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The Pros & Cons Of Converting Your Loft

Written by NDM Creative on . Posted in Benefits, News.

A loft conversion is a great way to add extra space to your home, and most of the time they don’t require planning permission. An added loft room can add to the value of your home, should you decide to sell at some point in the future. There are many benefits that come with a loft conversion.

Are you considering a loft conversion for your home? Then it’s a good idea to review the pros and cons of a converted loft space. Keep in mind that a loft conversion isn’t always the best option for a home, and there some things to consider before you go ahead with the project.

Pros of a Loft Conversion

Let’s review the pros a loft conversion can bring to your home:

  • Affordable option for home improvement: a loft conversion is one of the cheapest options when it comes to making improvements to your home. In addition, you don’t usually to have worry about major structural to your home.

Adding a loft room also increases your home’s value anywhere from 10% to 20%, making this a great investment, especially if you’re considering selling your home at some point.

  • Adds more room and space: if your home is on the small size, a loft conversion can increase the size of your property with the addition of a bedroom, a home office, or even a playroom for the kids.

By adding space upstairs, you won’t need to worry about hitting brick walls, not having the space to extend, etc. You also won’t have to deal with obtaining planning permission, in most cases. You could run into all of these issues if you were adding a traditional extension to your home.

  • Won’t obscure or cast shadow on other properties: depending on the type of loft conversion you’re planning, you won’t have to worry about obscuring or overshadowing neighboring properties, even if you live in a built-up area.

Traditional extensions to a home could cause your neighbor’s home to be in the shadow. We guarantee they would not be happy with that situation. There are also strict rules about where windows can be placed.

With a loft conversion, on the other hand, if you choose Velux windows or sun tunnels to bring natural light to the new room, you won’t have to worry about accidentally peering into your neighbor’s home, or the neighbors being able to see into your loft.

  • No loss of outside space: with a traditional extension, you have to consider that you’ll lose some space outside. In other words, your garden area will become smaller, or you might have to shrink the driveway to accommodate the extension.

However, with a loft conversion, there’s no problem with losing outside space since you’re building up, rather than out. This way, you won’t have to sacrifice garden or driveway space.

Cons of a Loft Conversion

Now that you’ve reviewed the advantages of a loft conversion, it’s time to take a look at some of the disadvantages such a conversion could bring.

  • Not all homes suitable: this is an important point—houses that have a low-pitched roof (such those that have a truss roof) may not be suitable for a loft conversion. These types of roofs may need to be remodeled, which can be very expensive. In addition, there are regulations about making changes to the structure and line of the roof.

An example is if the conversion caused an extension of the existing roof onto a main road, this is not permitted. No part of the extension is allowed to be higher than the highest part of the existing roof.

So, before even starting on a loft conversion project, it’s a good idea to first have your design checked out with an architect or designer who is experienced with this type of conversion. They’ll be able to tell you if your home is suitable for a loft conversion and if the design is good, etc.

  • Room may not be usable: when considering the use of the new room, remember that the areas under the eaves, under the sloping ceiling, may not provide much room for furniture. If the ceiling is less than 2 m, it may not be possible to have furniture in the room and you could face trouble even walking upright in the newly converted loft.
  • Loss of storage space: is your loft currently being used to store items? If so, this storage space will go away once the loft’s been converted. Think about where you’d store the items that are now in the loft. Do you have another space you could use for storage?

If not, then you’ll have to store those items in another part of the house. Not only will you lose the storage area in the loft, but also storage capacity in the rest of the house.

Or you could add some cabinets at the lowest point of the roof (under the eaves). These spaces are too small for furniture, etc. and could be used to store items in the gap.

  • Don’t forget regulations: while most loft conversions don’t require planning permission, it’s still a good idea to run your plans by the local authorities. However, if you’re not making major changes to the roof lines of your home, then you should be OK.

The easiest way to bring light into the new room, without changing the roof configuration, is to use Velux windows. Another option is to use a sun tunnel. This is a tube that goes from the room to the external roof. It can bring quite a bit of natural light into the room, without causing major changes to the roof line.

