Welcome to Diy Loft Conversion FREE Help and Advice
Diy Loft Conversion gives you some ideas and things to consider about converting your own loft, from what to use the extra loft rooms for, planning and loft regulations, velux windows, loft ladders and spiral staircases and even how to pay for the conversion itself. With mortgage lending being restricted and many people predicting house prices set to stagnate through 2012, more and more people are considering the DIY Loft Conversion option to make use of the unused space in their current property rather than taking on a larger mortgage for a new home. |
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Your Loft Conversion IdeasWe’d love to to hear about your ideas for using your new loft space. Tell us what you want to do with the extra room and read what others have planned for their loft conversion too. Are you planning for more bedrooms, studio space, a home theatre or perhaps a giant train set? |
If the thought of a DIY conversion seems a bit too much work for you, why not get some help with the bigger parts of the project.
This will still allow you to save money by doing the smaller pieces yourself.
"On average, an extension adds 12% and a loft conversion 10.9% to a property's value, the Nationwide Building Society survey found."
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Why go for a Loft Conversion
A well planned loft conversion can release some valuable extra space in your home. A loft conversion is much cheaper than moving to a larger house and also converting your loft is less stress than moving too.
"Loft conversions can boost property prices'"
"Adding an extension or loft conversion can often increase the asking price of a property, according to one expert.
Maud Roseau, a spokesperson for property site Right move, said that in most cases extensions and loft conversions would add to the value of a home and could be useful for those who required extra space but did not wish to move"
Before you Start a loft conversion, here are a few things to consider
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Bat Conservation and Loft Conversions
Bats aren't normally the first thing you'd think about when it comes to a loft conversation but it's a good idea to check your loft if you haven't been up there for a while before thinking about starting work.
Bats and their roosting site are protected by law and it's illegal to harm or disturb them.
Noel Jackson from the Durham Bat Group recommends:
" When doing repairs about the house, remove external features carefully and check that there are no bats roosting underneath.
Lots of bats were made homeless in the winter of 2010 as the heavy snow damaged guttering and weather boards which had to be replaced.
Always have cavity wall insulation put in summer. During the winter the hollow may be used by hibernating bats which would be killed."
If you do find a bat or a roosting group in your loft remember it's illegal to disturb them, your best option is to call a local bat group or the national Bat Conservation Trust bat help line on 0845 1300 228
Why Convert your Loft
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Ideas for the extra space
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Things to Consider
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Loft conversions, Regulation and Planning Permission
If your loft conversion is for storage then you probably wouldn't require planning permission but if you're planning a loft conversion to be used for living space such as an extra bedrooms or study/office space then you should consult your local council about local loft conversion regulations for before starting to convert your loft.
"DIY Loft Conversion" recommend you check with your local council before starting any type of building work on your home to be sure you're abiding by the proper regulations and planning permissions.
Regulations are always subject to change and cover things like;
- the strength of the new floor, will it be strong enough to hold extra weight.
- a safe way for people to escape if ever there's a fire
- properly constructed and safe stair access to the loft
- adequate sound insulation between the loft floor and rooms below
Access to your Loft, Loft Ladders or Stairs
What type ladders or stairs will depend on what type of access you require to your new loft rooms and the layout of your landing.
Here are some options you might want to consider to give you access to your loft rooms
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| Timber Loft Ladder and Hatch (Size: 1190 x 590 x 335mm) | |
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Lighting, Loft Windows or Dormer Conversion
If your loft conversion is for storage only then some simple electric lighting would be all you need. However, if you want to use the extra loft room as an additional bedroom, office, study or nursery then you'll probably want to go for natural lighting with a skylight window such as VELUX©. Health and Safety should be considered, perhaps using the loft window as fire escape incase of an emergency. Here a few styles to consider.
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| Velux Standard Center Pivot Roof Window | |
£229.00 check prices and availability |
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Dormer Conversion
Mostly suited for bungalows because they can add extra useable head height, a dormer conversion will definitely need planning permission because of the substantial alterations to the property. Dormers also add a significant percentage of value to your property.
You'll need a survey, building regulations and building inspections. Dormers are probably left to the professional no matter how keen a DIYer you are.
DIY Loft Conversion Insulation, Heating Ideas for your loft conversion
To keep your new loft conversion warm and toasty you will need to think about loft insulation and heating. Insulation doesn't just keep you warm but is also required for sound and fire insulating too.
The roof will need to be insulated also to keep out moisture and condensation needs to been considered too.
There are plenty of insulation materials and heating options to consider for your new loft conversion.
Here are a few examples;
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More information on DIY Loft Insulation can be found here
En suite Plumbing
If you're considering adding an extra bathroom to your loft conversion or perhaps an en suite to a master bedroom you've always wanted, then you will need to install some extra plumbing work to supply the new bath, shower, basin and toilet or bidet.
Extra pipes will be needed for the hot and cold water supply as well as waste pipes from the toilet, shower, basin and bath if fitted.
Any plumbing that requires power supply will also need electricals, so don't forget electric showers, macerators and whirlpool baths all need power cables as well as properly fitted earth cables for safety.
Macerator Units
Generally a toilet is installed near to a sewage stack, if the toilet installed in the loft conversion is too far away from the sewage stack then a Macerator will be needed to reduce the solid waste and then pump it through a smaller diameter pipe until the waste reaches the main soil stack. Macerators can cost up to £300.
| Macerator | |
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Loft Conversion Price and Financing
Employing a professional loft conversion company to convert your loft can cost as much as £20,000. For those of us who are keen DIY ers the cost can be reduced significantly. However, unless you already have a full savings account then you'll probably been looking at borrowing some capital to pay for the raw materials and the final decorating, and don't forget the cost new furniture and appliances to go into your lovely new living space.
Re Mortgage to Pay for your Loft Conversion
Obviously if you're considering converting your loft then you'll already be a home owner, so the first step could be to approach your current mortgage provider and request some additional mortgage funds. However don't forget if you aren't tied into your mortgage plan to also look at other mortgage providers to see if you can get a better deal on your current mortgage plus the extra you'd like to borrow to pay for your loft conversion.
You could always apply for a loan to help towards the cost of materials and labour if you don't have the savings or don't want to dig into your savings.
DIY Loft Conversion does not offer financial advice, we recommend you speak to an IFA (independant financial advisor) before borrowing money on your home.
Enjoy your new Loft Conversion
Converting your loft can add a substantial useable space and value to your current home but only if it's done right. DIY Loft Conversion hope this has gave you some ideas and inspiration for planning your own loft conversion.
A DIY loft conversion is a large job for the normal DIY er, so if you're in doubt about any apsect of the project, especially building regulatins and planning, please consult the professionals before undertaking any work to your home.
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