Loft Coversion

[stevieb]

I am looking for some opinion on the value of a loft conversion.

I have had 2 Arcitects come around to quote to design the loft conversion. Both have given there advice but the advice is completely oposite to each other.

the first said it will add some value to the house as it will provide an extra childrens bedroom and En-suite. the other has said that it would devalue the house as the usabilty of the loft is not as good due to the limited headroom.

The Loft conversion will in effect give a overall floor area of 6m x 8m. But the effective headroom will only be 6'3" running the whole length. For my purposes the extra room and en-suite would be a god send as it would mean that our 7&8 year old would have there own space away from the main family bathroom.

The conversion would also have a dedicated stiar case from the main landing up to the loft. But would make the family bathroom a little smaller.

So the house is currently a 3 Bed Detached with 2x reception, kitchen, 1x bathroom, 1x ensuite and 1x Cloakroom.
The plan is extend this to 4 Bed Detached with 2x reception, kitchen, 1x bathroom, 2x ensuite and 1x Cloakroom.

Would my plans increase or devalue the house? A comparible 4 Bed Detached house currently go for 80k-100k more then the 3 Bed detached.

Any thoughts on this?

Thanks

[SJobson]

Depends on how balanced the property will be afterwards - often adding an extra storey just makes it apparent that the reception space on ground floor is restricted.

[stevieb]

Good point, We will also be adding a single storey rear extension to the house. This will be 50% brick 50% glass so it act as a light well for the dinning room behind.

[SJobson]

Sounds ideal - I had a place previously with a garden room (glassy but not a conservatory) extension on the ground floor, which balanced the loft conversion perfectly by adding another reception room.

Sadly it took away a chunk of the garden which was left looking small I did buy it like that though, and sold it on again.

[stevieb]

I can get the work done reasonably cheap. I am due to be put on gardening leave soon.. as i should be getting a job offer through shortly. But it would mean that i need to sit it out for 3 months.

So my plan os for me to do a lot of the work DIY. with help from specialist trades when required

[herbialfa]

I'm in the process of doing this myself!

Albeit on a bungalow. 2 more Bedrooms and a small Utility (tumble dryer etc)

I'm helping out a great chippie (£100 day rate) as and when he can fit me in.

Will it add value? Every street has a ceiling price so in my situation then yes but only slightly. Most bungalows on my road have already had theirs converted. But I do have a large rear extension already!!!!

Not planning on moving for the next 15 years or so as its a great area!

Cost of the works will be around £7k. Thats a plastered finish. We have kept a note of all expenditures etc so will know down to the last penny!

Half landing staircase comes Friday at a cost of £720 Incl. VAT!

Source the materials yourself and play each merchant off one and other and you will be amazed at the prices you can get materials for! My useable floor space is 7.2m x 4.5m. The total cost of the timber including bearers, trimmers, hangers, fixings and flooring (not including carpet) was about £500.

Go to your local builders merchants and check out their Managers deals!

I got 2 escape Velux windows for way cheaper than the R.R.P.

If you are putting dormers in then obviously the price would increase.

I've never been a hands on type of person but have immensely enjoyed helping the chippie out, even though I'm fecked by about 2pm.

Best of luck!