Are you bursting at the seams? Do you need to move your family out of their bedrooms every time a friend or relative comes to stay? Is your work encroaching into the sitting room? Are you talking seriously about needing to move?
If you have an attic or loft packed with junk and cobwebs, now's the time to think about a better use for it.
The sky's the limit!
Converting your loft can be a cost-effective way to dramatically increase the living space in your home by creating an extra bedroom, study, playroom or bathroom.
If your loft is suitable for conversion, then you can create a light, airy space with views across the rooftops, while adding value to your home in a declining market.
It's difficult to give a cost of converting your loft, but it ranges from £15k to £50k depending on the size of project, the specification and where you live in the country.
A new bedroom, particularly with ensuite bathroom, will add value to your home.
Remember the key is in the preparation and planning. Browse through magazines to get ideas, seek professional advice on planning, think carefully about project management and make sure you employ a good, professional builder. Find inspiration and a reputable builder in your area through www.fmb.org.uk/findabuilder.
As with any other building job, obtain two or three quotes, check references and visit previous jobs. Agree everything in writing, fix your budget and manage the project and budget very carefully.
Reputable builders will work from scaffolding until they need to 'break through' into the house. A loft conversion should be far less disruptive than other types of building work.
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A few simple accessories can make an outfit - just as a few well-chosen additions to your new loft extension will finish it off beautifully.
Simply click here to be that one lucky reader heading off to Habitat with £50 worth of vouchers to accessorize your new loft space.
Competition closes: 31st May 2009. |
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Cutting the VAT on building repair and improvement work would benefit millions of UK homeowners by getting rid of cowboy builders, helping those who cannot afford to repair their homes, bringing empty homes back into use and protecting the countryside. To help make this a reality, please visit www.fmb.org.uk/cutthevat to sign the online petition and for other ways you can help.
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Planning Rules
Last year's changes in planning laws mean that many homes no longer need planning permission for loft conversions, but always check with your local council's planning office as to what permissions are required, before you start the work.
In simple terms, a householder can build a loft conversion provided that:
- The cubic content of the extended roof does not exceed 40 cubic metres in the case of a terraced house or 50 cubic metres in any other case.
- Materials used are similar in appearance to the existing look.
- The home is not in a conservation area.
Even if planning permission is not required, the design of your loft must meet Building Regulations.
The local council's Building Control department will also need to see copies of your drawings. Party Wall legislation must also be considered if your house shares a wall with another property.
For more information click through to the planning portal on www.fmb.org.uk/findabuilder
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| Seeking inspiration? |
If it's practical advice and ideas you require, then why not visit the National Self Build & Renovation Show near Swindon this month, from 15 - 17 May.
A host of building and renovation experts will be on hand to give practical help on all aspects of your building project from design and roofing, to the products available. Visit the FMB stand for advice on how to choose the right builder for the job.
For more info, visit www.buildstore.co.uk.
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Practical home improvement advice from the experts in the latest copy of the Essential Guide to Home Improvement.
With interesting interior design ideas and advice on the best ways of using available space from Naomi Cleaver, C4 presenter of Grand Designs Trade Secrets, as well as real-life case studies to give you some food for thought.
Download the Guide from www.fmb.org.uk/guide.
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Scotland - SECC, Glasgow 16-17 May 2009
Peterborough - East of England Showground 30-31 May 2009
Surrey - Sandown Park - 27-28 June 2009
Harrogate - Harrogate International Centre 6-8 November 2009
Somerset - Bath & West Showground 21-22 November 2009
National - NEC Birmingham - 18 - 21 March 2010 |
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