Creating Your Dream Space: Loft Conversion Dos and Don’ts

loft conversion bromley

Are you planning for a loft conversion? Are you bewildered about where to start?

Well, you need to get the basics right before putting your hands into action. Going with a conversion is the perfect approach to increasing your living space. Get extra space without moving to a new property.
Many individuals prefer this method since it enhances the functionality of their abode and gives value for money at the same time.
However, there are certain dos and don’ts that you must focus on before choosing the same for your property.
Are you planning for loft conversions in Bromley? Get in touch with the experts at Loft Life. Get benefitted from the extensive experience and in-depth knowledge of our expert team.
Call to book now.

What are the Dos of Loft Conversions?

  • Focus on your requirements: You must have a concrete understanding of your needs and wants. For instance, determine the usage and functionality of the loft space, access options to the converted space, and the impact of loft remodelling on the rest of the property.
  • Assess the building regulations: You have to be calculative in approach before considering a conversion. Focus on aspects like structural integrity, safety, and strength of the building. Also, you have to go through the local building regulations. Hire the professionals at Loft Life and gain complete peace of mind.
  • Check whether your loft space is perfect for conversion: Evaluate the amount of space in your loft. You should ensure that your loft has adequate space to convert. For this purpose, you have to assess the type of roof. You must also check the head height in the loft space.

Are you confused? Seek suggestions from the professionals at Loft Life.

  • Call a professional: If you are unsure about whether to go with a loft restructuring, consult experienced professionals. With their suggestions, you gain the necessary insights that help you to arrive at a decision.

Hire a company specialising in loft transformations and get instant desired outcomes.

What are the Don’ts of Loft Conversions?

  • Don’t initiate the process without knowing the budget: Before putting your hands into action, make sure you know the main budget and contingency budget. This way, you can exert some control over the cost of loft alterations.
  • Don’t settle for a lower quote: All of us look for low-priced options, but that doesn’t mean we should compromise on the work quality. Hence, do not settle for a low quote. If you accept, the chances are high of receiving inferior quality services. Get in touch with Loft Life and get good value for your money.
  • Don’t forget to inform the neighbours: If you decide to go with loft remodelling, inform the neighbours about your plan. At times, you may have to sign an agreement if the loft restructuring experts work on the wall you share.

If you are looking for loft conversions in Bromley, contact Loft Life to address your requirements and preferences precisely.

We offer various types of loft conversions for your convenience. So, why wait? Call us today and discuss your requirements.

Making Your Loft Conversion Eco-friendly: The Ultimate Guide

Making Your Loft Conversion Eco-friendly, The Ultimate Guide

Loft conversions are increasingly popular nowadays as homeowners seek to add more living space to their properties. However, with global warming being a major issue, it is important to consider sustainable alternatives when renovating your home. In this blog post, we will explore how you can make your loft conversion eco-friendly.

1. Insulation

One of the easiest ways to make your loft conversion eco-friendly is through proper insulation. Not only does insulation keep your home warm in winter, but it also helps to keep it cool during summer months. This means less energy consumption and a reduced carbon footprint. There are various types of insulation to consider, including cavity wall insulation, loft insulation and floor insulation. Choose the best option for your loft to ensure minimal heat loss.

2. Renewable Energy

Switching to renewable energy sources such as solar panels, wind turbines and geothermal heat pumps can help to significantly reduce your carbon footprint. These energy sources are not only renewable but also cost-effective, making them an excellent investment in the long run. Consider the practicality of each form of energy in relation to your location and climate, as well as the size of your loft.

3. Sustainable Materials

Opting for sustainable materials is another way to make your loft conversion eco-friendly. Look for materials with a low carbon footprint like bamboo, natural stones, clay, and recycled wood. These materials are not only renewable but also energy-efficient, biodegradable, and have a longer lifespan compared to traditional construction materials. It is important to note that the installation process also plays a part in the eco-friendliness of your loft – for example, choose non-toxic paints and adhesives.

