AD | One of my favourite TV programmes is Channel 4’s “Love it or List it,” where Phil Spencer and Kirstie Allsopp go head to head to persuade homeowners to either sell their home or revamp it. But general nosiness aside (guilty as charged), you can pick up some great tips from these shows too. Because moving house isn’t always an option for many of us, whereas upgrading with a loft conversion or home extension might well be. And if you compare the potential cost and hassle of moving home to staying put with some short-term mess and upheaval, then it starts to make even more sense.
Why might you consider a loft conversion or home extension?
Probably the simplest answer is because you need more room. Whether that’s an extra bedroom for a growing family, a new home office, or even a larger kitchen for entertaining. I’ve invariably found that however much space you have at home, you use it and always need more. Much like salaries, in fact, at least in my case, although that’s an entirely different blog post…
Adding value with a loft conversion or home extension
Another reason you might consider making changes to your current home is to add value. Unless you’re lucky enough to win the lottery, or come into an amazing inheritance, moving up the property ladder takes time. And the best way of adding value to your existing property is with additional square footage. By adding an extra bedroom (especially with an en-suite), or a kitchen extension, you could potentially add up to 15% to the value of your home.
Loft conversion
Loft conversions are a great way to transform a property without having to move home. However, they are definitely one of the bigger home improvements that require substantial outlay. So what’s actually involved? Firstly, you need to find a reputable company, ideally one that comes highly recommended. You could even visit some of their completed projects to get a feel for how they operate.
Loft conversions will require professional drawing plans and, in some cases, planning permission too. If you live in a flat, a semi-detached, or terraced property, then a party wall agreement will also be needed. And if you live in a conservation area as well, there are additional hoops to jump through. Lastly, loft conversions need to adhere to building regulations. As a rule of thumb, you need a minimum height of 2.1 metres over 50% of the room after the new floor has been put in.
There are many different types of loft conversion available including: skylight, rear dormer, double dormer, mansard, double mansard and hip-to-gable. So, giving an estimate of costs is tricky as it also depends on where you live in the UK. But once you’ve decided to invest and upgrade your loft space, you can take comfort in knowing you’ve created that beautiful extra room you and your family have been looking for. And, of course, you’ll have added several thousand pounds to the value of your home.
Home extension
If you can’t or don’t want to build upwards, a home extension can expand your space and breathe new life into your home, inside and out. Whether you want to make more room for a growing family, or simply add value to your property, it’s both relatively cost effective and extremely versatile. However, going from an initial site survey to the décor in the finished space takes time. So, you need to find a company with a good track record, and who are happy for you to talk to their previous clients.
The most popular room for extending is the kitchen and, if done well, can transform your property. But good kitchen design usually comes at cost to your outside space, so if you’re a keen gardener (like me), you may need to weigh up the pros and cons. A home extension will also need detailed drawing plans to comply with building regulations, and possibly planning permission too if you live in a conservation area.
There are all kinds of home extension that you can add to your property, such as: rear kitchen extensions, side return extensions and even double storey extensions. Whatever you want, you can almost certainly incorporate, depending on planning rules, space, and (of course) your budget. Imagine having more kitchen space to entertain guests or dine as a family, or working productively in a beautiful new home office. A home extension really is a great way of adding value to your home as well as some much needed extra space.
Benefits of staying put versus moving
Of course, the main benefit to staying put rather than moving house is when you love where you live. If you have great neighbours, your children are happy at their local schools, and you don’t have a horrendous commute to work, then it’s a win, win situation. Kerb appeal is all very well, but improving your living space with a loft conversion or home extension is a far better investment. And can give you and your family a better quality of life in your much loved home as well, with none of the costs and hassles of having to hunt for, buy, and move to a new house. Truly a triumph of “Love it” over “List it,” don’t you think?
Have you ever been tempted to revamp rather than move house? Have you ever carried out a loft conversion or home extension? Which would be your ideal home upgrade?
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These photos are stunning and it makes me wish we had a loft to convert! I must admit I love that show too, although I don’t watch it enough!
These are very valid points and hopefully one day I own my own home, I’ll defo keep this in mind!
Jessica & James
Aren’t they beautiful? I mean I watch the TV shows but these are even better, I think – I know what you mean, I wish we had a loft to convert too, I’d love to have a bath and be able to look at the night sky!
I always think that conversions are such a great way to make a house more unique and personal. Thanks for sharing x
Yes, exactly, it’s that personal touch to turn a house into your home 🙂 x
My bedroom is a loft conversion and I love it, freezing – done in the 90s when regs were different, but I love it. I don’t know what I’d do in a regular square room these days so I’d definitely consider it in another house x
Sophie
Oh you are so lucky, I would have LOVED a loft bedroom when I was younger. Flora wants one now too because one of her pals has got one, haha! x
Extensions are such a good idea! I get so sentimental with houses so would rather add on than move!