Summing It Up

A loft conversion brings many advantages, even though it does require a financial investment. Converting your loft into a usable space adds more room to your home and increases the value of your property.

To determine if a loft conversion is right for your home, be sure to review all the pros and cons. And Remember to talk with a professional builder who has experience with this type of conversion. They’ll have the best guidance and advice on how to manage a successful project, without running into regulation problems, or problems with your neighbours.

Types Of Loft Conversion

Written by NDM Creative on . Posted in News, Types.

When it comes to loft conversions, you’ll find there are four main types found in the UK. The additional space a converted loft offers can be used in different ways, including a guest bedroom, a playroom, a home office, etc. A loft conversion not only adds to your home’s overall space, but it also increases your property’s value.

The overall cost of a loft conversion can run anywhere from £20,000 to £45,000 and can take from four to eight weeks to convert the space.

Before you choose the type of loft conversion that’s best, you’ll need to first take into consideration the shape and line of the existing roof, determine how much you can afford to spend, and whether or not you’ll need permits. You’ll also want to be sure to hire an experienced and reliable architect to draw up professional plans for your home.

When it comes to loft conversion, you’ll find there are three basic types:

1). Mansard loft conversion: these require construction of a party wall (the wall shared with your neighbors). The roof will be flat, and the outer wall will gently slope inward. Mansard conversion are most often found on the rear of the house. They’re suitable for many types of homes but are most often used on terraced houses.

Pros:

  • Allow more light into the loft space
  • Blend better into older properties
  • Allow more headroom than other types of conversions
  • Seen as more aesthetically pleasing than other conversions

Cons:

  • Usually require planning permission
  • More expensive than other loft conversion types
  • Construction time can be longer

2). Hip to gable loft conversion: these are a great choice for end of terrace and detached homes. These tend to straighten in inward slanting roof to create a vertical wall. The small change allows the converted loft to feel larger, which makes this option a popular one for many homeowners.

Pros:

  • Can be combined with a rear dormer loft to maximize space
  • Suitable for chalets and bungalows
  • Aesthetically pleasing because it blends will with the home

Cons:

  • Will not work for mid-terraced homes
  • Tend to be more expensive than the dormer conversion type
  • Can feel imbalanced if the neighbor doesn’t have one

3). Dormer loft conversion: this is the most popular of all loft conversions because it’s a simple flat roof dormer. This requires a structural extension projecting vertically from the slope of your room. It creates a “box.” This type of conversion doesn’t require dramatic changes and allows you to install conventional windows.

Pros:

  • Leaves walls straight and ceilings flat
  • Offers good natural light and ventilation
  • Adds headroom to a cramped attic space
  • Creates a large internal space
  • Suitable for most UK house types
  • Often falls under permitted development
  • Is the most inexpensive loft conversion type

Cons:

  • This type of conversion may be as aesthetically appealing as the other options

For homes that are mid-terrace properties, a popular adaption is the L-shaped dormer that wraps around the side and rear of the house.

Another option is the gabled dormer that creates an inverted “v” roof shape. This may be a good choice on the front of your home. However, it can be quite expensive, and it also limits headroom in the converted loft space.

4). Roof light conversion: this is the type of conversion where you don’t change the existing space in anyway. Instead, you add windows and reinforce the floor to turn the attic into a usable space.

Pros:

  • Usually about 25% cheaper than other loft conversions
  • You’ll enjoy lots of storage space (by creatively using the eaves)
  • This type of conversion is more often approved in conservation areas

Cons:

  • It doesn’t open up useful space
  • Will require at least 2.25m of head height in the middle of the room, so the floor can safely be built up
  • Limited headroom will impact the stairs—they may have to come out into the middle of the room
  • You may still need planning permission for this type of conversion if windows are on the front

These are the most common loft conversions in the UK. We hope this short guide has helped you to choose the best loft conversion project for your home.

Top 7 Things To Know About Loft Conversions

Written by NDM Creative on . Posted in Information, News.

