Attics can often end up as abandoned spaces for hiding clutter. However, a loft could be put to more practical use and turned into an extra living space, making your home bigger and adding value to it. A loft conversion could even be a chance to add some luxury features to your home. Here are just a few renovation ideas to consider.
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Start with the roof
If the roof isn’t in good condition, your first step should be to hire roofers and get your roof repaired. Any cracks or holes should be sealed up to prevent leaks and drafts. In some cases, you may also want to consider raising the roof. If you’re creating an extra bedroom, the roof needs to legally be a certain height for it to be used. Raising the roof can be costly and will require planning permission but could help to make the space more usable.
Add a staircase
For easy access to your loft, you may want to consider adding a staircase. A bedroom has to legally have an accessible staircase and not just a ladder for fire safety reasons. An interior staircase could be difficult to install and may involve having to knock through part of another room. However, you may be able to more easily fit an exterior staircase in some cases. Staircase installation can be complex, so make sure to hire a professional.
Keep it warm
Lofts are exposed to more wind and can get very cold. Insulating your loft should be the first step to making it a livable space. From here, you can consider other features such as adding radiators or an electric heater. For those living in warmer climates, you may want to consider adding some air conditioning to cool the space down.
Let there be light
Lofts can also be gloomy, so consider adding some lighting to brighten the place up. You may not have to wire in too much lighting – lofts can be the perfect place for adding a skylight, allowing natural light to flood the room. Skylights can also allow you to see the stars at night, adding a magical touch to the room.
Consider a balcony
If planning permission allows it, you may be able to fit a balcony on your roof. This could be something small – dormer windows can be easily converted into small balconies for one person to stand on by contacting Juliet balconies. Alternatively, you could go for something large if you have the space – you could even transform half the roof into a terrace.
Room for an en suite bathroom?
Having to go downstairs to use the bathroom could be an inconvenience. If you have the space and the money, you could consider adding an en suite bathroom. This will require a fair amount of work including adding extra plumbing and moving in fixtures such as a bathtub and toilet (these may need to be lifted in using a crane). However, this is certain to turn your loft into a luxury space and add a lot of value to your home.
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I really like your choice of staircase. It is not too narrow or tight, yet doesn’t take up too much room
Thank you, Carolyn, I am so glad that you stopped by.