When we say attic, we picture a dusty place where we store some useful things and some clutter gathered there over the years. But you don’t have to keep it looking like a dusty and abandoned place. A smart attic conversion can bring that place to life and take your home’s functionality up a notch.
Not sure why an attic loft conversion is a good idea? Or perhaps you don’t know how to go about it? We hear you. This guide will cover the best attic loft conversion ideas and cost ranges to make sure you start that project with enough knowledge. So keep reading and use your attic to its max capacity.
Attic Conversion Ideas
You get the maximum headroom in the attic right in its middle, and it reduces towards the edges. Therefore, attic conversions should be planned realistically yet smartly. If you don’t want to let all the space above your head go to waste, here are a few ways you can convert the attic:
Storage Solution with Built-in Cabinets
Simply hoarding things in the attic will reduce its storage capacity and make finding things a chaotic situation for you. So, think in detail and plan a storage solution in the attic—this could include built-in cabinets, bookshelves, or a seasonal closet, to name a few. And the best thing is, this could very well be a DIY attic conversion if you’re handy around the house.
Cozy Reading Nook
Attic loft conversion can change your attic into a reading nook and provide a quiet escape right in your home. If you go with such a dormer attic conversion, select a comfortable seating, like a plush armchair or a daybed with plenty of cushions. Good lighting will also be needed for this layout so consider adding floor lamps or installing skylights to bring in natural light. Bookshelves can be built into the walls or placed strategically to store your favorite reads. The shape of the attic can add to the charm of the space as you can use the sloped ceiling to create a canopy effect over your reading spot.
Compact Home Office
With more people working from home, a dedicated workspace can be of great help and the attic can be the perfect spot for a home office. It’s away from the distractions of the main living areas and you get to work in peace. For this attic conversion, make sure the space is well-insulated and ventilated to keep it comfortable throughout the year. When setting up your office, first measure the dimensions to get a desk that fits the space without making it feel cramped. Wall-mounted desks or foldable options can be great for smaller attics. Looking for a comfortable and stylish space to unwind? Check out some fantastic loft bedroom ideas to turn your attic into a peaceful bedroom haven.
Small Craft Area
If you like crafts or DIY projects, turning your attic into a craft area can give you the dedicated space you need. You’ll first have to organize the space with storage solutions for your supplies. Pegboards, shelves, and drawers can keep everything in order. And then a sturdy work table will provide a surface for you to create. But first consider the specific requirements of your craft. For example, if you need natural light for painting or detailed work, installing skylights might be inevitable.
Attic Conversion Stairs
The functional place you create in the attic will only be accessible if you have stairs for that. So after your heart is setting on converting the attic, a plan for stairs should be your next step. These loft conversion stairs will depend on the space you have and how frequently you’ll use them.
Here are three types of stairs for loft conversions London and their use:
Spiral Stairs
Spiral attic conversion stairs are an excellent choice for tight spaces as they take up less floor space than traditional staircases. Therefore, these will be good if you have limited room on the lower level. Also, these attic conversion stairs can ascend in a circular pattern around a central pole, which means they can fit into corners or small areas.
Pull-Down Stairs
Pull-down stairs are ideal for occasional use or if you’re converting the attic into a storage area. These attic conversion stairs are attached to the attic hatch and can be folded up into the ceiling when not in use. Such a space-saving design keeps the stairs out of sight and doesn’t intrude with the room below. Impressively, these stairs are relatively easy to install and don’t require major alterations to your home’s structure.
Straight Run Stairs
Straight run stairs are the most conventional type and are best suited for regular use. They consist of a straight flight of steps without any turns or landings. If you have enough space, installing straight run stairs provides direct access to your converted attic.
This staircase is comfortable to use and allows for the transport of furniture and larger items between floors. For example, a family that wants to turn their attic into an extra bedroom can choose straight-run stairs to make moving things easier.
Attic Conversion Cost UK
Here comes the most important part, the attic conversion cost that you’ll pay out of pocket. As you would have guessed by the level of these conversions, how much attic conversion costs will vary.
Here are three standard types of these alterations and a low-down on attic conversion cost UK:
Basic Loft Conversion (Rooflight Conversion)
A basic loft conversion is the simplest and most cost-effective option as it involves minimal structural alterations. It also utilizes the existing roof space without changing its shape and the main additions are windows installed into the existing roof slope. Some other changes you’ll get in these attic conversions are insulation, flooring, and basic interior finishes. The overall cost for a basic loft conversion is from £15,000 to £25,000.
Dormer Attic Conversion
A dormer loft conversion extends the existing roof to add more headroom and floor space. This extension projects vertically from the sloping roof to create a box-like structure that provides more usable space and allows for conventional windows. Dormer conversions are popular because they offer more flexibility in design and can significantly enhance the functionality of the attic. Notably, dormer loft conversion cost generally falls between £30,000 and £50,000.
Mansard Attic Conversion
Another popular type of attic conversion is mansard conversion which is a more extensive renovation that involves altering the entire roof structure. The roof is replaced with a new structure that has a flat roof and steeply sloping sides to maximize the attic space. As a result of such detailed work, the cost of attic conversion in this style can be anywhere between £45,000 to £70,000 or more.
DIY Attic Conversion
If you want to transform your attic without hiring professionals, a DIY attic conversion can be a rewarding project. With careful planning and some handy skills, you can turn that unused space into something functional and enjoyable. Here are some ideas to inspire your DIY attic conversion:
- Create a home office
- Design a cozy guest room
- Set up a hobby or craft room
- Make a children’s playroom
- Develop a home gym
Don’t Let the Attic Gather Dust; Give it a Makeover
Don’t let valuable space in your home go unused because giving your attic a makeover can transform it into a functional and enjoyable part of your house. Whether you create a home office, a seasonal closet, or a play area for the kids, converting your attic will maximize your living space. Explore creative loft conversion ideas to design a stylish, practical area that suits your needs. Take the first step today and turn that dusty attic into something special.
FAQs
How much would an attic conversion cost?
The cost of an attic conversion in the UK starts at around £15,000 and can go up to £70,000 depending on the structural changes required, the quality of materials used, and the design complexity.
Do I need planning permission for attic conversion?
Planning permission for an attic conversion is not always required as many fall under “Permitted Development.” However, if the conversion alters the roof shape to a great extent or exceeds certain dimensions, you might need to apply for planning permission.
What is the 4-year rule for loft conversion?
The 4-year rule refers to a planning principle in the UK which states that if a building (including a loft conversion) has been completed and used for more than four years without any planning enforcement action taken, it can become lawful. This means the property owner can apply for a certificate which, if granted, acknowledges the conversion as legal even if it did not originally have planning permission.
Is it worth getting an attic conversion?
An attic conversion can noticeably increase your home by adding usable living space and possibly increase the property’s value. An attic conversion can also offer a cost-effective solution if you need more space.
