Funding a loft conversion can be achieved in several ways. This could include using your savings or taking out a home improvement loan to help you. Although it is not a loan, one of the best ways to finance loft conversions is using your savings.
Finance options for loft conversion include personal loans, remortgaging, home equity release, using credit cards for payments, and exploring available grants. Lenders often view loft conversions as a value-adding improvement to your home, making obtaining approval for borrowing easier.
Loft conversion drawing costs range between £1,500 and £3,000. This includes initial consultations, the development of the concept, and the final detailed plans necessary for construction and any required approvals. The final cost can vary depending on the project's complexity, location, and the architect's experience.
Consider a Velux conversion: Velux loft conversions are the cheapest loft conversion types. They involve adding roof windows to an existing loft space, providing natural light and ventilation. While they offer less additional space, they are simpler and more affordable.
Yes, it is often worth hiring an architect for a loft conversion. Architects can add value by maximising the space's use and aesthetics, ensuring compliance with legal standards, and potentially increasing your property's value.
Drawing up your own plans for a loft conversion is allowed, but it is rarely a good idea. Unless you are an experienced architectural designer then the amount of things that could go wrong just makes things too risky…
A loft conversion for your house is considered to be permitted development, not requiring an application for planning permission, provided certain limits and conditions are met.
The most popular type of loft conversion is a simple flat roof dormer. This is a structural extension which projects vertically from the slope of the existing roof, creating a box shape. This loft extension generally requires no dramatic changes, and allows for the installation of conventional windows.
The timeline to complete loft conversions depends on multiple variables, including project size, type of conversions, and challenges faced during conversions. However, on average, a project can be completed in 6–12 weeks. The entire process of loft conversion is divided into different stages.
A very simple loft conversion could cost £10,000 to £15,000. This assumes you want a new staircase, new windows, proper flooring and insulated walls / ceilings. If you would like new dormer windows instead of Velux-style windows, this type of conversion could cost in the region of £20,000 to £30,000.
A roof light conversion is by far the cheapest way to convert your attic, it is a cost-effective option that involves adding windows to the roof of your property. This type of conversion is ideal if you want to create a brighter, more spacious living area without undertaking major construction work.
A lot needs to be considered structurally, and the interior needs to be carefully considered to avoid problems down the line. Choosing to convert a loft without an architect's help comes with several risks, including: Poor design – this can lead to your house price decreasing rather than increasing. Planning refusal.
Velux loft conversion
Velux loft conversions involve adding roof windows (often called Velux windows) to the existing roof structure to create a bright and airy space without altering the roofline. Velux conversions are generally the most cheap loft conversion option due to their simplicity.
With ROIs up to 70% according to some research, expanding your home with a loft conversion can pay you handsomely in time. This guide covers the approximate costs of loft conversions and how these are calculated.
You will borrow at a fixed APR with pre-agreed monthly repayments that suit your budget. Loft conversion costs can be expensive, but with our low APR loans, the project could be a lot more affordable. Once completed, the benefits of a loft conversion project are clear.
Percentage charges: in some cases, an architect might charge a percentage of the loft conversion cost, more normal in larger-scale projects or where they are providing a full project management service. Rates vary from around 5-20% of the total work.
The simple answer is yes! A loft conversion is a complicated process, so speak to a structural engineer as well as an architect.
Moreover, houses built during or after the 1960s may have trussed roofs, which are characterised by their 'W' shaped frames that support both the roof and the floor. These trusses are not designed with loft conversion in mind, as altering them is a complex process that requires replacement with sturdier supports.
Increases property value: Adding a loft conversion can increase the value of your home by 20% typically. This provides a good return on investment if you ever sell. Makes better use of wasted space: Most lofts are just used for storage. Converting it allows you to get more practical use out of the space.
A loft conversion can increase your property's energy efficiency in a number of ways. By increasing the insulation in your loft you can reduce heat loss and help keep your home warm. A loft conversion can help to prevent heat loss in your home as it provides an extra layer of insulation.