Don't know what to do with your empty attic in East London? Turn this unused space into your dream room! You will be able to increase the value of your home while adding extra space and comfort to it.
Loft conversion procedures might appear discouraging without enough support. In this article, we'll explain how to transform your free or underutilised attic into a gorgeous loft, so you’ll know what to expect.
Why convert your unused space into a loft?
Expand the size of your house
Are you down one room in your house because of a new family member? Do you need a second room for friends and family? Or a dedicated study space at home? Maybe you simply wish you had extra living space in a tiny house?
If the answer to at least one of the above questions is “yes”, then you should think about converting your attic into a loft. There is no easier or less expensive option to expand your home.
Increase the value of your home by up to 20%
According to a recent Guardian investigation, loft conversions may enhance the value of your home by up to 20% in addition to improving living space.
Why are loft conversions particularly interesting in East London ?
East London is known for its trendy cafés and independent stores, as well as the famous Brick Lane and its weekend market. With close proximity to the Olympic Park, there is always a sporting event to watch in the area.
Some East London neighbourhoods like Clapton, Hackney, Leytonstone and Redbridge are well-known to be particularly in demand. If you love your East London house and don't want to or can’t relocate, try increasing its size without moving!
Think about turning your underutilised attic into a unique living area designed exclusively for you.
Which loft conversion will best suit your home in East London ?
When it comes to converting free or underused home space into a loft, your options are endless. You should first ask yourself:
- “Is it feasible to turn my attic into a living space?”
- “How do I see this new space? How am I going to use it?”
- “Can I easily get the results I want, and for which price?”
Some projects are better suited to certain types of residences, based on the specificities of your house and its roof, and whether you want to resort to permitted development or simply go with a natural match.
Depending on the size of your property, the following loft conversion options are available:
A dormer loft expansion
This is a popular and cost-effective option. It consists of constructing a structural addition to your house that protrudes from an existing roof and typically resembles a stylish box attached to the roof of your home.
This option is popular among homeowners since it greatly improves headroom, allows for the installation of standard windows, and is often less expensive than alternative loft additions.
Hip-to-gable transformation
This modification, often preferred by homeowners in end terraces, semi-detached, and detached houses, will transform an existing hipped roof into a gable one. A vertical wall is formed by straightening an internally sloping end roof.
You may combine this project with a dormer for even more space, but it will most likely cost you six figures.
Mansards
If you want your house to maintain a traditional appearance, creating a mansard may be the solution you’re looking for. You will need to increase the party wall, which is the wall shared with a neighbour, to create a level ceiling and an outer wall that slopes inward at roughly 72 degrees.
Councils typically prefer mansard expansions because they help retain a building's individuality.
A balcony with a skylight conversion
There are times when keeping things simple is the best option, and this is one of them. A skylight conversion, also known as a "room in loft" or "Velux" conversion, involves preserving the structural integrity of the current room while improving its walls, windows, flooring, and insulation.
This conversion is the most cost-effective, but you must have at least 2.1 metres of headroom available.
How much does a loft conversion cost in East London ?
It's time to speak about costs now that you have a better idea of what you could do with your attic. There are no official figures available, but the price for a loft conversion in East London starts at around £35,000.
The size and complexity of the task will dictate the price: larger and more sophisticated jobs take longer and will cost you more. But remember that the prices are never set in stone and must be negotiated with your conversion professional. Read this article for further information.