Thinking of converting your attic?
Attic conversions are highly popular during the summer period because it is dry and warm.
The space between the ceiling of the top floor and the actual roof is usually mistaken as a ‘loft’ however, it is actually known as the attic. Some of these attics are very small and can be shaped awkwardly. However, the ones which are quite spacious and accessible can be easily changed into bedrooms. After this conversion, this space is then known as a loft.
Storage space
The simplest conversion is to make the attic space clean and dry to use it as a storeroom. This is done by proper flooring installation and creating some sort of easy accessibility such as pull down stairs. Many people like to fit a window, the type of window is usually a velux or you can fit a permanent glazed window. But, it is important to be careful of condensation though.
Rooms
If you want to use the space as a functional room the attic will need to be completely renovated. If you have previously used it as a storage space it is a bit cheaper as some of the work has been done already.
A loft is cheaper than an extension because you do not require an additional attachment made to the existing structure. You can also use the loft as a bedroom, playroom, study, den ect.
Since the loft is a space situated just below the roof top, during the winter, it can be really cold. Also, it can also be too hot in the summer! So good ventilation and insulation is required, this is all covered by law in the UK so make sure your builder sticks to the regulations! Also don’t forget to install fire alarms in the new space.
Before adding a toilet or a bathroom to your attic floor, you need to think about draining and the pipe system first. I recommend you hiring a professional plumber to do this!
When the attic is solely being used as an attic, ladders are the normal method of entry. However, you entrance may be a little different for you new loft… make sure you have decided upon the opening through which you will access the attic and where you will place the stairs up to the loft.
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