Many things in this world are becoming rare and expensive. With the ever-increasing population around the world, this trend is expected to continue. While the world worries about oil getting extinct, we have something else on our minds: Space. Not the celestial space. We have too much of that. But the space we have in this world, in the form of homes and land. Households do several things to solve space problems, such as undertaking loft conversions, garage conversions, basement conversions, and house extensions. Loft conversion remains the most popular among these for several reasons: Some types of conversions are easy to carry out and are also affordable. They also enhance the aesthetic appeal of your home and influence its market value. A well-converted loft can be used for creating any room you want, and a bedroom is often the preferred choice of many households.
Today we will share the most incredible tips to help you make the best loft bedroom or any other room you want.
Height and Space
Before you go ahead with a loft conversion for building a bedroom, the first thing to assess is the height of your loft. Having enough space and headroom for anyone to move around quickly in the bedroom you make is crucial. Remember that you will add some furniture to your bedroom, including a bed, side tables (optional), a wardrobe/cabinet, and a chair or two. Although some types of extensions can create sufficient room, if you consider a simple conversion, such as the roof light conversion, you won’t be adding any space to your existing loft; you will just be transforming your attic into a usable space. Ideally, you should have a headroom of at least 7 feet, but if you don’t, you can still get a contractor to increase it by altering the roof or opting for a different type of loft conversion, such as hip-to-gable, dormer, or mansard. Your choice of conversion depends significantly upon your available budget. If you have a small budget, it is better to analyze the open space and see whether it can be converted into a useful bedroom.
Choice of Flooring
Remember that when carrying out a loft conversion, you are building an entirely new space, and you will need to install proper flooring to make your loft liveable and comfortable. The choice of flooring is vast. You can add anything from ceramic tiles to luxury vinyl tiles and from carpet to wooden flooring. Once you decide to carry out a loft conversion and hire someone to do the job, flooring installation will automatically be added to their loft conversion package. However, you can choose the type of flooring you want.
Accessibility
Your loft needs to be accessible. Many lofts are already accessible via a ladder or a staircase. You have several choices when it comes to providing access to your loft. The access can be internal or external. If you carry out a loft conversion to increase living space, you are already short of space. Therefore, adding a staircase inside will take up valuable space. This can be avoided in two ways: you can either install the staircase outside your home or a spiral staircase that takes up little space. Adding an external staircase may require planning permission approval, so make sure you clear that up with your contractor.
Ceiling and Walls
In most cases, when the loft is not already in use, the ceilings and walls need to be boarded. This means that once they are boarded, you can choose from several different materials and create a highly aesthetic decor. This is also an excellent opportunity to insulate your home. Proper insulation will keep your home warm during the winters and protect it from extreme heat during the summers. Insulation will also enhance the efficiency of your heating and cooling systems, thus translating into savings.
HVAC Systems (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning)
Depending on the type of loft conversion you want, you will also have to consider installing an effective HVAC system. If you already have an HVAC system, connecting your loft with it should not be a problem. A straightforward loft conversion like the roof light conversion will be comfortable if your windows allow fresh air, and the loft structure is adequately insulated. However, it is much better to have a complete HVAC system in place. We highly recommend taking this up with your contractor before you begin conversion so that you know how much it will cost. Adequate ventilation is required in all types of weathers, so pay attention to this.
Installation of Utilities
Installation of electric wiring and accessories will also have to be considered because you will be using lights and other electrical utilities. If you are adding a bathroom to your loft bedroom, you will need to install plumbing utilities such as water connections and a drainage system. Your contractor will already have this included in your loft conversion plan. You just have to make sure it has everything you need.
Windows and Balconies
Rooflight or skylights are a common feature of converted lofts. They will allow light and fresh air into your bedroom. They will also provide a nice view, and you can enjoy the night sky while lying in bed. Many lofts also have a balcony which can be an incredible addition to your home. The choice of windows and balconies depends significantly on the type of loft conversion you have opted for.
Adding a Bathroom
Some loft bedrooms have an en-suite bathroom. A bathroom in your loft can provide amazing convenience. You won’t have to go down the stairs whenever you need to use your bathroom. The size of the bathroom, however, depends significantly on the type of loft conversion. If your loft space is not enough, you may have to let go of the idea or opt for a much smaller bathroom for essential use.
Loft Furniture and Woodwork
You can add traditional furniture to your loft or choose from specialty loft furniture. There are several companies which offer special furniture items that conserve space. Wardrobes or cabinets can be added under the staircase to provide storage options and save your loft space. Compact couches or even bean bags can be used for sitting. These choices depend a great deal on the loft space you have. Add two single beds with a side table if you have sufficient space. Check the internet for countless loft bedroom furniture ideas which can make your loft look highly aesthetic and useful.
Get Acquainted with Planning Permission and Building Regulations
Another essential thing to do before you start converting your loft is to gain familiarity with planning permission and building regulations. Not every loft conversion will require planning permission approval, but they all need approval from the building regulatory department. Rooflight and many dormer conversions rarely require planning permission while mansard conversions will require it. You will also require planning permission approval if you live in a conservation area regardless of which type of conversion you are carrying out. The government has recently redefined permitted development rights and made them much easier for residential properties, so you should not face any complications while seeking planning permission approval. However, you need to be more concerned about building regulations. These pertain to nearly all aspects of construction, including safety, ventilation, plumbing, construction, electrical installations, etc. Building a balcony or choosing the right staircase are all governed by building regulations. You can choose to read these regulations available on the internet, but we highly recommend talking to an experienced contractor or architect. Complying with building regulations and seeking planning permission approval are jobs you should leave to the experts, such as architects and engineers. Make sure you hire the right people for the job who are willing to take responsibility for complying with all these requirements.