Loft conversions are a popular choice when it comes to adding space to a home. Converting a loft is also one of the most cost-effective ways to increase your home’s value. Going up to add space is generally cheaper than going out to add more space onto a home, too.

Consider the large expense of moving to a new home, for instance. Not only that, but moving to a new neighborhood isn’t easy, especially if you’re happy where you are now. Moving means an upheaval of every part of your life. With that in mind, adding more space to your current home by the addition of a loft makes good sense.

In addition, adding a loft can increase your home’s value. A study by Nationwide found that a loft conversion that added an extra bedroom and ensuite bathroom could add an average of 21 percent to the home’s value.

With all these benefits, going up and adding space to your home via a loft conversion makes a lot of sense. However, there are some considerations to keep in mind before you start.

1). Building Regulations: Does a Loft Conversion Need Planning Approval

Loft conversions, in most cases, don’t require planning approval.  This type of home improvement project generally falls under “permitted development.” However, it wouldn’t hurt to have your plans approved before starting the project.

Seeking approval will remove any risk of the project falling afoul of building regulations. This especially necessary if you’re extending/changing the roof space. The problem is that this type of change could cause your home to exceed specified limits and conditions.

In addition, the builder will be able to give you a fixed quote, based on the fact the plan has been approved. One note more—if you live in a semi-detached home or a terraced house, you’ll need to give them at least 48-hour notice before you begin the loft conversion.

2). Structural Integrity: Make Sure the Foundation is Strong Enough

When you think of converting the loft space, your thoughts may not get around to the fact that the conversion will add weight onto your home’s foundations. While this may only be a small weight increase, it’s crucial to have your home’s foundations checked to ensure they’re strong enough to take on the added weight.

The usual method to check foundations is to expose the foundations to see how deep they go and how strong they are. It may be a good to idea to hire an expert to do the work, unless you already have knowledge and experience in this area.

Checking the foundations will allow you to determine if underpinning will be necessary or not before you proceed with the loft conversion. Keep in mind that this will add on to the cost of your conversion.

3). Head Height

Another step to take before starting the loft conversion is to check the head height. It’s necessary to make sure the loft is high enough. Building regulations state that the standard loft needs to be at least 180 cm from the floor. Experts, however, recommend that your loft should be over 230 cm from the floor to the roof. This will ensure you meet building regulations and that the loft area will be comfortable.

This is where a loft conversation contractor can come in handy. They’ll be able to do an accurate measurement of the head height and make suggestions on how much headroom you’ll have after the conversion. This information will provide you with an accurate determination of the space you’ll have once the work is done.

4). Windows & Natural Light: What to Consider

With a loft, you’ll be able to take advantage of windows and skylights that in natural light. Skylights help your home in many ways including letting in the light, save money on energy bills, and more. They’re great in the summer, when it’s warm, if you have the type that can open. They act as a chimney to remove warm air from your home, while allowing cooler air to enter downstairs.

Windows are also great; many people choose dormer windows for a loft conversion. They’re often chosen as they can add more space, increase ventilation, etc. However, before choosing to add dormer windows, be sure to check the building regulations where you live. Some regulations don’t allow for the use of this type of window on the front of the house. You won’t need permission to add them to the back of your home, however.

5). Insulation: What You Need to Know

As the planning moves forward with your loft conversion, you’ll want to remember to insulate the space. These days, the energy efficiency standards are very high, which makes insulating a little more challenging. However, just keep in mind that insulation will keep the loft warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.

You’ll more than likely need to add insulation between the rafters, under the roof covering, etc. It might be a good idea to also consider under-floor heating, to make sure the area is warm in winter.

A couple of other things to consider are soundproofing, so people downstairs won’t hear people tramping around in the loft. You may also want to consider insulating the walls, to make sure they keep the heat in and make the space more quiet.

6). Safety Measures

Converting the loft will bring safety measures to mind, such as fire safety. For instance, you’ll want to be sure the windows can be used as an emergency exit. And for added measure, you’ll need to re-plaster the ceilings of the downstairs, underneath the loft, to increase the fire protection. A fire door should also be added to the new stairs.

