A professional loft conversion company will advise you on the most appropriate loft conversion for your home. Most loft spaces are suitable for a loft conversion, and most loft conversions will not require planning permission, although there are exceptions.
Your builder will discuss how you intend to use the space but you should bear in mind that usage may alter as your circumstances and family dynamics change. For example, a child’s bedroom may eventually become a spare room and an office may eventually become a hobby room, therefore try to keep the space quite flexible.
An experienced loft conversion company will provide a design that makes full use of the space available and optimises the footprint of your attic which could add an additional 30% of living space to your home.
Using windows to increase footprint
A dormer loft conversion is the most popular as it works on all property types and just extends the existing roof to add more floor and head space. Another way to make full use of the space available is to have a Juliet balcony – a great option if you have some nice views at the top of the house, and, of course, it will let in even more natural light.
Positioning the stairs
The positioning of the new staircase is crucial to a well-designed loft conversion. Ideally, it should sit on top of the original staircase to ensure a seamless transition from the existing building to the new loft. This will also ensure that you don’t lose headspace in the loft, or any space from an existing bedroom. However, the staircase must comply with building regulations and again, the loft conversion project manager will give you the best advice.
Choosing the right furniture and décor
A typical dormer loft conversion provides a sloping ceiling that in many ways epitomises a loft conversion and indeed, is a feature that customers like. However, think carefully about where you place a bed – banging your head every morning and night is no fun!
Designing your room around this feature can result in numerous creative solutions and in order to make the best use of every nook and cranny in your loft conversion, bespoke furniture that goes right under the sloped ceiling always works well. You can also use the sloped ceiling for fitted recessed shelves which make a really nice feature, especially if you can back light them. Or, some homeowners simply use a particular corner to place pieces such as musical instruments.
You could also select sliding doors on wardrobes and even connecting room doors as they will make an area appear bigger and, they look très chic.
Finally, how you decorate your loft is personal preference. However, using pale and bright colours will take advantage of the light provided by any Velux windows. Carpet, rather than hardwood flooring may be appreciated by those sleeping directly underneath the loft conversion to help soundproof the space.