What's the best way for a new attic to increase the worth of a house.

padington

Running_Horse wrote: »

Would depend entirely on what is available in that area. A shortage of 3 bed houses might make it worth doing, while a glut of new builds could rule it out.

Our friends did it because they needed the space, love the area, but did not want the hassle or expense of moving. Doubt they will make the money back, but they have the house they want.

2 beds get a great premium around here because it's the first rung on the freehold house property ladder.

My uncle reckons I should open the roof above one of the bedrooms with a stair case up the back bedroom wall making it into a big funky split level bedroom and give the house two master bedrooms.

He's no mug either, not a bad idea to be fair because it would keep the integrity of the period house and add an ensuite and space for mates to crash when necessary.

Flats and HMO's are starting to be converted back to nice houses around here, so going for beauty over function might be the order of the day.

michaels

3 bed semi: http://www.rightmove.co.uk/house-prices/detailMatching.html?prop=39752510&sale=49003007&country=england

With loft room: http://www.rightmove.co.uk/house-prices/detailMatching.html?prop=43074872&sale=50458562&country=england

padington

Bantex wrote: »

Less than 10% difference between a two or three bedder. Are you sure?

Oops sorry, you are right, almost 100k difference now I've double checked.

Aplologies.

BobQ

padington wrote: »

Thanks, got to say the ladder concept sounds fun now though and with big top-opening velux windows it would be possible to get down to the flat roof at the back in an emergency and with an ensuite, ladder runs could be minimised and the cost would be much much less and the period integrity of the house would
be maintained ....

.

Big opening Velux are clearly cheaper than a Dormer but for most houses a Dormer is the only way to get enough headroom in the loft space. Also remember that for fire regulations, while a Velux can be a legitimate escape route, their location as an escape route to a flat roof might need to be at floor level (with a lock) whereas for living purposes they might be at head level. Depends on property of course but just because you can climb out of the Velux does not mean it is safe to reach a flat roof from that position.

Generali wrote: »

I remember listening to the following remark on a renovations show. If you have an underused, dusty, hot space in your roof why not convert it back from an attic room into a proper loft?

I'm yet to see a really good loft conversion. They're always terrible in one way or another. If they were that good an idea, houses would come pre-converted.

You are correct, but for many people they are a way of staying where they are living with a larger family or running a business from home.

Andy_L wrote: »

Speak to your local council's building control office. Without their sign-off then selling will be tricky and, as said earlier, with just ladder access you wont get it classed as living space

TRue, the OP may or may not need planning permission but will definitely need Building Regs approval for a dormer/ bedroom. Not only will they inspect the plans and work in process but they will issue a completion certificate.