4. Lighting

Lighting makes up a significant portion of home energy consumption, making this a critical point to consider during your loft conversion planning. Switching to LED or CFL bulbs and having a motion sensor or timer-controlled lighting system to turn off lights in empty rooms can help save energy. You may also consider installing skylights to increase natural light. Not only does this lower energy consumption, but also enhances the aesthetic and improves the wellbeing of occupants.

5.Water Conservation

Finally, water conservation plays a vital role in reducing your home’s impact on the environment. Installing low-flow toilets, showers, and faucets can significantly reduce your water consumption. You may also consider a greywater system to repurpose water from showers, sinks, and basins for the garden. Alternatively, install a rainwater harvesting system to collect rainwater that can be used for flushing toilets or watering plants, depending on your location.

Loft conversions are an excellent addition to any home, but they can also have a significant impact on the environment, especially in locations with a long-term cold climate. However, by implementing eco-friendly measures such as insulation, renewable energy, sustainable materials, lighting enhancements, and water conservation, you can ensure that your loft conversion does not harm the environment. We hope that this ultimate guide has given you a better insight into the steps you can take.

Considering A Loft Conversion? Few Vital Design Ideas For You

loft conversions in South West London
If you are planning to sell your house, make it more desirable in the property market by converting the loft. You will get a new room without moving home. An extra bathroom or bedroom can increase your property’s value by almost 20%. Since a loft conversion has so much to offer, make sure you choose the right company offering the service. Their experts will visit your house and let you know whether your loft is suitable for conversion. They will measure the loft before suggesting a few design ideas. Even if you are willing to create a masterpiece, there will be endless possibilities.

Importance Of The Loft Conversion Design

If you are willing to create a beautiful and functional loft room, the first thing you should consider is its design. Craft a design-based plan and you will have complete control over its designing elements. Three basic designs generally used in loft conversions in South London are, ü  Skylight – Designing the skylight of your loft is quite easy and affordable as you don’t have to make any structural changes in the roofline. ü  Dormer – If you are willing to add more space to your loft conversion, design a mid-range dormer conversion. Make the conversion towards the rear of your property or its sides. ü  Mansard – The Mansard loft conversion is equally popular as it can make a loft more spacious and aesthetically pleasing. Design a vertical roof and you can maximise the available space.

Want To Design The Best Loft Conversion In Lewisham? 3 Points To Consider

  • Space
A unique feature of a loft room is that they are not completely square like the other rooms in your house. Be practical when decorating your loft conversions in London and stay aware of the space. Consider the nooks, angles and crannies of the room before buying suitable furniture and fittings. If your budget permits, buy pint-sized furniture and bespoke shelves with a minimalist look and vertical designs.
  • Natural Light
Not only will a room look warm and stunning if you allow more natural light to enter but will also help in reducing your energy bills. Include skylights when designing your loft conversions in Lewisham and natural light can enter the loft room with ease. Open the skylights during summer months and the room will become airy. Keep them closed during winter and the room will stay warm.
  • Colour
Approach an experienced loft conversion company and they will share numerous colour options which can give your loft room a splash of colour. Though white is the most preferred choice when it comes to lighting up a room, other colours are also quite popular. Lighter shades will make the room look warm and large. You can complete the room decor with soft furnishing in deeper shades or warm woods. These being said, it’s time you consider the points stated above and get in touch with a renowned loft conversion company if you want to design the best loft room.

How to Make the Best of Your Loft Conversion with the Right Styling

loft conversions in South East London

Converting your loft can add value to your home. There are so many ways you can convert your loft into a cosy bedroom, a library, an office or a welcoming guest bedroom. You can fit all your imagination with a budget if you choose a loft conversion specialist in LondonA loft conversion company in London can handle the basic construction and structure, but with some smart styling tips up your sleeve, you can elevate the looks and the vibe of your loft. Here are a few pointers to help you in styling your loft conversion.

