Is a loft conversion worth it?

More and more of us these days are thinking about extending upwards and creating an additional bedroom, office or playroom in the roof spaces of our homes.  A loft conversion can provide some much-needed extra space for a growing family and really add value to your home.

It’s easy to see why. Loft conversions are quick and cost-effective, meaning you can enjoy the benefits of your new room without having to spend too much time or money doing it. They also allow you to make use of an area that would otherwise be wasted space, thus increasing its potential value.

Working from home

In recent years, many of us have had the firsthand experience of working from home. The shift to remote work in 2020 prompted a widespread adjustment, and it appears to be a lasting trend for numerous individuals who would typically be in an office environment.

As a result, we have seen a rise in the number of requests for loft conversions. A converted loft space can be the perfect place to get some work done while also enjoying a little bit of extra privacy.

Added value

A loft conversion is often cited in surveys as the best way to add value to your home. Recent research carried out by the Nationwide Building Society has stated that a loft conversion could add up to 20% to the value of your home.

However, it is important to remember that there are many factors that will ultimately determine how much your property will increase in value. For example, if you’re planning on moving house in a few years’ time, it may not be worth doing a loft conversion at all. On the other hand, if you want to stay in your property for several decades and see it increase in value over time then a loft conversion could be extremely beneficial.

But before you get to work on your new space, there are a few things you need to consider first.

The average cost of a loft conversion is between £30,000 and £70,000. That’s a huge difference in price.  But the cost very much depends on what you want to achieve. If you are planning to build a storey on top of your existing home, then this will increase the cost considerably because there is more work involved in constructing these types of extensions.

It’s important to consider all the variables that will affect the final price. The size of your extension, the materials used and even the volume of glazing are just some of the factors that will affect the cost.

It’s also important to note that these figures don’t include VAT at 20%—so if you do decide to go ahead with your extension project, keep in mind that you’ll have to pay extra for that.

Do I need planning permission?

Loft conversions are most often carried out without planning permission, but there are limits to what improvements can be made. For example, as long as your conversion doesn’t exceed 40 cubic metres for a terrace, or 50 cubic metres for a detached house, it should be fine. If you want to extend your loft space beyond that limit, then you’ll need planning permission.

In addition, any loft conversion that protrudes too much from the existing roof may also require planning permission.

So how do you know if an extension is right for you?

The best thing to do is speak to a professional who can assess your home and help you understand what’s possible. It’s also worth speaking to friends or family who have extended their homes already — they’ll be able to tell you about their experiences.

About JMS

We’ve been in business for over 25 years and have built up a wealth of experience in the process. We understand that every project is different, so we work closely with clients to ensure they get exactly what they want.

A structural engineer will be required for all loft conversions, regardless of the original roof structure, as it will change the structural integrity of your home.

So whether you need a simple loft extension or an entire new floor added on top of your property, we can help you achieve your dream home!