what goes into the work and building. Some of the lofts require expanding the roof, while others are just adding more windows and remodeling the stairs.
Almost any home can be converted as long as your roof is suitable for a loft. A suitable roof is required because depending on the loft it may be expanded to make your loft a more livable situation. Storage is another thing to think about, because building a loft may decrease your space by a whole lot, leaving you with less room for unused items around your home.
Temperatures in a Converted Loft
Summer is coming and with summer comes the heat. If your city or county gets really hot in the summer, it may be a great idea to know whether or not you should prepare for the worst. Keep in mind that the loft is on top of the house and by adding more windows it may increase the heat from coming in.
According to The Market Design & Build, factors affecting loft temperature include “ventilation, insulation, blocking out direct sunlight, roof colour, and air conditioning. Insulation can be used to cool your home too, by deflecting heat and preventing hot air build-up.”
Considerations When Sharing a Wall
Sharing a wall with a neighbor may not be a problem, but you should notify your neighbor and asking if it’s okay to break down the wall to build a loft. You will then both need to sign an agreement before the construction.
According to Homeowners Alliance, “Party Wall Agreements are most commonly needed for building works that involve loft conversions, the insertion of damp proof courses and the digging of new foundations (as would be required in building an extension).” Both owners must be given notice of the length and inconvenience of the construction.
How Long Will It Take to Complete?
The loft conversion may take anywhere from one to three months depending on the length of work and the loft you have chosen. It also may vary on what type of project and if you have chosen the furnishings to be modern, rustic, old century, etc. Everything varies as you or the builders may need time to make the loft up to standard regulations and permissions.
All in all, knowing all this information can help guide you to building your first loft conversion. Which is very exciting knowing that this is not only a great idea for you and your family but also a great investment for your future. Selling your home with the newly added loft will increase the price of your home by more than 30%.