  • Choose the right colours: White, cream, very light grey and pastels are popular colour options during loft conversions in South London. These reflect light and make the small room look more spacious and open as opposed to dark, clumsy places. Break the monotony, add a splash of colour to single walls or put up a fun wallpaper to bring attention or focus on a beautiful spot.
  • Play with textures to add depth to the room. A warm, fuzzy rug, thick carpets, panelled floors or walls are some of the ways to enhance the aesthetic of the room and not leave it dull and unattractive. It can make a world of difference on a cold winter morning.

  • Experiment with lighting :  It is often seen during loft conversions in South London, and lighting is not paid much attention to as lofts have plenty of natural sunlight coming in through the windows or balcony. But, there are a lot of high angles and dark corners that are left out which can be brought out by subtle roof lights or wall lamps. A great way to bring in some dimension to lighting will be if you install lights that can be dimmed.
  • Customise your furniture : Standard or big chunks of furniture are tough to fit in small, angular lofts. The best way to furnish your loft will be by planning the furniture at the design stage. Customising your furniture into smaller, interestingly shaped pieces can help you solve your fitting issues.
  • Include storage spaces:  Converted loft spaces are the best places to inculcate some high storage units. The slanted roofs fit very stylish cupboards, and small shelving units can be functional bookshelves. You can also add storage spaces in furniture. An ottoman underneath a window or a small nightstand doubled as a storage box will provide an extra edge to the overall look of the room.

These tips are equally useful for small, big or angled lofts if you can adjust according to the proportions. You can also get an entirely bespoke loft conversion by Loft Life London, which is one of the best loft conversion companies in London. You can trust them with quality and experience as they are around for more than 25 years in the industry and are deemed to be loft conversion specialists in London, with the expertise they bring to your home.

Continue reading

Is Planning Permission Needed When Choosing a Loft Conversion?

Loft Conversion

Do you wish to make transformational home improvements anytime soon? Opting for high-end loft conversions in South London is the key to adding an excellent dimension to your house.  Converting your attic into a new habitable space can enhance the appeal as well increase the value of your house.

Wondering if you need planning permission or building regulations approval? Read on.

For most loft or attic conversions, seeking planning permission isn’t required. This is because they usually fall under permitted development rights. However, you need permission when altering or extending the roof space, and it exceeds the specified conditions and limits. Additionally, you’ll have to follow strict building regulations to ensure your work is done safely. But, how do you ensure your loft conversion meets the essential criteria?

Here’s all you need to know about planning permission.

When Do Bespoke Loft Conversions In South London Fall Under Permitted Development?

loft conversions service london

Permitted development covers your new loft conversion work only if-

  • The loft space should not exceed 40 cubic metres for a terraced house.
  • The attic space should not exceed 50 cubic meters in a semi-detachedor detached houses.
  • The extension does not exceed the highest part of your existing roof slope
  • The conversion plan does not include any balcony, veranda or anything of this nature
  • The roof extension cannot overhang the wall or roof of the house
  • Any materials used are similar or same aswhat’s already used on your house’s exterior
  • Your house isn’t located in designated areas. These include national parks, conservation areas, areas of exceptional natural beauty and World Heritage Sites.
  • Side-facing windows should be obscure-glazed and at least 1.7 m above the ground

How Long Does It Take To Seek Planning Permission?

Be it a period property or a modern house, seeking planning permission is a vital aspect of loft conversions. Your local planning authority should make a decision on your planning application as quickly as possible. For straightforward applications, the local planning authorities should not take more than eight weeks to make a decision. On the other hand, they should not take more than thirteen weeks for specifically complex or large applications.

Loft Conversions In Bromley: Building Regulations Approval

What building regulations you need depends on the type of extension you are planning for your property. These include-

  • Creating A Habitable Space

Do you wish to convert your attic into a liveable space? If you want to use it as a normal part of your house, seeking building regulations approval is essential. Typically, full conversions need several alterations, which might affect the building’s original structural integrity. Following building regulations can ensure neither the occupants nor the building is at risk.

