Boarding loft increase Flat valuation?

Riddar

Hello,

Just a quickie...

If I was to board my loft space and run the electrics up there etc... basically everything you'd expect from a loft conversion except for the window, would this increase the value of my property?

I'm tempted to do it regardless since it would make an ideal study, however I'm curious to see if it would increase the value of my property taking into account the fact it's almost like an extra room or a fantastic storage area.

Would be great if it did for when I come to selling.

Thanks in advance

jbainbridge

You say it's a flat ... is the loft space yours?

Thrugelmir

Is the roof space build to take the additional weight?

N1AK

Short Answer: A loft conversion needs approval under building regs. If you convert the house to have a de-facto loft conversion without it being approved then you'll struggle to sell the house (estate agents won't put details online, lenders won't lend to people buying etc).

Riddar

jbainbridge wrote: »

You say it's a flat ... is the loft space yours?

Yes, this is in the lease.

Riddar

Thrugelmir wrote: »

Is the roof space build to take the additional weight?

I can only assume, this is something that I would obviously get checked out before I started anything.

However, I've had a lot more stuff up there weight wise than what I would be putting up there if I was to use the space properly so I would hope the weight wouldn't be an issue.

Riddar

N1AK wrote: »

Short Answer: A loft conversion needs approval under building regs. If you convert the house to have a de-facto loft conversion without it being approved then you'll struggle to sell the house (estate agents won't put details online, lenders won't lend to people buying etc).

Would it still be considered a loft conversion though since all I would be doing is boarding the floor and ceiling and adding electrics? no "Major" works would need to be carried out (i think?)... I'd understand if I was asking to put a window in but what I'm hoping to do is all very basic.

Hedgehog99

Added value depends on whether the buyer would want it/value it. Mustn't be used as a bedroom without fire doors etc. Do it if you would use it for storage/hobby room. Large rectangular hatch with built-in ladder is good for getting bulky things like suitcases up there. Update any insulation to current good specs before you board over - would be annoying to have to remove boards to upgrade insulation later (might put off buyer) & the specs are always improving.

Riddar

Hedgehog99 wrote: »

Added value depends on whether the buyer would want it/value it. Mustn't be used as a bedroom without fire doors etc. Do it if you would use it for storage/hobby room. Large rectangular hatch with built-in ladder is good for getting bulky things like suitcases up there. Update any insulation to current good specs before you board over - would be annoying to have to remove boards to upgrade insulation later (might put off buyer) & the specs are always improving.

Yeah it would all be done to the highest standards. I would use it myself as a study since I work in IT and it would be the ideal space to setup a PC or two and get my work done in peace.

I would like to think it would make a bit of a difference to the asking price or if not, more importantly make a potential buyer consider the property more so than if the loft was left how it is now. I know if I was buying another property and the loft was boarded up for casual use, I'd prefer it to one that has been left a mess. Just wanted some other views and advice.

Thanks all so far.

stator

My personal uneducated opinion is that it might help you sell the house, if one of your buyers needs a utility/office space. However on paper I do not think it will increase your value. It certainly won't increase the mortgage valuation, all the professional valuations will ignore it (or possibly mark it down if they think it's gonna cause building regulation problems)

kinger101

No......because anyone can spend £100 of some chipboard and a few screws.