Will the boarded loft storage add value or not?

ssparks2003

Is option 1 including increasing the depth of the insulation fittings legs the will protrude above insulation and fit boards. It will be a bit more work than just slinging down some boarding. Also remember if you compress the insulation by laying borders on it, the efficiency will be lowered.

917700

Thanks doozergirl

Your reply is very helpful. The loft boarding company said i can only have a hatch to access the space. If I install a proper door, this is be considered as a proper loft conversion and building regulations will be required 

macman

917700 said:

Thanks greatcrested and macman 

Wow, I thought loft boarding is as difficult as a loft conversion. 

Eh? A loft conversion involves putting in a proper staircase, roof lights, usually a dormer window, fire prevention, inserting steels to support the new floor, building internal walls, extending plumbing, wiring, heating....typically £30K and upwards. Needs BR approval, usually PP, Party Wall notice.  2 months typiclal build time.

Boarding the loft for storage involves some sheets of MDF bought from B&Q, screwed down to the existing joists. Start 9am Saturday morning, all done by lunchtime...

tim_london

Loft boarding can get expensive if:

• The loft is insulated and is under guarantee.  There are rules about how you board the loft so you don't squash the loft material and void your warranty.  The lofting company probably have some kind of insurance scheme.
• The hatch door includes a built in ladder (one you can pull down and push back up using a stick).  The ladder costs £100-200.  So you're paying for that plus labour.
• You're also including lighting and power socket up there, so you're including the work of a qualified electrician.

But yes, the basic principle is planks of wood from B&Q and nailing.  Nowhere near as hard as conversion.

Grabs39

As above I've boarded sections of the loft of my current and previous house. Costs about £80 for some chipboard and screws and a day of my time.  A handyman with a bit of practice and some power tools (most of my time was spent hand-sawing boards to fit) should be able to do it in half that time.  My handyman charges £50/hour, so call it just under £300 all in.

It would make no difference to me when buying a house if it was boarded or not and it wouldn't add value unless it were a "proper" conversion with a staircase, insulation under the tiles etc.

JGB1955

Loft ladder is less than £50 and easy to fit.  (It must be - my husband managed it)!

pumas

Doozergirl said:

I do keep hitting my head as I don't know where the roof slopes after I've bent down, so I wouldn't leave the rafters exposed as a dull thud is much better than cracking your head off an exposed corner.  

Ditto my s-i-l, she keeps a hard hat for forays into the loft.

rik111

Grabs39 said:

As above I've boarded sections of the loft of my current and previous house. Costs about £80 for some chipboard and screws and a day of my time.  A handyman with a bit of practice and some power tools (most of my time was spent hand-sawing boards to fit) should be able to do it in half that time.  My handyman charges £50/hour, so call it just under £300 all in.

It would make no difference to me when buying a house if it was boarded or not and it wouldn't add value unless it were a "proper" conversion with a staircase, insulation under the tiles etc.

Handy Man charges £50.00 an hour, £400.00 a day ? He must have some skills ! 

Grabs39

rik111 said:

Grabs39 said:

As above I've boarded sections of the loft of my current and previous house. Costs about £80 for some chipboard and screws and a day of my time.  A handyman with a bit of practice and some power tools (most of my time was spent hand-sawing boards to fit) should be able to do it in half that time.  My handyman charges £50/hour, so call it just under £300 all in.

It would make no difference to me when buying a house if it was boarded or not and it wouldn't add value unless it were a "proper" conversion with a staircase, insulation under the tiles etc.

Handy Man charges £50.00 an hour, £400.00 a day ? He must have some skills ! 

I imagine he probably has a lower day rate.  I've only had him move some pipework (I don't do plumbing) and remove an old, loose arial off the chimney (I certainly don't do heights).  Both times were £50 very well spent IMO. 

He does certainly have some skills.  Everything from plumbing to joinery, landscaping and paving - he's very highly thought of in our village.

purplebutterfly

Depends on your area but in Lancashire they will fit boards, an enlarged hatch, drop down ladder and a light for around £350.  Shelving is extra.   

We're currently looking for a house and will need the loft boarded either before or as soon as we move in to use the loft as storage.  Any properties with existing boarding and/or ladders get bonus marks on our search