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Now that you have already made up your mind to add value to your property by increasing space, it’s time to decide how you’re going to go about it. Will you do a house extension or a loft conversion? While both methods offer the amazing potential to your home, you have to choose one. We understand how difficult that is. And that’s why in this article, we take you through some of the most useful factors to help you make the right decision.
Loft Conversion Vs House Extension
Prices and Extension Costs
Before settling for either the loft conversion or house extension, you must consider the amount of money you’re willing to spend. Having a specific budget in mind will help you choose the best option that won’t send you to financial bankruptcy while offering your home the best uplifting. The two methods use totally different structures, so their costs might not even come close to each other.
If you’re operating on a tight budget, you might want to consider loft conversions as they’re cheaper than house extensions. This is because loft extensions maximise the already existing space. With this option, you will be building upwards. You won’t need a new foundation or roof and that will save you some good cash. The typical loft extensions in Essex can cost you as little as £21,000 or as much as £70,000 and more depending on how large you want to go and your current location.
House extensions in contrast are more expensive because you will be extending outward, and will require a new foundation, roof, and other important features. So, even if you will be extending on a small area, you will still spend more. Typical house extensions in Essex will cost you from around £25,000 per 20 meters squared for a single storey. If you want to reduce the extension costs, consider using cheaper, but quality materials or making small extensions.
Ease to Build
Loft conversions are easy to implement because you don’t need planning permission as it falls under permitted property development. They are therefore cheaper and less time-consuming. However, you will need planning for extensions, not unless they’re taking less than 50% of your garden.
Variety of Options
Loft conversions are more limiting than extensions. With them, you can mainly either go for Velux, roof-light conversions, or dormer conversions. There are also other small loft conversion ideas readily available online. On the other hand, extensions offer a lot of options to fulfil even your wildest dreams. From garden and glass rooms to front and rear extensions, your creativity will get you what you want.
Space Potential
Loft conversions can offer more floor space within your house since they can spread throughout your entire house. But the storage space is limited since you have to factor in other features such as the insulation, starts, etc. Extensions are on the outside, and you can have as much space as you want. However, getting all the necessary planning permission isn’t easy.
In conclusion, whether to go for a loft conversion or house extension depends on your needs, space, and of course, you should set a budget. Also, what do you want to gain from the renovation project? Remember, these are big projects that can not only add value to your property but also change various aspects of your life.