Discounted hotel rooms in the UK - click here for Laterooms special offers

Holiday homes to rent - across the UK & Ireland

Calculate how much you can earn - rent out your UK holiday home here

UK property insurance from intasure - Click here for great deals and up to 40% risk related discount on UK & overseas insurance


Loft conversions

Choosing your finish

If you are a competent DIYer then you may wish to opt for a ‘shell’ conversion in order to keep the cost down. Basically, this is a finish that does what it says on the tin – it provides a safe shell for you to insulate, plaster, wire, add skirting boards and architraving, and hang doors.

Alternatively, a complete conversion will leave you with a room that is simply ready to paint.

Let there be light

Make the most of this rooftop room, and the fact that it’s not overlooked, by installing plenty of windows. Since you are over the tree line, make the most of those views with either a balcony or a Juliet window – just be aware of the safety issues if you have young children.

During the conversion

It is possible to stay in your home while you are having a loft conversion. The majority of builders tend to knock through to the main house when everything else has been done, thereby keeping dust and disruption to a minimum.

However, you will need to keep a rather open house during the build, which usually takes between six and eight weeks. This is simply because the workmen will need access to your bathroom – and kettle!

And finally…

A recent Planning White Paper unveiled by Ruth Kelly, the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, proposed changes to the existing planning system – changes which could result in all loft conversions needing planning permission before they can go ahead. So, if you are thinking about having a loft conversion in the near future, ensure you contact your local planning department at the outset.


More pages

Page 1:
Page 2: Choosing your finish

Discounted hotel rooms in the UK - click here for Laterooms special offers

Calculate how much you can earn - rent out your UK holiday home here

Holiday homes to rent - across the UK & Ireland

UK Investment property from just £34,500 High-quality student rooms in an emerging market with 10% net yield guaranteed

Advertise Your English Rental Property simple, effective and affordable marketing online!

UK property insurance from intasure - Click here for great deals and up to 40% risk related discount on UK & overseas insurance

All you need for a beautiful bathroom - at affordable prices


Browse our articles written by leading industry experts:

Overseas Property Buying Guides

UK Property Guides

Gardens and Interiors

Cosmetic Surgery Fact Sheets

Looking Good Guides

Money

Business

Community

Travel