Getting Started

Making Big Improvements

• Conservatories
• Extensions
• Loft Conversions
• Garage Conversions
• Kitchens
• Garden Landscaping
• Bathrooms
• Double Glazing
• Central Heating
• Other Big Improvements

Making Small Improvements

Paying for your Improvements

Useful Information

Your Site Guide

Making Big Improvements
Loft Conversions

Those who haven’t converted their lofts often only use it for storage, so using this otherwise redundant area can be a great way of creating extra space, without dramatically changing the exterior of your home. Loft conversions can often provide you with the most attractive and largest living space in your home.

Done properly a loft conversion can also add substantial value to your home, so you need to think carefully before you start. To be considered as anything other than storage space you’ll need a permanent point of access, so you will have to sacrifice some space to fit in a staircase.

Think about what you want the new room or rooms to be used for. It may be that you’re looking to add an extra bedroom with an en-suite bathroom, or that you’d like a space for a home office. Whichever it is, it’ll need planning properly and you’ll need to make sure that what you’d like the space to become is realistic – for example, if you’re thinking about adding a bathroom, you’ll need to check that there are no issues with supplying water to the loft, or getting rid of waste.

There are a lot of specialist companies that provide a ‘one stop shop’ service, from providing drawings and checking the legalities through to doing the work, and this may be the easiest way to proceed. But if you choose to go it alone, you’ll need a good architect who can advise on all aspects of the build, including fire regulations and whether you’ll need a surveyor. You must also make sure that you fulfil all the legal requirements of your local authority. Not all loft conversions need planning permission, but make sure you check before you start work.