Top 5 Most Common Mistakes People Make During A Loft Conversion

Assuming Planning Permission Isn’t Needed

Planning permission is not usually needed for a loft conversion because the work typically falls under Permitted Development. However, don’t make this assumption without checking first!

If your loft conversion design involves making significant alternations to the roof that fall outside of permitted development limits, then planning permission is needed. Check the government’s Planning Portal for more information about what’s permitted and what isn’t. 

You may also need a Party Wall agreement if your property has an adjoining wall with a neighbour’s property. Again, check this before starting work. 

Once work has been completed, it will need to be signed off by the local building inspector, to ensure everything meets building regulations. Without building approval, you’ll be storing up problems for the ‘future you’, such as when the time comes to sell the property. 

Poor Design

To ensure loft conversion value for money, the right design is critical, which is where most mistakes are made.

Think carefully about what you want from your loft conversion. While you likely want maximum loft conversion value, the space needs to be functional. For example, think about where the stairs to the new room are going to go. Losing a bedroom to gain a staircase makes zero sense.  

Natural light is important too. Decide what kind of windows you want, such as Velux windows or dormers. 

How will the new loft conversion fit your existing property if you go with a dormer or hip-to-gable conversion? A poor design will affect the value of your property and could make it stand out for all the wrong reasons. 

Lack of Storage Space

It’s fine converting a loft but you need to remember that the loft is traditionally a useful storage space for random items like a Christmas tree and boxes of old photos. Once you have converted your loft into a bedroom or whatever else you have planned, all that storage space evaporates. 

Have a plan in place. Think about how you can retain some storage space. For example, if the loft is large enough, consider utilising some of it as storage rather than using all of it for the new room. There is also the option to add under-eaves storage. 

Insufficient Insulation

Lofts can get very hot in the summer and cold in the winter. If there isn’t enough insulation in place, the room won’t be usable, especially not as a bedroom. 

Poor Choice of Contractor 

Choosing the wrong contractor could turn your dream loft conversion into a nightmare and is one of the most common mistakes in the top 5 most common mistakes people make during a loft conversion. Thankfully, with Simply Easy Refurbs, that needn’t be an issue. We can handle everything for you and we have the experience to ensure you get the loft conversion you want, without any stress.

If you need additional space in your home but don’t want to move house, a loft conversion makes sense. Talk to us today to find out if your loft is suitable for conversion.