Can You Live in Your Home During a Loft Conversion?

How long does a loft conversion take?

Loft conversions are incredibly popular in the UK, adding extra living space and value to the home. In order to answer the question of whether you can live in your home while a conversion is being completed, it's important to understand the process and potential issues that may arise.

The amount of time required for a loft conversion depends on the size and complexity of the project, as well as the size and height of the loft itself. Generally speaking, a loft conversion usually takes between 8-12 weeks to complete. If the loft is unusually large or has a complex design, it may take longer. 

If your home requires extensive structural work such as changing the roof structure and inserting steel beams, it will require specialized building equipment and may take longer to finish. In addition, if access to the home is restricted, this can also add to the timeline.

Can you live in your home during a loft conversion?

This depends on how much disruption the loft conversion will cause to the rest of the home. An experienced loft conversion company should be able to provide an accurate estimate of what needs to be done and how long it will take to complete. Depending on the construction processes involved, it may be possible to stay in the home during the conversion.

In general, if the loft conversion is straightforward and the work is mainly on the upper floor, it’s likely that it will not be overly disruptive. If the conversion involves substantial structural work or accessing other areas of the house, it may be more disruptive and it is often advised to find alternative accommodation for the duration of the work.

Is a loft conversion worth the expense?

The cost of a loft conversion depends on the exact size and complexity of the job, but they generally start from around £20,000. While it’s a significant amount of money to invest, it often adds a considerable amount of value to a home. 

With the right team leading the project, the loft conversion should add significant value to the property. For example, a well-designed loft conversion with a bathroom and bedroom can add up to 20% to the value of a home. This means that you benefit not only from the space while you live there, but also when eventually selling the house.

Are all lofts suitable for conversion?

Most lofts are suitable for conversion, but there are certain factors that need to be taken into consideration. The most important factor is the amount of headroom you have in the loft, as this will determine the suitability of the loft for conversion. The height should be a minimum of 2 meters for most rooms, so it can be difficult to achieve this in short attics.

In addition, it's also essential to check whether anything lies above the loft such as bathroom fixtures or HVAC ducts. This can affect the internal layout of the room, as well as potentially requiring specialised insulation or soundproofing. 

Ensure You Are Meeting Building Regulations

Before starting any loft conversion, it’s important to ensure that you are complying with British building regulations. Building regulations exist to ensure that homes are safe and comfortable to live in, and there are rules and regulations that need to be adhered to when undertaking a loft conversion.

These regulations vary slightly from area to area, so it's important to seek professional advice before beginning the project. In addition, planning permission may also be required depending on the scale of the project and local planning conditions. 

When carried out properly, a loft conversion can be an excellent way to add value to a property and create additional living space. However, it's important to understand the process and consider the implications on your life during the conversion. By ensuring you are adhering to building regulations and preparing adequately for any disruption, a loft conversion can be an excellent choice.