{"id":124,"date":"2013-08-02T15:17:30","date_gmt":"2013-08-02T14:17:30","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/loftconversion.anytrades.co.uk\/?p=124"},"modified":"2013-08-02T15:17:30","modified_gmt":"2013-08-02T14:17:30","slug":"loft-conversion","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.local-quotes.co.uk\/guides\/getting-started\/loft-conversion\/","title":{"rendered":"Ensure your loft conversion adds value"},"content":{"rendered":"

If you\u2019ve come to the decision that you need more space and don\u2019t want the hassle of moving home, then a loft conversion won\u2019t be too far from your mind. After all, converting gives you the opportunity to utilise a wasted part of your home. But of course, as with any home improvement you want to be sure you\u2019ll add value to the property. <\/p>\n

Use our loft conversion guide to make sure the project doesn\u2019t overwhelm you and ensure value is added to your home. <\/p>\n

Setting a budget<\/h2>\n

When it comes to a loft conversion, one of the main reasons homeowners may struggle to add value to their property is because they\u2019ve allowed their budget to spiral out of control. As a general rule of thumb it\u2019s a good idea to set your budget and then allow a further 10% for any unexpected costs. For instance, this could be the removal of poisonous asbestos traces. <\/p>\n

Professional loft conversion companies will be able to assess your attic space and provide a quotation for the work. This should always be agreed in writing before any work commences. Be sensible and compare up to four quotes from different companies. This gives you the chance to compare like-for-like and get the best price on the market. <\/p>\n

Compare cost to value<\/h2>\n

When it comes to making major changes to your home you want to make sure not spending more than you will recoup in any future sale. For extensions or conversions, an extra bedroom or bathroom is the best idea and can make your home an attractive proposition for prospective buyers. <\/p>\n

And one bonus is that loft conversions are considered one of the cheapest and easiest ways to extend your home. One of the main complications will be the Party Wall Act if you live in a terraced or semi-detached home. Make sure you know everything there is to know about this policy. <\/p>\n

When it comes to loft conversion ideas, play it by ear and see what your home would benefit from. Do you need a second bathroom? Do you have a baby on the way and require another bedroom? With the sloping roof the loft conversion is likely to be smaller than a typical bedroom, but it\u2019s ideal for children or as a guest room. Remember, to add the most value, consider a bedroom ensuite. These add up to 20% to a property\u2019s value. <\/p>\n

Avoid the cowboys<\/h2>\n

Sometimes this is easier said than done, but your main priority should be hiring a professional company. There are lots of TV programmes showing homeowners who are duped by cowboys and rogue trades, paying vast sums of money upfront and having half a job completed or a poor finish. <\/p>\n

The lure of cheaper prices may be strong, but it\u2019s likely these companies will cut corners and not adhere to Building Regulations. But how can you be sure of selecting a reputable company?
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\nEssentially it\u2019s important to carry out research on a company. There are three ways of doing this: Checking accreditation, gathering customer testimonials and seeing a portfolio. One thing to watch out for is cowboys operating under an accredited name in which they have no affiliation. This can be verified though by taking to the Internet or calling the company to question their authenticity. <\/p>\n

By viewing a portfolio of their work and speaking to past customers you can get a clear indication of the service they\u2019re likely to provide. Often reputable companies will even offer contact details of previous customers so you can speak directly to them if need be. <\/p>\n

Whilst this all may seem like a lot of effort, when it comes to parting with thousands of pounds of your hard-earned money you want to be sure of getting every step of the process right. <\/p>\n

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Facts & Figures You’ll Love To Share <\/strong><\/p>\n