| After several years in the same home it's | | | | just looking for a little more living space |
| quite common for people to feel that they're | | | | downstairs, a conservatory can be a great |
| starting to 'outgrow' it - this can be | | | | choice - especially if there's a sunny garden |
| triggered by the arrival of a new child or | | | | to make the most of. It doesn't even need to |
| partner, or a change in the needs of the | | | | be warm outside if the conservatory is |
| homeowners. For instance, it can be | | | | well-insulated with cosy furnishings. This |
| beneficial to have an extra room as a study | | | | can make a beautiful dining room, playroom |
| to work from home, or as a hobby room if | | | | for children, or a studio for art and crafts, |
| there's a budding artist or musician in the | | | | as again there'll be good natural light |
| family. Alternatively, a new bedroom can be | | | | during the day. Many people choose to have a |
| useful for guests, or let out to a lodger | | | | conservatory to provide a welcoming, relaxing |
| which will bring extra cash into the | | | | space for parties or just to chill out - all |
| household. Loft conversions, extensions and | | | | it needs is a couple of sofas and a good |
| conservatories are some popular ways to | | | | sound system. It's also a good choice for |
| improve a property and create space without | | | | gardeners, as delicate plants can be |
| moving house or drastically altering existing | | | | sheltered indoors but still benefit from the |
| rooms. | | | | sunlight. |
| | | | |
| Lofts or attics are typically used for | | | | A third option, which can add almost any |
| long-term storage, or even left to stand | | | | amount of space to improve an existing room - |
| empty, in many houses. It's a waste of | | | | or to create a new one - is to undertake an |
| valuable space as a loft conversion can add | | | | extension. Naturally, this is only suitable |
| several rooms to the home - often with great | | | | for those who have unused land in a garden or |
| natural lighting from skylights or windows | | | | driveway, and it's not always simple, as |
| that are unshaded by nearby buildings. Plenty | | | | surveyors, architects and planning permission |
| of light makes loft rooms ideal for a home | | | | will be required. However, the actual |
| office, or there's the possibility of | | | | building work can be quite quick and the cost |
| creating a small 'studio flat' with a large | | | | of 'upgrading' is often much less than that |
| bedroom/sitting-room and ensuite bathroom; | | | | of moving to a larger home. |
| even a kitchenette if the space is available. | | | | |
| | | | Any of these home improvements will |
| This may be the perfect place for teenagers | | | | undoubtedly add value to the house and as |
| craving independence, and would be great for | | | | such, can be viewed as sound investments for |
| a lodger once they eventually do leave the | | | | the future as well as helpful in the short |
| nest. Because a loft conversion essentially | | | | term for the current residents. They can also |
| takes advantage of unused space, there's | | | | be surprisingly affordable, especially when |
| little impact on the existing rooms in the | | | | compared to the costs of moving out and |
| house, but do bear in mind that a staircase | | | | buying a new home in the current market - and |
| usually needs to be added if the loft is to | | | | a range of secured loans is easily available |
| be used every day! | | | | to all homeowners, which can help to spread |
| | | | the cost of the work over an agreed repayment |
| If another bedroom isn't needed and you're | | | | period. |