Top 5 things to think about when planning to convert your loft

 

If you have a loft space you are planning on converting, where do you begin? Should you move that, should you tear that wall down? These are a few questions you have to answer before you begin any work. So, before you get underway with the demolition and the new conversion of the space, keep these simple tips in mind to ensure a smooth conversion, and to ensure you don’t go over budget for the new space.

1. Planning, planning, planning

When buying a new home, “location, location, location,” is what sells. When building or converting a loft, it’s all about planning. Draw out the blueprints, measure every wall, corner, and space being worked upon. Make sure you draw out and label dimensions. Know where plumbing fixtures are, which walls are solid, where new pipes and electrical work will go. The more you plan, the fewer issues you will run into, and the smoother the transition will go. Further, the loft will appear how you planned, if you take the time to detail the conversion beforehand.

2. Have a team in place

You can’t do this job on your own. The average homeowner simply doesn’t have the time, resources, energy, or expertise. Having the right team in place not only ensures a smooth conversion, it also ensures the work will turn out as planned. And, hiring the best team for your loft conversion also ensures you will be pleased with the final layout, and conversion of the space they are working on.

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3. Investigate

Before any work takes place, investigate the space. Can you install new electrical outlets or plumbing lines in the space? Is it possible to tear down certain walls? Sometimes there are architectural and structural issues which simply won’t permit you do exactly what you want to do in the conversion. So, investigating beforehand will save time, money, and headaches along the way. It will also ensure you have everything perfectly laid out when the project begins.

4. Know your timing

You’ve got the blueprints, the team, and money ready to go. How long will this take? Make sure you know what you are getting into. Make sure you understand potential issues or delays. It is important that you are on the same page as the team you hired for the job, and that you know how long this project will take. You don’t want to end up waiting two years, for a project you anticipated would take two months. Make sure you ask questions, and are fully aware of what the job entails.

5. Have the finances in place

Even with the best laid out plans, professional team, and the right scheme in place, issues do turn up with conversion projects. So, what if more materials are needed, do you have the funds available? What if an unexpected issue turns up, can you afford to fix it? Make sure you set a budget, and have at least an additional 10% (of the total cost) set aside, for unexpected emergencies and issues which may arise.

There’s no sure-fire way to ensure the conversion will go perfectly as planned. Make sure you consider these potential issues, and have all plans fully laid out, before any work begins. This ensures as smooth a transition as possible once the work begins.