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An attic conversion is a fantastic way to make more space in your home without carrying out expensive extensions or even moving house. Many people will opt for loft conversions to give their teenage kids a space of their own, create a convenient home office, or even a hobby room for their crafts. The possibilities are (almost) endless, but before you start, there are several considerations to make to ensure your attic conversion is a safe success.
Safety First
Your attic will not be as safe or secure as other parts of your home. The floorboards are unlikely to fall through, but there are still other issues you must consider before the space becomes habitable, whether permanently or during working hours. First, you’ll need to consider the pros and cons of ladder or stairs access, which also depends on how much room you have already. After this, check the space for any issues that could make the attic hazardous. An inspector can provide a professional opinion on this to ensure you don’t miss anything. If any issues are highlighted, fix them before starting the conversion.
The Purpose
You should also think about what the attic will become as this affects the design, layout, and even amenities in your attic. If you plan on turning it into a bedroom, attic insulation is essential, as are windows that allow enough natural light. There should already be a light fixture in your arctic, but some converters will opt for plumbing lines and even a sink, which will save whoever stays there the hassle of descending to brush their teeth or fill up their glass of water.
Building Regulations
Even though the attic is yours, you may still need to consider building regulations and find out whether the conversion is possible. In most cases, attic conversions are considered permitted developments, meaning you won’t need to obtain planning permission. However, some instances can affect this. Depending on where you live, certain conversions may not be possible, especially for smaller properties like apartments or already-converted spaces, like maisonettes. It’s always best to check before doing anything to be on the safe side.
Storage
If you use your attic to kee4p everything that doesn’t have a place in our home, a conversion could pose a problem. There is the worry that it can increase the amount of clutter in your home, as you can’t just put it out of sight and out of mind. Despite this, there are storage solutions that ensure your home remains as tidy as possible. Some attics will still have space within the lower side of the roof, giving you plenty of room on each side. You can also use multifunctional storage solutions to keep essentials within easy reach when you need them.
Conversion Conversation
Although it can seem complicated, attic conversions are so common that the process is mostly straightforward. If anything, it is everything that comes before the conversion that can make things frustrating and challenging. As long as you have a reasonable plan and identify the best contractors, your attic conversion will be a success and add plenty of space to your home.
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