No one can argue the benefits a loft conversion brings. It’s the easiest and most cost-effective way of adding extra space without having to move to a new home. It increases the value of your property, and it’s a great way of improving the energy efficiency of your home.
That said, the problem with loft conversion is that they’re among the home renovation projects most likely to go wrong. According to a recent survey, loft conversions and bathroom remodels are some of the most problematic home improvements.
To help you keep your project under control, we’ve gathered some of the most common problems you might encounter during a loft conversion.
Here’s what you need to keep your eye open for:
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Costs Are Piling Up
One of the most common problems homeowner encounter when converting their lofts is that the entire project is burning a hole through their wallets.
A loft conversion is an investment and, just like any other expenditure, you need to plan everything in advance. Try to think of everything before you lay out a budget – from the cost of materials to contractor fees. Look for ways that can help you maximize the gains while minimizing the costs. Keep in mind that price is what you pay; value is what you get from your investment.
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You Didn’t Think the Design Through
It’s easy to get excited about loft conversion construction and design. It’s one of the rare opportunities you got to create something that’s entirely yours, and that’s well-worth getting excited over.
While this process seems like fun and game to most people, they quickly realize that the ideas they’ve scribbled on a piece of the napkin are not enough if they want to design something that actually brings value to their property.
The design of your loft has to be in line with your home. You might have difficulties selling the house if the overall design is classic but the loft is ultra-modern.
Another problem most homeowners stumble upon is that their design ideas don’t fit the practicality of their loft. Don’t forget to take the structure of your attic into consideration when planning your design. If your loft is too low, for instance, you may need to get a bit creative.
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You Hired the Wrong Contractor
A lot of homeowners make the mistake of settling for the first contractor they find. Or, they pick the cheapest one thinking that if they save on construction they can spend more on design. But, as the project progresses, they quickly discover that by sacrificing quality over costs they’ve jeopardized their chances of finding a buyer for their homes should they ever decide to sell it.
Make sure you do your due diligence and research the market carefully before deciding on a contractor. Ask them to show you different projects they’ve worked on, read reviews, ask for references, and make sure they are licensed. Remember, a loft conversion is an investment. Make the most of it by paying attention to every detail.
A loft conversion is one of the cheapest and easiest ways of adding an extra bedroom to your home. However, you need to plan everything with care if you want to create a space you will enjoy using. If it’s well executed, a loft conversion can not only make your living situation more enjoyable but also add value to your property.
