1. Planning permission is too hard to obtain
Lots of property owners assume that they’ll have to go through a long, complicated process to obtain planning permission for a loft conversion. That’s simply not true! Lots of loft conversions actually fall within permitted development rights, so you won’t have to seek planning permission. Even if you do, it’s not as fraught as you may have been led to believe. The process is so much simpler than it was even ten years ago, and there is plenty of expert advice for you to take advantage of.
2. It doesn’t add much value to a home
Lots of people will tell you that converting your loft isn’t a financially viable move, and that you may as well move house rather than waste your money. Well, that simply isn’t true. A professionally converted loft that is used as a double bedroom with an en-suite bathroom can actually add up to 20% to the value of your home. That’s a pretty sizeable amount, making a loft conversion something that can pay off in the long and short term.
3. It’s a tricky space to use
It’s easy to assume that the loft is a tricky space to use. After all, the sloping sides of the roof and varying amount of headroom are far from the dimensions of the rooms in the rest of your property. However, there’s no reason why you can’t turn it into a functional space! Clever design solutions such as bespoke fitted storage can help you to make the most of every last bit of space, and a dormer loft conversion can add some extra ceiling height.
4. You won’t get much sunlight
Chances are that your loft is a dark space that hasn’t seen the slightest bit of natural light. So it can be hard to visualise it as a light, airy space. However, once it has been fully converted, it can be just as inviting as the rest of your home. In fact, its location at the top of your property means that it will get a lot of uninterrupted natural light, and it is also ideally placed to showcase any great views that you have.
5. You can’t convert a loft with a low roof
If you have been looking into converting your loft, you probably know that the minimum head height requirement is 2.2 meters at the highest point. This is usually measured from the floor to the roof ridge. If yours falls below this, there are solutions at hand! The ceiling below your loft can be lowered, or a dormer can be added to boost the amount of head room.
