Is A Loft Conversion Cheaper Than An Extension?

The housing market has apparently made some progress over the last few years but the trend of adding to existing homes is still a prevalent one. Perhaps there is not the confidence yet in the market, or perhaps people have realised just how much they can achieve without moving home. Regardless of what is driving the trend, one of the main things people ask about are the costs involved.

In this article we’ll take a look at whether loft conversions are cheaper than extensions and which suits your property best. These are the two most common ways people add value and space to their property and there is some debate about which is cheaper.

Loft Conversions

All homes have lofts and if it is simply being used as a dumping ground then it’s ripe for renovation. Some homes can only accommodate a small loft conversion for a single bedroom or office space and often need a dormer to make the room work, while others can create a master bedroom and en suite or a couple of single rooms – it totally depends on the property.

In most cases a loft conversion can be fairly cheap since you’re only paying to have the space developed and you’re not building anything from scratch.

Home Extensions

Just as with a loft conversion, there are many things you can do with an extension – It can be a sun room, a playroom, office space or an extra entertaining area. What prevents many people from opting for the extension to their home though is the planning permission and building regulations. Some properties simply don’t have the land required to be legally allowed to build and those that do are put off by all the red tape.

Clearly there is more work involved as you’d be building a totally new structure on the side or back of your property, but until 2016, if your extension is small enough, you may not need the planning permission at all. It’s best to check this with your local authority first however, or you may be forced to stop work further down the line.

Things To Consider

While a loft conversion might be cheaper in the short term you should think about what you want from the work done to your home. The value of your property will only increase by as much as you invest, so the slightly more expensive extension could give you a greater return later down the line than a loft conversion.

While many loft conversions are exempt from planning permission, not all of them are. If you’re doing anything other than the most basic conversion you will probably end up needing planning permission.

The purpose of the room is key to your plans if you intend to stay in your home. Ensure you go for something which you know will see use, there is no point having an office in your loft space if you’d get more use from a playroom downstairs for the kids.

Here at AKB Lofts we offer both loft conversions and home extensions and we want to ensure you choose the right option for your budget. To discuss your plans and your budget with our team simply contact us today, we’ll be happy to offer you our advice, speak to you about planning permission and arrange for a free quotation.