If your family’s home has an unused attic, you may be missing out on tons of functional and convenient extra space. Many people opt to hire a professional loft converter to come in and inspect the attic. If the space is deemed appropriate, it is possible to convert your previously unused attic into a bedroom, an in-home office or a playroom.
However, when budgeting for the remodel, it is important to remember that there are a variety of factors that affect loft conversion costs.
Type of Conversion
There are a few different types of conversions; some more costly than others. A popular loft conversion in the UK is the type that takes advantage of the attic windows. By transforming the overhead space in a specific way that allows the windows to be showcased, the room can be flooded with natural light. However, if your attic does not already have windows, you will have to spend more money on a conversion that involves installing attic windows and incorporating them into the house’s exterior design.
Size of Conversion
Another factor that plays heavily into the price of your home’s loft conversion is the size of the space you are working with. If you have a giant attic that you are interesting in transforming into a loft playroom or double bedroom, there is much more work that will have to be done in preparing the space to make it livable. However, if you are simply transforming a small space into an extra bathroom or guest bedroom, the price will be much lower.
Repairs
Many attic spaces require a variety of repairs before the area will be livable. If there are any holes in the ceiling that lead to water leaks, they will need to be patched up before any construction can begin. In addition to leaks, rodent infestations, termites, damaged floorboards and insulation must be dealt with while preparing the space. You can either deal with the repairs yourself or hire a home inspector to check out the area for you. Depending on how many repairs your attic requires, you could end up spending a lot of money.
Electricity and Plumbing
When computing loft conversion costs, you not only have to take into account the cost of hiring someone to build the stairs and rework the attic area, but you may have to hire an electrician and plumber as well. For example, if you are transforming your attic into a bathroom, you will spend much more on plumbing than if you are creating a simple bedroom. Even if the area has natural light coming in through the windows, you will have to pay for an electrician to put in lighting for after dark.
Getting the Job Done
In order to ensure that your loft conversion is done safely and properly, it is always a good idea to hire a professional. Even if you are unsure as to whether or not your home could benefit from a loft transformation, it never hurts to get a free quote. There are no obligations to have work done and an on-site evaluation provides a great chance to ask any questions that you may have regarding the loft conversion.
