When you think of common ways to add value to your home, chances are your mind will first be cast to increasing usable floor space. However, many homeowners neglect to look upwards and consider a loft conversion as an effective solution that makes use of previously neglected space in your home. But the exact amount of value that a loft conversion adds depends on a range of factors, all of which require careful consideration before you take the plunge.
The Value of a Loft Conversion: Fact Breakdown
According to Nationwide, a double bedroom and bathroom loft conversion built onto a three-bed, one-bath property can add around 20% to its value – a substantial gain. In London the results are even better, where adding a loft conversion to a two-bed home can boost its value by 24.5%. With house prices in the capital averaging at £528,000 as of June 2023, this would equate to approximately £129,360 – a figure that far outweighs the cost of a quality loft conversion.
If you’re wondering how this will translate to your property, try considering its price ceiling against the type of property and area you live in. For example, if you live in a three-bed house that’s £300,000, but the maximum price for a four-bed in your local area is around £320,000, you’ll be hard pressed to add any true value by building a loft conversion. By contrast, if a lot of homes in your area are three-beds plus while yours only has two, it could make a real difference to add extra space with a loft conversion.
How Much Does a Loft Conversion Cost?
At present, the average cost of converting your loft space into a bedroom with windows ranges between £12,500-£20,000. If you’d like to include an en-suite bathroom, this will increase to a range of £17,500-£25,000. It’s also worth bearing in mind that costs could increase by £15,000 if you’re based in the London area.
While these are estimates based on the current market, the exact cost of your loft conversion will depend on several factors, including:
- The structure of your roof
- Whether your home is detached, semi-detached or terraced
- The type of conversion – such as whether it includes dormer windows
- How much space is available
- The extent of work required to fit a staircase
- Location
- Additional structural work, i.e. whether the roof needs to be raised, or the ceiling below lowered
Is My Loft Suitable for Conversion?
Of course, like many extension projects, not all lofts are suitable for conversion. As such, your first step should be to check whether the job will be possible and cost-effective. Here’s a list of key factors to check:
- Roof height: The distance between the ridge timber and ceiling joist should be at least 2.2 metres in order to meet minimum bedroom size regulations.
- Roof pitch: A higher pitch angle would provide more central height, which would make a conversion more feasible.
- Roof structure: Most homes in the UK have either traditional framed or truss sectioned roof designed. The former, which is typically found on pre-1960s properties, is relatively easy to alter and reinforce for a loft conversion; a truss type, on the other hand, will most certainly take more work and reinforcement.
Looking for Structural Engineering Services?
Do you require a reliable partner to help you design a loft conversion project at your home? Look no further than Integrated Designs & Associates – our team provides home architecture, structural engineering and project management services in Birmingham, the West Midlands and across the UK. Get in touch with us for more information.