  • Creating A Space For Storage

If you wish to convert your attic into storage space, seeking building regulations approval might be needed. Usually, the timber joists which act as the floor of your loft isn’t designed for supporting significant weight. Building regulations approval is required for ensuring safety.
Quickly seek planning permission and building regulations approval for your extension. Time to approach the best loft conversion company in London!

Choose Bespoke Loft Conversions & Make Your Attic Kid-Friendly

Bespoke Loft Conversion

Are you a soon-to-be parent? Or, do you have growing teenagers in your family who needs a room to themselves? If so, choosing a  loft conversions in South London can be a good choice for home improvement. Are you wondering how to ensure your attic conversion is child-friendly? Check out the guide below.

Many homes throughout the UK are going for loft conversions and this makes complete sense. Hiring loft specialists is the ideal way to get additional space while avoiding the stress of house relocation. Also, it’s cheaper to convert the attic of your house into a valuable space instead of moving into a new home. But, just like all the other rooms in your house, you need to consider the safety of your children.
Here’s how you can make your attic conversion kid-friendly.

loft conversion specialists london

Loft Conversions In South London: 4 Tips To Make Your Loft Child-Friendly

  1. Stairs

No attic conversion is complete without a staircase. Stairs are essential for accessibility reasons. But, they pose a certain kind of risk to kids who aren’t steady on their feet. Since they are often susceptible to occasional tumble, you need to be careful. Consider putting stair-gates at the top and bottom of your new staircase. Keep in mind this is an essential consideration.

  1. Furniture

An amazing aspect of choosing a  bespoke loft conversions in Hither Green is deciding on the decor of your room. And, when you are converting the loft for your children, ensure it has some influence over your choices. Avoid furnishings which are weak or are easy to knock over since this can cause injury to your child. You should even be wary of foldable furnishings since over enthusiastic use by children can lead to its collapse.

  1. Windows

It is vital to bring light to your new space and attic, conversions are incomplete without skylights. To make your loft room kid-friendly, try to place these windows out of the reach of children. Make sure no furniture is positioned below which a child can use as a climbing frame. You should also watch out for cords hanging from blinds since they can be hazardous for children. If possible, try and select cordless blinds.

  1. Soundproofing

Do you intend to use your loft room as a bedroom or playroom for your child? The chances are that it won’t be a quiet room. So, it’s worth investigating how you can soundproof your attic conversion. Use tricks like hanging thick curtains or laying down thick carpets to soundproof your attic space.
Whether you live in a period property or a contemporary house, loft conversion specialists in London can help. So what are you still thinking of? Approach the specialists and make your attic conversion child-friendly

Know The Types Of Loft Conversions Before Choosing One

Loft conversion

If you are planning a home renovation, choose a loft conversion and add space to your property quickly. It is considered to be a more cost-effective option than moving home as you can bring a new lease of life to your current property. You can either use the new room as a storage solution or a bedroom. It can extend the potential of your house and enhance its resale value.

If you are willing to reap all the benefits offered by a loft conversion, hire experienced professionals providing the service and choose the right type of loft conversion. Professionals consider the line and shape of your existing roof, your permitted development rights and your budget before drawing the best plan for your loft room.

3 Primary Types Of Loft Conversions You Can Choose From

  • Dormer Loft Conversion

Though the flat roof dormer is quite simple, it is a very popular variety of loft conversion. The extension develops vertically from the slope of the existing roof. This creates a box-shaped structure. The primary advantage of choosing a dormer loft conversion is that no dramatic changes are necessary. You can even install conventional windows for extra protection and added style. Few benefits of choosing a dormer loft conversion are; it can add headroom even in a cramped attic, you will get a large amount of internal space, the walls are straight and the ceilings flat, a cost-effective option, suitable for almost all house styles, enjoy good light and ventilation.

