When it comes to converting your loft into a bedroom, there really has been no better time. A loft conversion helps to make the most of your empty (or full of storage) space in your home with a loft conversion bedroom the perfect space for creating your dream loft conversion with ensuite and walk-in wardrobe or a private space for teens to call their own. Our guide to turning your attic into a bedroom covers everything you need to know to make your loft bedroom conversion a success.
Why is Converting your Loft into a Bedroom a Good Idea?
Aside from creating a whole world of possibilities for uses, converting your bedroom into a loft is a fantastic idea purely for the amount of extra space it creates in your home. Whilst lofts usually conjure up images of dark, cramped spaces filled with cobwebs, your bedroom loft conversion will create a bright, welcoming addition to your home with the opportunity to create your bespoke dream space.
Converting your loft into a bedroom could also boost the value of your property with some estimates adding up to 20% to your property’s value! Building a bedroom loft conversion on your home is also a great way to combat a lack of building space on your property. If you don’t have the room around your house to extend sideways or at the back, turning your attic into a bedroom could be the perfect way to extend upwards instead and create extra rooms in your home.
What Do I Need to Know About Converting a Loft Into a Bedroom?
When it comes to converting lofts into bedrooms, we have plenty of experience. Over the years we have converted lofts into small bedrooms, built loft conversions with walk-in wardrobes and created plenty of loft conversions with en-suites, so we have encountered most problems out there. Here is our guide to everything you need to know about loft conversion bedrooms and bringing your loft conversion to life the right way.
How Much Does it Cost to Convert a Loft into a Bedroom?
When working out the cost to convert your loft into a bedroom, it can depend on a few factors such as size, scope and the area you live in. For example, if you are just looking for a simple velux loft conversion for a bedroom in the Midlands, this will work out as a lot cheaper than a 2 bedroom dormer loft conversion with ensuite in London. If you live in a house that will need reinforcement work to create a loft conversion that fits the required building regulations, if you will need plumbing work for a loft ensuite bedroom or are looking to change the shape of your roof then these will add additional costs to create your loft bedroom. To find out an exact price, our team can provide a free quote based on your requirements and save on the guesswork.
Do I Need Planning Permission to Convert a Loft Into a Bedroom?
One of the best things about converting a loft into an extra bedroom is that in most cases you will not need to apply for planning permission. Most loft bedroom conversions are classed as what is called ‘permitted developments’. This means that, as long as you adhere to permitted development rules, your loft conversion bedroom should be allowed.
However, it is worth noting that there are some exceptions to this rule. If your home is in a conservation area for example, or if it is a listed building you will need to check whether you are allowed to alter the building in order to turn your loft into a bedroom.
You’ll also need planning permission for your loft conversion bedroom if you are planning on altering the size or shape of your existing roof, which is something you may plan to do if you want to make the most of your headroom in your new bedroom loft conversion.
What Rules Are There for Bedroom Loft Conversions?
When it comes to designing and building your perfect loft conversion bedroom there are a few things you will need to bear in mind. One of those things is height. In order to be classed as a bedroom once completed your bedroom loft conversion must allow enough room for a standard person to stand upright. Usually, a height of 2 metres minimum is required for this to be the case.
The floor space available must also be enough to constitute enough to form a usable room. Your local authority planning department should also be able to provide information on any requirements in terms of fire safety standards, windows, doors, access, electrics and other elements of your loft conversion bedroom.
If you are adding an additional room to your home, you will also need to inform your household insurer to ensure everything is covered as this is a requirement of most policies.
What Type of Loft Conversion is Best for a Bedroom?
When it comes to choosing what type of loft conversion is best for your extra bedroom, the choice really depends on your budget, any planning permission rules and what you would like to use your loft conversion for.
One of the most common types of loft conversions for bedrooms is a dormer loft conversion. This is a structure that is built to stand out from your existing roof in order to extend the amount of usable head space in your loft and to add windows to your space for natural light in your new loft conversion bedroom. A dormer loft conversion is a great option if you would like to create a loft conversion bedroom with ensuite or a 2 bedroom and bathroom loft conversion as this will give you additional space to utilise and help avoid having to place key furniture in the eaves.
Some other types of loft conversion types for bedrooms include hip-to-gable loft conversions and Mansard roof extensions among other possibilities so it is worth talking to the specialist creating your loft conversion bedroom to see what would be the best option for your additional bedroom space.
Tips for Loft Bedroom Conversions
When it comes to loft to bedroom conversions, there are so many ideas and snippets of advice out there, it can sometimes be difficult to know where to start. Hopefully you’ll have found sound advice on the logistics of your loft room conversion in this blog but we’ve included some ideas and tips to help you on your way.
Decide on What You Want From Your Bedroom Loft
Always be sure to think through everything you want from your new extension and how that might affect the logistics. Are you thinking of using your new space as a master bedroom loft conversion? If it will be your main bedroom, you’ll want to think about maximising that space through a larger scale conversion such as a dormer over a smaller roof-light room. You may also want to opt for an ensuite to avoid having to make your way to the next floor down during the night to use the toilet.
If you’re using your new space as a guest room, an ensuite conversion is also a good idea to give your guests a space of their own when staying. By deciding on what you want from your bedroom loft conversion, you’ll also be able to prepare yourself for the logistics of how long each type of bedroom conversion can take and how you’ll need to navigate the work on your home.
Choose The Right Furniture for Loft Conversion Bedrooms
Choosing the right furniture for loft bedrooms and plotting out the layout of your new space is a great way to make the most of your new room. Most loft types have some section with a lower ceiling so choosing furniture that can fit those spaces that is practical such as low-level cupboard space is a great way to maximise on the benefits of a new attic bedroom. Remember, any furniture in your new bedroom will need to be taken up there and whilst you’ll no longer have to deal with a narrow loft door, you’ll still need to navigate one, two or sometimes even three sets of stairs depending on the size of your home so plan carefully.
Give Yourself a Realistic Timeline
Typically, loft conversions take around 4-6 weeks to complete and planning around each stage of this can help you prepare. For example, in weeks one to two, your builders will be in the preparation stage, installing scaffolding and delivering materials whilst securing the structure of your roof.
During the second stage, floor joists and the loft floor will be installed along with any insulation, ventilation and dividing walls. External roof work will be completed and and windows added to your new loft bedroom.
In the final stage, your new loft bedroom with be fully plaster boarded and plastered. Carpentry work including skirtings, doors, and any fitted cupboards you have decided on will be installed. Any electrics and plumbing features if you are installing an ensuite for your loft bedroom will also be installed and finalised before the final stage of decorating. Once this is all in place, you can decorate your new bedroom and bring your new room to life.
Prepare For Your Bedroom Loft Conversion
One of our top tips for bedroom loft conversions to help keep stress down is to prepare in advance. If you, like most people, currently use your loft for storage then you’ll need to start clearing and sorting that space.
This is a great time to get rid of unwanted items that are just accumulating dust and create a new system for the items remaining. Make a plan of where you will store the items from your loft during the conversion process, whether this is a space room on a lower floor or rented external storage.
Starting this process early can save last-minute stress rushing to empty your loft and make for a more streamlined process for you.
Where Can I Find Advice on How to Create the Perfect Bedroom Loft Conversion?
If you are looking for advice on converting an attic to the bedroom of your dreams, get in touch with our specialist team here at Alvaston Loft Conversions to find out more. We can advise on design, specifications and the processes involved in making your loft conversion bedroom work for you with a number of years worth of experience.
Why not get in touch now to see how we can help create the perfect loft conversion for you? Contact us online or by calling 01922 402720 to talk to the team now.
