Not just for storage: Five life-changing uses for a loft conversion
What do you use your loft space for? Much-needed storage perhaps? Many of us do, and it can be very handy. But converting your loft into a functional room can be so much more than simply handy – it can be life-changing.
At a time when moving house is so expensive and when our family lives are settled where we are, creating extra space in the loft can be the answer to our problems. It’s easy to think of loft conversions as just a way of adding an extra bedroom or two, but with a bit of careful planning this type of home extension can be something a bit more special.
Luxury bedroom suite
A double bedroom is nice, an ensuite is even better. But what if you could have a large bedroom with its own full-size bathroom and a dressing room? How much better would your life feel if you were starting and ending your day in luxury?
If you have a large family, having your bedroom on its own separate floor can give you back some privacy, especially if your home is open plan. You can make sure it’s an adult space, free from the clutter of toys around the bath! Sometimes, this is all you need to restore some sanity after a hectic week of work, school runs, cooking and cleaning.
Growing children
Having a growing family is one of the top reasons to convert your loft space. But rather than move yourself into the conversion, you may decide it’s better to move your children.
This can be a good solution if you have young adult children who need a bit more independence. It’s a great way to give them more responsibility and help them to feel a bit more grown up. They’ll thank you for having a space to hang out with friends and you can be sure they’re safe and sound without needing to keep tabs on them. So, it’s a win-win situation. Plus, you’ll get a bit more peace and quiet in the family lounge during the evening.
Multi-generational living
Multi-generational living is something that’s becoming increasing popular with families. Bringing multiple generations together under one roof is convenient for many reasons. Young kids get to spend more time with their grandparents and babysitting is easier. Caring for older generations becomes more of a family affair and prevents loneliness and isolation. As this puts a strain on the space inside a home, extending up can help you accommodate everyone happily.
With the extra space available upstairs, you can free up some of the lower and ground floor space for your parents or wider family to use. For instance, you could create an extra, more accessible bathroom.
Dedicated workspace
Many of us have made a full-time or part-time switch to remote working. This means the need for a home workspace is greater than ever.
While a desk set up in the lounge or bedroom can work, it’s not always ideal for concentration or conducting video calls. So, a dedicated office in the loft can be a worthwhile move. It can give you a more comfortable space to work in and make it easier to separate home and work life. Afterall, how many of us have been tempted to work longer or answer emails in the evening because the laptop’s open in the lounge or kitchen? Moving your office out of the way upstairs can improve your work-life balance.
Yoga and meditation space
Not all loft conversions need to be about work and family life. Sometimes creating space for our own personal needs can be a change for the better. Modern lives are so hectic that many of us feel like we’re always on the go, never truly switching off. So, using a loft conversion to boost wellness and self-care can be life-changing.
You could use the space for practising yoga or meditation. Having your own studio space in the home means you’re not going to suffer from interruptions, enabling you to relax in peace. Plus, you won’t need to set up and pack away your equipment every time. You can have your mat, exercise equipment and whatever else you use permanently laid out. You’ll also find it easier to create the right ambience with lighting, plants, candles and other décor without disturbing anyone else in the house.
Weighing up the costs
So, how much does a loft conversion cost? And is it worth it? Well, it depends on the amount of work needed and how you’re planning to fit it out. For example, a bedroom suite is likely to need a full bathroom installation and dormer windows on top of the budget for access, insulation and flooring. Whereas, kitting out a yoga studio could be done on a more modest budget. This could mean the difference between paying £15,000 and £30,000 for your conversion.
Even though this seems like a huge amount of money, it’s often more cost-effective than moving. The fees involved with buying and selling average at around £10,000 and that’s without factoring in the money needed to upsize to a bigger house. So, a loft conversion can be a life-changing solution for many reasons.
