The Conversion Process
A loft conversion involves turning a large attic space into a finished room. The first step in the conversion process involves determining if the size of your attic is suitable for a conversion. There should be ample room for an adult to stand upright in the space. Typically, clearance of about eight or nine feet is recommended. Access to the attic should also be considered. Will the attic be accessed by a loft ladder feature, or is there room for a staircase to be built into the design? Some homeowners will attempt the conversion process on their own. However, the process involves installing drywall, air ducts for heating and cooling, lighting, flooring and electrical outlets. A contractor may be utilized to convert the space with greater ease.
Adding Function
An attic conversion is generally used to add space to a home, and this can be considered as a more affordable option than a new addition or home expansion may be. This is because a loft conversion only requires you to finish out a shell space rather than to construct new space. There is no need to pay for exterior building materials, a roof and other costly materials and associated labour costs. Ultimately, this space can be used for any number of purposes. Commonly, a loft conversion is used as an extra bedroom, a game room, a home office, a home gym or other similar purposes. This is a great way to add function to a home without paying for the full expense of a new addition to the home.
The Value of Finished Square Footage
Many who are considering a loft conversion are interested in learning more about how this project may affect the value of their home. The value of a home is determined by a number of factors, and one of these factors involves the finished square footage in a home. Consider, for example, if your home has a value of $150 per square foot before the loft conversion. If the loft conversion added 200 square feet of finished space to your home, you could realistically expect the value of your home to increase by approximately $30,000. The quality of the finish-out, however, is a critical component to the value increase you enjoy. Shoddy drywall installation, lower quality light fixtures, a room that has a low-hanging ceiling that is difficult to stand in and more can all decrease the added value from a conversion. To more accurately determine how a loft conversion may affect your home’s value, you can order a property appraisal or ask for assistance from a real estate agent.
If you have a rather large attic space in your home, a loft conversion is a feasible way to create added value and functional space in your home. As a first step, spend time in your attic today measuring the length, width and height of the space available. This can help you to determine if a loft conversion is worth further exploration.