  • Mansard Loft Conversion

The party wall is the one which you share with your neighbours. This wall has to be raised if you are planning to construct a mansard loft conversion. The unique features of this loft conversion are the flat roof and the gently inward sloping outer wall. Though you can opt for this type of conversion for any property, loft conversion specialists in London feel that they are more suitable for terraced houses. Few benefits offered by mansard loft conversion are they are more aesthetically pleasing than the other loft conversion varieties, can blend easily with your existing property, provide more headroom and allow light to enter your loft easily.

  • Hip To Gable Loft Conversion

This loft conversion variety is more suitable for detached and end of terrace homes. A vertical wall is created by straightening the inwardly slanted end roof. Though the change is quite small, it can bring a drastic change to the interior living space. This has made hip to gable loft conversion a very popular choice nowadays. Few benefits of choosing this loft conversion variety are they are aesthetically pleasing and can blend with your existing home, you can maximise the space by combining it with the rear dormer loft and are suitable for all types of bungalows.
Since you are now aware of the common types of loft conversion, it’s time you choose one according to your requirements and hire a loft conversion specialist.

Maximise Light And Space With These Latest Loft Conversion Ideas

roofline-loft-conversion-banner

A well-designed loft conversion is the one whose extra space has been cleverly thought-out. Few things loft conversion specialists consider before crafting a suitable design are the position of the windows, the energy-efficiency of the loft room, your budget and the configuration of the room. Irrespective of the type of loft conversion you are going for, your focus should be on maximising light and space by using some design tricks. Just make sure the design abides by the building regulations and you have taken the necessary planning permission.

4 Latest Loft Conversion Ideas To Maximise Light And Space

 

  • Opt For Customised Storage In Odd Attic Spaces

Don’t get disheartened just because you have awkward attic space. You can easily combat it with customised storage. Experienced professionals offering loft conversions in Bromley know how to craft smart designs for old-shaped rooms with ceilings at a lower level. Though the shape of the attic can’t be changed, you can include compact and low-level furniture. You can also go for customised storage and put dressing tables and desks in the lower areas. A mezzanine level loft conversion will be a wise idea if there is sufficient head height.

Loft Conversion specialists South East London

  • Build New Stairs Over The Existing One

The easiest way to make a loft conversion feasible is by designing the room in such a way so that the pitch of the roof is more than thirty degrees and the head height is 2.2m at the highest point. If you don’t want to waste the floor space, build the new staircase over the existing staircase. It will make the stairs more space-efficient. You can also avoid compromising floor space by going for steeper and narrower staircases or spiral staircases.

  • Insert Rooflights

One of the main reasons why loft conversion specialists in London suggest their clients include roof lights in the loft room is it gives more floor space. The place doesn’t even feel claustrophobic and open views. Hipped roof with sloping sides can be transformed into an upright gable and add more space. Including roof lights will not only enhance the beauty of the new room but will also bring light to the centre of your home. Consider the transparency of the roofing material if you want to control the amount of light entering the room.

  • Convert The Roof Space Into A Cosy Room

If there are not many spare rooms in your house, try converting the roof space instead of squeezing numerous guests into one extra room. Though a bathroom and bedroom can be incorporated into any loft space, dormer lofts work the best. Ask professionals offering loft conversions in South East London to install dormer windows in sloping roof skylights and your bathroom with get adequate light and air.
Time to follow the latest loft conversion ideas stated above and maximising space and light will become easier.

5 Types of Loft Conversion That Will Increase the Chic Appeal of Your Property

loft bedroom
A loft conversion is simply an attic conversion. It is an ideal process of transforming an empty attic space into a completely functional area. It can typically be used as a functional room or can ideally be used as a bedroom and space. This was just a simple definition that we have discussed Loft Conversions in Lewisham, just to make you aware of the process. By now you must be aware of what the process is all about. If you are ready to transform the entire attic into a value-driven part in your household, get a loft conversion with immediate effect. In this particular article, we would be discussing the type of conversion, you can adopt.

