Living in a bungalow has its pros and cons, but most people complain that they have a severe lack of space. The footprint of the house may be large, but when you have to pack all the rooms you need into that footprint, you often find that there’s not much space left over. Luckily, most bungalows have loft space the size of the house again, which means that you have the potential to double the size of your house. More and more people are making the most of their attic space by converting it into extra bedrooms, bathrooms or studios. Here’s a little more about it:
There are many options available to you if you are thinking about using your loft space for living quarters. You could install a master bedroom with an en suite bathroom. If you work from home you could build an office in the loft, and if you have young kids it could even be a nursery or playroom. Depending on the shape and size of your loft, you may even be able to sneak in a couple of bedrooms. Whatever you need the extra space for, the chances are that the loft is one of the most viable options you have. Be creative when you are planning its use – what would you and your family benefit from the most?
If you have a loft space that is ripe for renovation, then the first thing you should do is consult with an architect to see if your ideas are realistic. You will probably need to get planning permission so once the architect has drawn up his or her plans, they will help you present them to a planning officer in order to get the relevant paperwork. The architect will also be able to advise you on whether you need to insulate the loft, and they will also have lots of ideas for solving problems such as how to get extra daylight in. They will be able to help you decide how best to reach the attic – some people go for a permanent ladder while others prefer to get a staircase fitted. When the plans are ready and authorised, get recommendations of local builders and ask each one for a quote.
Once it’s done and dusted you have the exciting chance to move into your new space! Think carefully about furnishings – lofts with sloping roofs often present problems when it comes to layout. Measure up carefully and buy furniture that suits the space of the room. Some people even get their furniture custom-made to fit the room. Choose decor that suits the space and make sure that all the electrics and plumbing are sorted before you start using your new room.
–> Make the most of the space available to you – it’s much cheaper than extending to the side or giving up and buying somewhere else. If you convert your loft into extra living space you are moving up in the world – literally!