Solihull Living Sep - Oct 2020

Image from Herringbone Kitchens
EXTENDING LIVING
SPACE
If a move is off the cards but your house is bursting at
the seams, first consider where you can make the most
of unused space - it’s generally the most cost-effective
way to gain those extra square feet.
Loft conversions will require professional drawing plans
and, in some cases, planning permission too. If you live
in a flat, a semi-detached, or terraced property, then a
party wall agreement will also be needed. And if you
live in a conservation area as well, there are additional
hoops to jump through. Lastly, loft conversions need to
adhere to building regulations. As a rule of thumb, you
need a minimum height of 2.1 metres over 50% of the
room after the new floor has been put in.
Image from Ideal Glass
There are many different types of loft conversion
available including: skylight, rear dormer, double dormer,
mansard, double mansard and hip-to-gable. So, giving
an estimate of costs is tricky as it also depends on
where you live in the UK. But once you’ve decided
to invest and upgrade your loft space, you can take
comfort in knowing you’ve created that
beautiful extra room you and your family
have been looking for. And, of course,
you’ll have added several thousand
pounds to the value of your home.
STYLE TIP
Indecision costs! Before starting your conversion of any space, make sure
your plans are fully spec’d out. Make the most of all storage space - that’s
often at a premium in smaller homes. The addition of a bathroom is great in a
loft conversion, but don’t add one at the expense of making the bedroom too
small. Keep decor light and breezy and invest in roof insulation to help control
temperature in the space, as well as sufficient wall coverings.
If a loft conversion won’t satisfy your
needs, then you might want to consider
a reconfiguration or extension in your
living space. Rules, known as ‘permitted
development’ rights, allow you to extend
a house without needing to apply for
planning permission if specific limitations
and conditions are met - check your local
authority website to find out the specific
details. Usually, even an extension of
a few square metres can make a huge
difference to how you can use and
configure living space - creating more
convivial, conversational zones which
appeal to modern ways of living.
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