5 Common Mistakes Made by Home Owners during Loft Conversion.
Loft conversion has countless benefits if it’s done correctly. However neglecting the basics can be a recipe for disaster. Below are the mistakes that can jeopardize a loft conversion project.
Poor choice of contractor
It is not unheard of to see people settle for the first contractor they encounter. Some of these companies will try to save on the necessities during construction sometimes at the expense of quality. Should you be planning on putting your home on sale, this can end up counteracting any value increment you make.
To rule out the chance of employing cowboys it is advisable to look at the company reviews to have an idea about their quality. Getting recommendations from friends and family is also not such a bad idea. As a matter of fact, a good builder won’t have a problem with you following up on their previous jobs.
Poor design
The design has to be specific to your home. There is a thin line between an outstanding loft conversion and a poor one. It is therefore important that you acquaint yourself with all the loft conversion practicalities. Is your loft suitable for conversion? The structure will play a great part in this. If the ridge height is low, you may need to get a little bit more creative. Implementing alternations to the existing roof, can increase space and help achieve your desired design as well as make the eventual result far more impressive.
Expenditure
Loft conversion in itself is an investment. And like any other investment, you would want to maximize the gains while minimizing costs. This could be ideal if you are on a tight budget. However, you should not primarily make money the deciding factor. Remember, price is what you pay, value is what you get.
Also, understand that just like in any other construction, there will always be the unforeseen expenses. Your budget could double or even triple especially if you hire the wrong conversion specialist.
Insufficient storage
Attics serve as storage rooms for most people. If you convert the entire space you may be left without sufficient storage space. It is, therefore, essential to leave enough space for storage purpose and this will, in turn, ensure your new room isn’t tarnished with clutter.
Disregarding thermal regulation
“My attic room is too hot…. Sound familiar? This is one of the common complaints we hear people make. When the conversions is implemented poorly, the rooms can be unbearably hot in the summer and extremely cold in the winter. You should, therefore, take it upon you to ensure that your contractor installs the most appropriate insulation. Otherwise, you could end up having to content with an extremely unusable room.
Loft conversion needs careful consideration
It makes no sense at all to invest your hard earned money on a loft conversion if it adds nothing to the value of your property. Your needs should be at the forefront and it is advisable you first assess and evaluate the feasibility of your aims with a professional. If well executed, loft conversion can be anything you want. From a high up living room with an amazing view to that extra bedroom you desperately need.
To many people, homes represent one of their biggest investments and as such it is imperative to ensure they are well managed. When renovating, a planning permission is not always required but consulting with your contractor will ensure you avoid any unforeseen pitfalls.
Once you avoid the above mistakes, a loft conversion can breathe new life into your home with little to no complications. Oversights can be costly and considering the sizeable investment involved, the whole thing can seem like such a minefield. But with proper planning, it can be pretty much a smooth sailing.
… Good luck!
