Loft planning and design is the essential first step in the process of estimating the cost of creating a functional storage/living space inside of your loft.
With all the people walking around today, it’s hard to find living space.
In America, it’s a little easier than Europe since we have such a vast country, but no matter where you go, you’re going to be competing for a storage area.
With loft planning, there’s so much room for activities! But how do you decide the best plan for your home?
Real estate is costly, and your budget might not afford a three-bedroom, three-story house.
Converting a loft in your home offers high-demand extra living space. It’s also comforting knowing your loft is open for different designs and has versatility. COVID-19 forced all of us indoors and challenged us to adapt.
The key to getting the most out of your living space is designating its purpose. There’s no better space than a loft for designation and organization.
Loft planning and designing is the crucial first step to estimating the cost of a functional storage/living space inside of your home.
How Much for A Loft Conversion
Most municipalities allow loft conversions without permits. That said, you’ll want to check before you begin budgeting. It’s a nice bonus to avoid any sort of lengthy permit process.
Another benefit of in-home loft spaces is that you don’t have to worry about the construction costs of additions.
Loft costs depend on size, alterations, the conversion type, and where you live. For example, If you have to alter the structure to include staircase access or if you have to pay more for supplies in your part of the country, you’re going to dig deeper into your pockets.
Depending on these factors, loft planning should account for a cost of $35,000-$60,000. For a more accurate estimate, consider the following.
Room In the Attic Conversion
Adding a room in your attic is the purest form of loft conversion and naturally the most affordable. This type of loft planning requires floor reinforcement, skylights, insulation, a staircase, electric, lighting, and heating. You’ll also have to comply with fire safety regulations and standards.
At the most basic, roof-in-the-attic conversions cost $17,000. This estimate is assuming a $1500 per square yard pricepoint.
Dormer Loft
Dormer lofts include the fundamental aspects of the roof-in-the-attic loft extension plus a dormer window. Dormer windows add a feeling of coziness and warmth to loft planning. If the necessary roof-in-the-attic conversion doesn’t quite suffice, this type of renovation can add some much-needed head and floor space.
Dormer lofts are about $5000 more than the necessary roof light conversion. If you’re expecting a beautiful finish and a suited master room, the final costs end up around $40,000.
Ready-Made Loft Conversions
If you have the money, but you don’t have the time, ready-made loft conversions are the perfect match for your loft planning. These additions are ready to insert themselves into your house-life.
Cranes move them into position, and these lofts cut down on labor, but you pay for convenience. These types of lofts usually set people back around $60,000.
Changing the Roof
Any loft planning that requires changing the roof structure is likely going to set you back the furthest. Removing your roof requires hiring an experienced designer and increases labor and material costs.
This type of loft arrangement is almost like adding an addition to your home since you’re making significant changes to the exterior. When you change the roof on your house for loft planning, you can expect to pay around the same amount as you would if you opted for a ready-made loft conversion.
Loft Planning and Professional Fees
Loft extensions usually fall under permitted development rights of municipalities, but it’s worth checking before commencement. It’s also worth checking with your local authorities to see if there are any required permits.
After you find out how much to board a loft check with your HOA to find out whether you’re allowed to. HOAs often have rules and regulations on additions to apartments.
If you live in a duplex or townhome, you’ll need an agreement between you and your neighbors. This agreement can cost anywhere from $800-$1000 per neighbor.
Building control fees can cost around $500. These fees are payable by the owner to the local government. The government then hires an independent inspection agency to certify the building has a sound structure and is safe for a loft renovation.
Smaller companies offer more affordable deals than large companies. The savings can be as much as 10-15 percent. You can save even more if you opt to complete all the renovations yourself. But that is a sizable commitment that may not be realistic for most people.
Design Fees
Companies usually include their design costs in their overall quote. However, if you contract an architect outside of the construction company, plan on paying a considerable amount extra. Design fees fall anywhere from 3% to 7% of the construction cost.
Minimum costs include the planning drawings and construction drawings, which cost around the same. If the loft planning includes structural alterations, expect to pay more for the architect’s plans.
If you’re expecting the architect to contract, appoint the builder, and negotiate the contract with the construction company, they will ask for a higher cut of the overall costs.
While loft planning, you should also consider interior fittings. Some of these are necessary, such as electric points and light fits. Others, such as flooring and decor, are considered add-ons.
Some companies offer interior decoration consulting, while other construction companies stick to the essential components.
For anything besides the essential fittings, you’ll need a separate quote from the construction costs.
How Much Is A Good Price
Loft planning depends on many figures. A great rule of thumb, however, is to ask yourself whether the loft adds value to your home and adds joy to your life.
You should never pay more for an addition to your home when you can buy a more spacious house for left. Loft budgets can get out of control, but as long as you’re not going overboard, a loft could be the perfect addition.
Add Joy to Your Home With a Loft
Loft planning adds joy to your home, but it also adds joy to your life. With less clutter, more room to organize your possessions, and exciting new living space you’ll be on cloud 9.
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Author: Darcy Murphy
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