Jess
Oh I do too, I’d much rather revamp than move 🙂
My family is currently having this debate! We could fix up our house or move. If we stay, we’re talking about putting a loft above the living room because the ceiling is ridiculously tall there and could fit another story. Or, we’re contemplating just building another room and extending the house into our backyard some. These are some great tips! Thanks!
Oh fantastic, this post was great timing then! Your living room sounds amazing, perfect for a loft conversion. Exciting times 🙂
Great post! I think home extensions and renovations are really good investments as well.
Thank you, I’m so glad you think so too!
“But general nosiness aside (guilty as charged)”
This is where I get shifty-eyed, because I scrolled through the pictures of this post before getting down to the business of reading. 🙂
Haha, that’s brilliant, I’m so glad to read that, because they are stunning pictures, aren’t they!
If I owned a home I would definitely have a loft conversion. It’d be a waste of space not to
That’s definitely the right way to look at it – I hope you get to do it one day!
So do I
🙂
I am also obsessed with the many home design shows like love it or list it – it’s incredible to see how some of the homes are completely transformed!
It really is amazing, isn’t it? Gives me all kinds of inspiration, much to Alan’s chagrin, haha!
Our bedroom is actually in the loft conversion and we love it!
Love, Amie ❤
The Curvaceous Vegan
Ah, that sounds amazing, a proper romantic hideaway!
Interesting idea. I’d never considered this before, but we have only recently purchased our first house. And I can relate as to how it would be a toss-up regarding garden use! 😊
Food for thought then – and I’m glad to find a fellow gardening fan!
we have moved like 4 to 5 times in last few years and I have to agree moving home is not easy but if it is for upgrade. these photos and ideas are absolutely stunning.. I love the cozy feel of those loft conversion especially it looks perfect with an added kitchen or bathroom… thanks Lisa for sharing such great ideas.. happy weekend…💕
http://www.geniusenough.com
I think my favourite home improvement would be a loft conversion too. We’re lucky enough to already have a large kitchen/diner but the idea of bathing underneath the stars is something that’s always appealed to me! Thank you for reading and your lovely comment 🙂
Such an easier way to create more room than having the hassle of moving house. Also will add value to your house if you want to sell in the future. My mum has always wanted to do a loft conversion. That is something we would do xx
It is, isn’t it? I mean I know it might not answer everyone’s issue but if you can then it’s a great solution! Xx
I always wanted to have our family home’s loft converted into a bedroom when I was younger, haha! It seems so cosy and cute. Converting a loft is such a great way of creating more space for storage too. 🙂
Soph – https://girlvsworldblog.com x
I did too, I feel like I missed out on an attic bedroom, haha! And yes, if you can, it’s a great way of creating extra storage space too 🙂 x
This sounds like great idea. Interior photos are amazing. Thank you so much for sharing.
http://www.exclusivebeautydiary.com
You’re welcome, I’m glad you enjoyed it 🙂
We had a loft conversion and turned it into a bedroom during the late 90s. As well as a kitchen extension but that was before I was born, I think(!), if not it was when I was very young. I don’t remember the house without it. I think they’re a great way to add a little more space.
They are, aren’t they? I mean I know not everyone has the space to convert/extend but if you can, then it’s a really good way to add that extra room and increase value.
Good post. Thank you for sharing loft conversion can work out better than moving house. Especially, I like the benefits of loft conversion that you shared above.
Thank you very much, that’s very kind of you 🙂
Oh my, the photos are gorgeous and make me want one, right now. I have been trying to convince my folks (I moved back with them a few years ago) that we should try and convert the loft in to my office space hahah! It would just make life easier for everyone to be honest as I always need silence. And when you live in a busy household you can’t really ask family to sit in silence all day, That’s just unfair.. or is it (heheh). I could move out, but then we’d all miss each-other and my folks would never see me. Hmmm food for thought indeed – and those pictures! Ah I am in love x
Thank you so much! Ah, I sympathise, the kitchen table is my office but I’d love a proper extension or better yet a garden office. Good luck persuading your family 🙂 x
I like how this article is written. Your points are sound, original, fresh and interesting. thank you for sharing.
Thank you so much, that’s very kind of you to say so.
Lovely ideas Lisa! Very valid points that anyone can take into account. I think the kitchen extension speaks the most for me! Will have to do it once I’m settled in my new home. And if there are any people here that are moving right now, remember to always hire professionals to help. I did it and couldn’t imagine how it’d of went if not for them!
Thank you, Melisa, glad it was helpful – and good luck in your new home 🙂
Good blog lisa I also think the stamp duty in moving was documented enough .
Some houses the cost of a new loft is the same money you would burn in stamp duty . I am revamping my house a big open plan kitchen and new layout but have been advised with materials and build costs I would be worse off financially value wise unless I added a bedrooms to level it out , which I intend to do also the house would be disproportional too too heavy downstairs .
So much to think about and just don’t want to make mistakes .
Thank you, Terry. That’s very true about stamp duty – thank you for pointing that out – and good luck with your revamp, it sounds like a major project, but I’m sure it’ll be all worth it in the end 🙂
Nice Post Lisa
Thank you 🙂