Just to be safe, and make sure you’ve thought of everything, it is probably a great idea to talk with a professional about fire safety before you start the loft conversion. This can be done while you’re in the planning stages.

7). Stairs

Stairs are one of the most important things to consider as you begin to plan your left. The stair design should be considered and chosen before you start the conversion.

The reason is that loft stairs can be challenging due to the smaller space they’ll need to fit. Pre-made stairs generally aren’t a good option, as they usually won’t fit the space. Custom stairs are expensive, so these are not usually a good option, either.

And remember, you’ll need to also include a fire safety door, and the walls up to the loft should be painted with fire safety paint. All fire safety measures need to be planned and implemented in your loft conversion.

We hope this guide helps you to focus on these important points. Most loft conversions can be DIY projects; however, if you run into a trouble area in the planning, be sure to reach out to a professional for some expert advice and guidance.

Full Steam Ahead For Model Rail Layouts

Written by NDM Creative on . Posted in Ideas, News.

Model railway Loft conversions for enthusiasts

This year Ecoloft have transformed many lofts into model rail layout rooms. As always ecoloft rooms are accessed by a fold away staircase which our customers prefer due to their very cheap installation Leaf cost and the fact that a fold away ladder makes shutting out everything else so much easier.

Ecoloft can provide a solution for your beautiful model railway layout. We can create layouts in your loft to plans or leave you a blank canvas to go crazy. Leaving you with the space to enjoy in the safety and peace of your own home.

We have been lucky enough to work for some high profile clients making these dream rooms into a reality creating fantastic tables with custom lighting and power for the model towns. With storage for tools and railway modelling materials underneath leaving you with the layout of a lifetime!

Our railway modelling clients are understandably very particular so we carefully plan the project to keep the clients specifications throughout.

Planning your model railway loft conversion

Model railway loft conversions can be very cost effective. Some clients can have there model railways created from just £750 in our standard loft conversion package.

 

loft storage

Loft Storage Ideas

Written by NDM Creative on . Posted in Ideas, News.

Loft Storage Ideas to inspire your loft conversion

If you are on the lookout for loft storage ideas our brief article may provide enough inspiration for you to take away. When it comes to converting your loft area for storage space it is important to use a plan for each space to be used practically to maximise every storage opportunity.

Ecoloft has been creating amazing spaces for homeowners for years. We have created built-in cupboards, full loft boarding, walk-in wardrobes, built-in shelves, and much more to maximise the space you have. Our loft storage prices start from as little as £499.

Storage space created for Mr. and Mrs Pritchard in Pudsey


They wanted space that wouldn’t impact the look and feel of their loft storage room alongside somewhere to store clutter. We found that adding unique built-in shelving units to the end of a narrow loft area would optimise space and actually add to the aesthetics of the room. We and Mr. and Mrs. Pritchard are very happy with the results.

Cupboards created in eaves of loft conversion


Usually, this space would again be ignored but these cupboards which are built into the eaves of this loft storage room have maximized the storage space whilst adding to the room. We can utilise every inch of the space in your loft, if you have creative ideas, we have the skills to achieve your dream loft conversion.

Built-in shelves for a minimalist loft conversion


Here we created built-in shelves in an otherwise unusable space. The homeowner and Ecoloft sat down and discussed their loft storage ideas and worked with them to create a simple storage solution that wouldn’t hide possessions whilst still creating a clutter-free room.

One of our very first loft storage rooms created in Manchester


Although the above image is one of our popular lined packages, We regularly create loft storage rooms that are created around your own loft storage ideas. By using our service you can significantly increase the storage space in your home for a fraction of the price when compared with loft extensions and home extensions.

Whatever your loft storage ideas may be – We can help you decide which of our packages best suits your needs. Our team is highly skilled. You will be provided with honest advice as to the packages which best suit your needs. Let’s not forget our loft conversion cost calculator too to get a free quotation online in seconds!

Model Railway Loft Conversion

Written by NDM Creative on . Posted in Ideas, News.

