Ways to Fit Extra Storage into Your Loft Conversion

Use these innovative storage options to make the most of those odd spaces in your loft conversion.

Whether you're looking for bungalow addition ideas or need another bedroom, bathroom, office, or playroom, a loft conversion or attic extension is a terrific option to add extra space.

However, you must be sure that the expenditure will be worthwhile, not to mention the interruption.

Is it possible to convert my loft?

At the mid-point, your loft should be 2.2m or higher. If yours is lower, you should reconsider. Building codes do not mandate a minimum room height, although they do for stairwells and access. Lowering the ceiling in the room below is a workaround — you'll have to install a new floor in the loft as part of the conversion, so it's not as drastic as it sounds.

Next, search for any potential stumbling blocks, such as a water tank or a chimney stack that may need to be relocated. Finally, look at your roof. Does it have a steep pitch that limits the amount of space you have around the room and may necessitate a dormer or roof redesign? In addition, the roof should be waterproof and insulated.

Where do I begin when converting a loft?

First, determine your needs and consider how you will utilise the area. Do you require an additional bedroom, bathroom, or home office? Once you have that information, look at the floor plan to see how best to utilise the space. Also, keep in mind that most lofts have angled ceilings, which may limit the types of furniture you may bring in.

How much does a loft conversion cost?

‘Loft conversions can be as little as £12,000 for minor projects and as much as £40,000 for larger ones,' says the author. These statistics will vary based on where you live, what materials you use, and how big your loft is.

A simple Velux loft conversion is frequently the cheapest option, and because the roof slope is not changed, it will keep the aesthetic of the home, but it may limit the height. On the other hand, a dormer loft conversion has vertical windows and doors, giving you more headroom and more options for stairs.

Due to the 70-degree slope of the back wall and raised party wall masonry, mansard loft conversions appear less boxy than dormers, but they require planning permission. Prefabricated loft replacement conversions are another alternative, but they're expensive, costing on average roughly £55,000. However, there are other cost-cutting options, such as replacing a dormer with roof lights.

The average UK attic holds stuff worth £2,000, so why not have a clear-out and see if you can free up some cash? A competent loft conversion can increase the value of a home by 10% to 20% without sacrificing the lawn space that ground-floor extensions require.

Is a loft conversion subject to planning permission?

Unless you're increasing the roofline or modifying the loft structure, you'll need planning permission*, but you'll also need building regulations approval. This guarantees that the new floor's structural strength is enough and that the room and roof are stable, with adequately built stairs and other features.

A development control surveyor will inspect the work and issue a completion certificate to fulfil the required standards. You will be subject to party wall requirements if your home is semi-detached or terraced.

If the roof will be expanded or altered beyond defined limits and restrictions, or if you live in a designated area and the work includes a roof expansion, you will need planning approval.

Is there anything else I need to be aware of?

The rules are simple: you'll need a local authority's Lawful Building certificate, and their Development Control Services must approve the construction. They'll look at structural, ventilation, insulation, and fire safety, among other things.

They are not in charge of inspecting the carpentry and finishes in general. When selecting a provider, compare quotes and, better yet, seek recommendations from friends, family, and neighbours.

Your loft conversion may necessitate a party-wall agreement. A party wall is a shared wall between terraced or semi-detached houses. A Party Wall Agreement is a formal contract signed by all property owners stating that they agree with the work. All impacted parties will get a written notice.

If the work is agreed upon, the neighbour can ask for a party wall surveyor to check the drawings and prepare a Party Wall Award or sign a waiver.

What is the situation?

Dormers, roof lights, and windows must be installed, and the rafters and roof must be reinforced and insulated, as well as a stairway installed for access. If the conversion contains a bathroom, partition walls must be created, first-fix plumbing and electrics, and extraction. The last step is to install radiators.

Is insulation a concern?

The building control inspector will frequently specify what you require, as the roof can be insulated in one of two ways: filling the space between the rafters with insulation or insulating the distance between the rafters with insulation. Insulation benefits the environment while lowering bills, and it is now regulated. Wool, which is a greener alternative, is one of the possibilities offered.

10 Ingenious Ideas for Adding Storage to Your Loft Conversion

Sloped ceilings, common spaces under the eaves, and awkward nooks are all great places to cram in that much-needed extra storage. Save these ingenious ideas for ideas on picking cabinets, drawers, and shelves into your loft expansion.

1. Follow the slant - Get a carpenter to install wall-to-wall storage that follows the ceiling angle to make the most of every inch of a sloped room. The white cabinets are perfectly tucked into the space, taking up all of the available space. The designers have painted the inside woodwork a vivid magenta and carved out neat ruffles to add character to the simple doors. M
2. Make your shelf as low as possible - You may still add sleek storage to your attic room if you can't install cupboards inside the eaves area or don't have the funds for a carpenter. These standalone units fit perfectly beneath the angled roof and provide enough space for the owner to store whatever they need to stay organised. The idea is to measure the uncomfortable nooks in the area and look for storage furniture that fits them. It should be feasible to obtain components that work and appear to be custom-made for the space.
3. Remove a few drawers - These drawers are great for a superbly organised place beneath the eaves. A grid of squares with cut-out handles opens to expose spacious cavities. A project like this necessitates the expertise of a true professional, but if you want something truly unique, it may be worth the investment.
4. Make some room for yourself - Even a low ceiling can accommodate generous protecting storage. The sloped wall at the back of the area is carefully designed with many organising zones, even though the loft room is small. Break up a wall of white cupboards with a mix of recessed open shelves, drawers, and cabinets to give interest.
5. Make an eye-catching feature - The angled cabinets in this kitchen are functional and beautiful. A drawer and shelf arrangement on the left and a column of protruding shelves on the right straddle a standard cabinet. A soft grey paint colour contrasts with the vivid red in the corner to give this simple yet nicely made joinery an extra stylistic lift.
6. Shapes should be highlighted - Under the slanted sky, a primary grid of shelves is ideal for storing books, baskets, and trinkets. The designers have converted it into a stunning highlight in the room by painting it blue. The square wall looks excellent against the sloping ceiling, and the circular rug adds a nice touch.
7. Organize your bedside tables - When putting a bed under a slanted roof, the area mustn’t feel claustrophobic. Build bedsides into the wall to free up floor space around the bed, as they have done here. These useful cupboards tuck neatly into the low wall at the back of the bed, offering ample storage while keeping the floor clear.
8. Construct a false wall - It's sometimes worth it to give up a fair bit of space to add more storage to a loft room. The designers have built out the wall behind the bed. They were able to add a usable cupboard and a handy shelf to the back of the bed by shifting the wall forward like this.
9. Add storage all around the bed - A low bed has been built below the slanted windows in this loft room, with storage to the side and rear. By mounting plugboards to a panel above the bed, the designers have created more space for the cupboards to fit. The painted tongue and groove panelling adds warmth to the room and draws attention to the light above.
10. Include a cosy corner in your design - In your loft bedroom, do you have a forgotten corner? Create a comfortable reading space by filling it with shelving. Two walls of shelves give plenty of room for books and toys in this child's bedroom. The corner location keeps things out of the way and creates a concealed area that makes the space feel more intimate.