Roofline Loft Conversions in Lewisham

At times it is often defined as Velux conversion. It is a cost-effective approach without any such prior building work. In some cases, the overall conversion can be carried out without any alteration in the entire structure of the property. It is ideal for larger and detached homes. In this sort of home, the attic space is quite large and it offers enough height within the existing shape. Loft Conversions South East London Dormer It is the most important type of conversion as it befits to numerous properties. Dormer is nothing but a timber created structure that overhangs from a sloped roofline. There is enough space and enables a person to even walk freely in an internal loft area. The dormer is located right on the rear roof slope and at times on the other side. The contemporary lofts are versatile and chic and not like the ones that were used in the ’70s and ’80s. The moderns’ lofts are tailored to be created into an alluring living room or bedroom. L-Section L-section is people’s favourite especially in London, though it is very much popular in some other adjoining areas as well. This sort of Loft Conversions in Bromley is ideal if you are having furniture of Victorian style in your house. It will match ideally. Even the Victorian terraced attics can also get a Midas touch after going ahead with this loft conversion. Gable A gable conversion will help you to utilise the overall space. This sort of conversion is one, where the sloping part in the roofs is eliminated. The roof ridges are extended to meet up with the latest gable end. There is yet another gable conversion and it is defined as hip to gable dormer. Here rooflines are extended to include a hip and dormer and you can save some money by building a gable end to your home. Bespoke Loft Conversion A bespoke loft conversion in South London is a great way for adding value to the overall property. It is located right at the top of your home and you can make use of natural light by carrying out experimentation with numerous layouts. In this particular article, we have discussed the type of loft conversion that you can install. Get it now and make your property the cynosure of all eyes.

Things to Note for Loft Conversion at Top Floor Flats and Maisonettes

loft space converted into bedroom

In the location of London along with Kent and Surrey, it has been witnessed maximum housings are flat-based, apartments and maisonettes. With the maximum populace in London moving in flats, there is a humongous crunch for space. In case of a flat, you might not have said legitimacy to add extra space. But times have changed and housing laws in this country have turned out to be flexible. Owners of top floor flat owners are extending space and that too by some innovative application. Through applications of a loft conversion, the extended area might turn out to be the cynosure of all eyes.

How Loft Conversions in South London allow creating a Functional Room

By calling a professional, one can transform an empty attic area or terrace into a functional room. They can typically be used as a bedroom or it can be used specifically as a gym. If required you can use it as a functional room or a storage room for hoarding your household items.
Loft Conversion service East Dulwich
Carrying out a Party wall Agreement for Conversion
You might live in a house that has been converted into flats or a mansion flat, all you will have to do is sign a party wall agreement. Here an agreement needs to be signed between owners of respective walls that stand on the land of a couple or more owners. It is nothing but a legal process addressed by law. It allows you to inform neighbours that you are wanting to extend walls near a shared property boundary.
What Happens for a  Leasehold Property
If you own a leasehold property, all you will need to do is buy a freehold to the attic. This particular procedure will help you to extend loft. Flats in these locations that are leasehold need special permission before carrying out any extension task.
If you are an owner of a flat that has a share of freehold, you need a special check. If you own these freeholds of loft space then things might be transparent. If it is not you need to purchase the freehold of the attic.
Adding a Roof Terrace
It is at times a possibility to create a roof terrace while creating loft conversion. If you are planning to go ahead with the process you need permission and you will have to talk to neighbours in your respective locality. If a loft is obstructing views of your neighbours, they might bring about a legal notice. If a particular loft is not overlooking then you are on the safer side.
In conclusion, all it can be said is, a property having a proper plan will always lure prospective purchasers who are ready for long term ambitious plans. You can pay a professional architect to draw up a plan and later call up an expert on best loft conversion company London. These professionals will help you make your property add more value.