It may surprise you that model railway loft conversions are our most popular hobby room conversion. We have converted over 40 loft spaces which are now being used as a home for their model railway track.

How much will a loft conversion cost for my new model railway?

Well, the great thing about converting your loft into a model rail town is that any of our packages would actually still be suitable. We would advise that a correctly fitted electricity and lighting supply be installed with your package. Both of which can be included in our quotation calculator below. So you could have your model railway loft conversion from as little as £999 by purchasing our standard loft conversion package.

take a look at our model railway loft conversion examples

We can create a blank canvas for the installation of your model rail set or can help you with the integration. If you would need help with integration this will not be covered in our quotation form but a free quotation in person can be quickly arranged.

Contact Ecoloft below to speak with our experienced team about your dream model railway loft conversion. Use our online loft conversion cost calculator HERE!

Loft Conversion Bradford

Written by NDM Creative on . Posted in News.

For affordable loft conversions in Bradford, contact Ecolofts. We specialise in low cost, affordable loft conversions which can really help increase the value of your home.

We have completed lots of Loft conversions in Bradford

We have created a number of packages to suit a number of budgets. Because we know not everybody’s loft conversion needs are the same. We have customers who just require some extra storage space to store old possessions or seasonal items. We have customers who want deluxe loft conversions which are to spec and bespoke packages to create a games room, cinema room or prayer room.

Don’t just take our word for it

Take Mr Hayat who required a loft conversion in Bradford for instance. He needed a loft conversion to suit his needs of working from home. We created a fully useable loft office with bespoke storage ideas implemented.

Contact us for a free quotation or receive an instant free quote online in seconds

Affordable Loft Storage Solutions

Written by NDM Creative on . Posted in Money, News.

Ecoloft have long been considered “space creators”. We are specialists in utilising and maximising your home to increase storage space. With a host of loft storage solutions to choose from you can be sure that Ecoloft will provide a real quality service for a very affordable price.

Affordable loft storage solutions

After years of converting lofts in to more useable storage space and from hundreds of happy customers Ecoloft have managed to find a package for every customers requirements, and there budgets.

Our basic loft storage solution starting from just £499

From our many years of experience we have found some customers may not require all the bells and whistles which come with our deluxe loft conversion (although this is by far our most popular loft conversion). This package utilises practicality with affordability to provide you with a loft storage solutionfrom just £499.

our solution can see you have access to your loft storage via fold away loft ladders and a base for storage with flooring included.

For the opposite end of your budget, our deluxe loft conversion cannot be beaten.

Our deluxe loft conversion is our most popular. With prices starting from £4500 you could see your loft area be converted into a luxury space which can be utilised for a whole host of requirements.

Use our loft conversion calculator to get a quote in minutes.

To really aid our customers into making the right decision based on their requirements and budget we suggest you take a look at our calculator. You can get a quote in minutes!!

To arrange a free consultation of your loft please call 0845 017 6057

Your Guide To Maximise Space In Your Home

Written by NDM Creative on . Posted in Ideas, News.

Are you thinking about creating more space in your home but not quite sure where to start? Read through our guide to help you make the right choice when maximising space in your home.

Option 1: Convert your loft space for storage

Okay so maybe we are a little biased towards this option but it’s only because we know it’s possibly THE most underutilised space in your home. By utilising space that would usually go ignored makes perfect sense to us. The majority of homeowners will still use their loft space to store out-of-use items but know full well that they will not be retrieving those items for a long time e.g Christmas accessories and nostalgic items.

Tired of balancing on your banister to store items in your loft?

Everybody does it, but let’s be honest – It’s just not safe! Stop balancing on your banister and stop using the very tip of your step ladders to store items in your loft. These 2 things are major risk factors and common causes of injuries. Your banister isn’t built to be climbed on and your ladder’s HANDRAILS aren’t built to take the load of a human being. We use proper Fakro loft ladders for access to your loft.

Option 2: Convert your Garage into a useable storage space.

