Should You Add A Fourth Floor Loft Conversion To Your Home?
Unlock The Potential In Your Attic Space
Townhouse layouts are a popular way of living, but what if you want to extend upwards to a fourth floor conversion?
Does your property have enough space for you to adapt to any recent change in situation during the pandemic? If you’ve spent lockdown feeling that your home isn’t large enough to accommodate your household, or if you’ve switched to remote working on a more permanent basis, then you may be longing for additional room.
Loft conversions are one of the major property trends which have been caused by Covid. Instead of moving home, property owners are attracted to unlocking the potential space in an existing home that they love. Renovating upwards may be simple enough if you live in a two-storey property, but what if you’re already living in the attic in a three-storey property?
Popular Misconception
Many homeowners hold the belief that if you live in a three floor townhouse, then it wouldn’t be possible to convert your loft and enjoy the extra space that exists in the roof. This isn’t necessarily the case. Whilst it’s correct that you’ll need to seek Building Control approval, there are still options available for homeowners who wish to invest in this type of project.
Key Considerations
First, you’ll need to check with your local authority to determine if there are any specific restrictions that would prevent you from extending into your loft. If you live in a new property, then these may have been created at the time of the build. The construction of your home will also have a bearing on the likelihood of extension – depending on whether you have solid nine inch walls, or a combination of timber and part timber. The latter may cost more in terms of the design and construction of your fourth floor loft.
Fire Safety
Each time you add another floor to your property, you must review your fire safety regulations. Local Authority Building Control will dispatch a fire safety officer to conduct a full review of your plans and build. If you’re adding a fourth floor to your home, then you’ll need to install advanced fire systems. Depending on your plans, these include the introduction of a sprinkler system throughout the entire property, plans to reduce the risk of stair falls, and potentially even an external fire escape. At the very least, you’ll need to install highly secure fire rated doors to all rooms that lead off your main fire escape corridor, which is usually the hall, stairs and landing passage to the ground floor.
How Much Can A Loft Conversion Add?
Of course, no homeowner will want to undergo this size of project with the promise of a decent return on their investment. The great news is that the added space provided by a loft conversion on any floor will increase your property price substantially. A Nationwide study of properties in London found that an attic converted into a bedroom and ensuite bathroom combination could add as much as 21% to the value of your home.
If you’re tempted by the extra space promised by a fourth floor attic conversion, don’t be frightened off by the building approvals which are required. Speak to a loft conversion specialist along with your local authority to determine the potential for you to commit to this exciting property project.