Will an attic conversion add value to my home? People outgrow their homes for many different reasons; they might decide to start a family and therefore need another bedroom, they might begin working from home and need an office, or perhaps they might need an extra room for guests to stay in.

  Alternatively, they could be planning to sell up, in which case adding an attic conversion can provide an extra bedroom or office space and increase its overall value.

  This article explores the process of adding an attic conversion and how it can add value to a property.

Planning an attic conversionBefore going ahead with an attic conversion, it’s important to determine if it is suitable for the space available.

An attic conversion which is too cramped and leaves little space for the purpose of the room, whether as an office or a bedroom, will be unlikely to increase the value of the property.

It’s important to seek the advice of both an estate agent and an architect in this scenario.

To add the most value, it’s important that certain conditions are met.

  Although planning permission is not always required, it should be sought as even if the conversion doesn’t go ahead, it could add value to the property and entice buyers who might see more potential in the property and a chance to leave their own mark.

  Fire regulations are also critical and a conversion will need a minimum of 30 minutes fire protection, which can be achieved through the use of plasterboard and fire doors.

An escape route in the form of a staircase is also essential, and without a proper staircase a loft conversion might not be classed as a living space, but rather just as a storage area.

Which type of loft conversion?There are typically three types of loft conversions that are commonly used.

Mansard conversions involve replacing the roof with a boxed structure that features hung walls and a topped flat roof Dormer conversions are suited best to smaller spaces and make use of vertical space.

Usually planning permission is not required for dormer conversions so long as it does not extend past the existing roof structure and the total space is less than 50 cubic metres.

Rooflight or Velux conversions are a minimum fuss option which involves adding roof lights to the ceiling To make the most money from a loft conversion it’s important to strike a balance between cost efficiency and quality.

Typically loft conversions can add around 10% to the value of a home so it is important to keep the costs below this margin.

Shopping around for a quote can help to keep costs down as many different tradesman offer help with these types of conversions.

It’s important however to avoid cutting corners and to make sure that your attic conversion is furnished and finished to a high standard.

Speaking to an estate agent can help you to decide whether an attic conversion is the right method of adding value to your property, for other ways which you can boost the market value of your home take a look at our guide “Improving your home to sell it”.

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