Another option which is increasing in popularity would be to convert your garage. Most modern garages cannot actually store a car and usually end up just storing junk in an unusable mound of bikes, pushchairs, and lawnmowers. But by converting your garage into a useful storage space you could maximise its potential for very little expense.

Option 3:
Your third option would be to consider going down the extension route. Although this can be very expensive, It just really depends on your requirements. If you purely need storage space, you will need to ask yourself if spending tens of thousands of pounds is really necessary. Although there are other benefits to having an extension such as maximising the space in your home which could lead to increasing the value of your home.

Our verdict:

We still believe a loft conversion for storage is the best option to increase storage space in your home whilst maximising property value and resourcefulness. Most loft storage areas are completely unused as opposed to a garage which would either already be used for storage or your car. An extension would still require space from your garden. Some feel reducing your garden space is counterproductive. This leaves little reason not to convert your loft because converting your loft could be a very cost-effective conversion. Loft storage conversions can start from just £499! We haven’t even touched on the energy efficiency of a loft storage conversion!

Okay, so what options do we have?

Well, Ecolofts have a whole host of packages to suit the most challenging of requirements. We also have an online cost calculator which will provide an instant quote online. You will need to have a rough idea of the storage area of your loft before the calculator can provide an accurate quotation but once you have that you can choose which accessories and options you would like for your new loft storage space.
Ecolofts provide different packages for different budgets and requirements. For basic loft conversions which require more storage space, we could confidently suggest the standard loft storage package which starts from £750. This pack includes:

  • Fakro fold-down staircase worth £375
  • Hardwired single pendant bulb and switch
  • Cross braced flooring network for load-bearing floor and create a cavity for insulation below
  • Up to 15 sq. metres 18mm of tongue and groove  domestic grade flooring (not loft boards)
  • Eave vents if required

Another great package for loft storage is the lined loft conversion which starts at £1500. This includes:

  • Fakro deluxe fold-down staircase
  • Hardwired double pendant & switch
  • Cross braced flooring network
  • Up to 20 sq. metres 18mm flooring
  • Visqueen loft lining keeping dust from roof tiles to maintain a bright & clean room.
  • Also includes beam vacuuming
  • Eave Vents
  • 1 x double gang socket

Loft storage ideas within your loft

There are numerous ways to utilise your new loft storage space. We can create floating shelving, walk-in wardrobes, and built-in shelves within the eaves. For a full list of other loft storage ideas read our other blog post.

Frequently asked questions:

Will the loft area become damp?

Proper loft storage insulation can be used to ensure your loft space temperature is regulated. Keeping heat in and cold out so you can store items minimising damp. We use Thermobar 344© loft lining – An insulating foil to line and partition your storage area. This unique double-sided foil deflects moisture while the white lining on the facing side reflects the available light for maximum visibility.

What about dust and dirt in our loft?

We commonly use membrane lining in properties as a dust barrier, preventing rubble and debris from falling for the rear of old back pointed roof tiles. EcoMembrane® is a blown film of extruded low-density polyethylene. It is manufactured from 100% post-use waste, is white in color, and available in various thicknesses. It has been independently accredited by BRE Certification Ltd (Certificate Number 112/04).

How long will a loft conversion for storage take to complete?

Depending on the conversion you choose, some conversions can be completed within the day. Our deluxe loft conversions can take a minimum of 5 days to a couple of weeks depending on the work involved.

Do I need planning permission?

Any planning permission will be obtained by Ecolofts. Most loft storage areas will not require planning permission, however.

Can all loft spaces be converted?

Certain loft areas have characteristics that simply cannot be improved with a loft conversion such as head height.

Can our loft storage room be used as a bedroom?

No. Our loft storage rooms are not designed to be used as a bedroom and we strongly discourage anybody from doing so due to health and safety risks.

Can you convert a truss loft for storage?

Yes. We can convert Truss loft areas for storage but this requires extra work such as obtaining an inspection with a structural engineer. Trussed lofts are a fairly modern roof design that utilise a frame made up of triangles to support the roof. Steel beams are inserted to take the load once the truss frame support has been removed.

Contact us if you have any further questions or call 0845 017 6057