Assessing the full potential

This is a difficult question to answer.

Much depends on where you live, the type of house you live in, the type of loft conversion and, of course, how much you spend on it, and how you finance a possible loan.

You may find at the end of the day that you do not recoup all of the building costs.

The question is whether the value to you in terms of living space and enjoyment is more than any shortfall on the increased value of the house after all the costs are paid.

Generally speaking, though, a loft conversion will probably make it easier to sell your house some time in the future.

As far as extra value is concerned, most estate agents agree that an extra bedroom is the most financially attractive way of improving a family house.

And from the cost point of view, converting an attic is usually a lot easier that building an extension.

The extent to which the loft conversion fits into the rest of the house is a critical factor.

Here, the staircase is important. A staircase in the same style all the way from the ground floor up to the loft, looking like it was there all the time, will make everything look much more natural and attractive.

Another important factor is to use the same decorative features as in the rest of the house, for example skirting boards, picture rails, ceiling heights etc.

You must seek approval if the converted space is to be used on a regular basis. This means submitting plans to the Building Control Office. You can find details of your local Building Control Office at http://www.labc.co.uk/offices. This web site also has a lot of interesting information about building regulations, how to make an application, electronic applications and a lot more.

Your application will take up to eight weeks to process and will involve an administration fee. You should reckon on this costing around £600.

Another very useful site is http://www.odpm.gov.uk, where you can find a lot of specific information.

Something else to check is the need for an emergency exit window. VELUX roof windows will invariably meet the requirements of a Means of Escape window.

You should also give some thought to the materials you use.

These must meet certain thermal performance requirements.

VELUX roof windows meet the thermal performance requirements of roof windows, and use environmentally sound wooden frames that come from sustainable forests in Scandinavia.

Loft conversions can be a complex matter.

This means that you must be very sure of your DIY skills and knowledge of proper building methods before attempting one yourself.

It may also be a good idea to consult with an architect before contacting a loft conversion company.

Make sure you obtain written quotations from at least two loft converters.

Estimates are not good enough. Ask each company for references from other projects similar to yours.

You should also check the financial solidity of potential suppliers and make sure that you agree payment in a way that does not leave you vulnerable to delays or shoddy work.