Lofty ambitions for your home: the value of attic conversions

Convert space into value

Attic conversions can cost up to £45,000 to complete, though a finished attic will most likely pay for itself when it’s time to sell. It helps to make your life easier in the meantime too. When space is at a premium and there’s nowhere to build on the ground without cutting into your garden, converting your loft can add a whole new dimension to your home.
Turn the finished attic into a home office and strike that elusive work-life balance, or an extra living room to resolve disputes over the remote control. When the children are getting a bit too big to share their space, or if you have a little one on the way, an attic makes an ideal bedroom where going to sleep at the top of the house feels like an adventure. For a grown-up escape, turn the space into a beautiful bathroom by installing a freestanding bath with a view.

Consider your options

Some attic conversions don’t require any planning permission, though this is dependent on the type of build you opt for and how large it will be. You’ll need to speak with your local authority for guidance on your specific case. They may send someone out to take a look.

The cost, legalities and possibilities for your finished attic depend largely on the styles of attic conversions available to you. A Velux or skylight conversion uses the original sloping roof, while a dormer conversion creates a right angle with extra headroom. If you choose a mansard conversion, you’re very likely to need planning permission as this version builds upwards from the walls on either side of your roof. If the attic has an adjoining wall with the building next door, you may also need a party wall agreement signed by your neighbours, which sets out what you’re each agreeing to. 

Insulation makes the difference between a cosy attic and a chilly one, so seek some professional advice on the various options and what kind of insulation is best for your home. 

Maximise on minimalism

Of course, if you’re clearing out your attic for a conversion, you’ll need to think about what to do with all the items you’ll no longer want to store in the new space. Recycling and upcycling are great options for second-hand furniture. Your local community will have donation banks for old clothes and toys too. 

While the idea of tackling the loft might seem daunting, it can bring your home a whole new lease of life. Not only can you embrace minimalism by ridding yourself of the clutter, you’ll have a whole new room in your house to unleash your interior design vision on.