A small attic conversion cost is probably more than you would first imagine. Even a basic loft conversion with skylights and no windows will cost at least 10K for the very smallest of attics. But, asides the actual cost, you need to look at the practicality of converting your loft. Is it worth it, and is it actually possible. Not all attics can be converted to living space.
Small Attic Conversion Cost : Suitability
If you only have a small space to convert, it may not be worthwhile, or it may not be suitable at all. If at a quick glance you can see a crisscross of trusses that support your roof, then you can forget about converting the space. Remodeling this type of attic is not worth the money spent, an often an extension will be much more viable. A type of loft that has trusses to support it will need to be structurally supported in a new manner in order for you to use the space. Not an easy job and certainly not a cheap one.
If when you grab your flashlight you see rafter in an A shape, then you are in luck and it’s time to call in your loft conversion team. An A shape with open space underneath the rafters provides some great potential for a small attic conversion. But, before you get carried away, there are other things to consider.
Small Attic Conversion Cost : Thinking Up and Thinking Down
If you only have a small space to convert, then think about how much of this space will be used up by your staircase. Straight run stairs require between 10 and 14 feet of floor space, spiral staircases taking up a modest 5 feet. Think about how big your useable area in your loft will be before you start making plans.
Headroom is also very important. Although the law on minimum head room was abolished, you still need to be practical. Even if all your family is on the shorter side, you will never re-sell a property with an attic conversion that is only suited to people who measure in at well under the norm. Finishing materials such as insulation can also eat into the actual headroom you will be left with.
One way to keep down your small attic conversion cost is to add skylights instead of dormers. But, you will need a source of natural light. If your room will be a bedroom, then you may be required to have a full window in order to keep in line with fire and safety regulation. All these are questions that your attic conversion experts in Bristol can answer for you.
Heating and Plumbing
Although heat rises, you will need to heat your attic. This will also mean adding more insulation, something that will eat into the overall space you have to play with. Unless you have electric radiators, then you will need plumbing and hot water pipes leading to your attic. You will also need plumbing if you will put a bathroom upstairs. These are both considerations that are important. If an attic is too cold, you won’t use it, and if it has not bathroom, it won’t be suited as a bedroom.