What do you need to consider when designing a loft conversion?

When designing a loft space there are some things you must take into consideration, this will help you to tailor your brand new room to exact requirements, with your ideal budget, taste and style in mind. This month, AKB Lofts are here to explore all of the avenues you will need to consider during the loft conversion design process.  

Natural lighting

Lofts are known for being dark and dingy but this need not be the case anymore, when you open your home up to a loft conversion. Eliminate the darkness by exposing those hidden, shadowy corners of the room to natural light. Velux windows are extremely desirable loft conversion features because they enable homeowners to look over a stunning view during the day and watch the twinkly stars at night.

Exposure to light that isn’t artificial, is commonly known to be a natural energy booster because it increases your vitamin D levels, keeping you both happy and healthy. With Velux windows you can be sure to allow in a whole lot of natural light, that’ll enhance your space and leave you feeling happy.

Artificial lighting

When the nights get darker and you can’t rely on the natural light, you will want to ensure that you have a good enough substitute in place. Whether that’s a standard light bulb in the middle of the room, built-in spotlights, lamps, dimmer lights or something else, you will want to make sure you have the light you require.

Consider what you want to use the room for, if it’s a child’s bedroom you’ll most likely want full lights, so they can see obstacles well enough to avoid trips or falls, and have the light to do their homework with ease. If you’re turning it into a relaxation room, you may wish to choose dimmer lights to set a peaceful, tranquil mood.

Spacial awareness & furniture

Having a loft conversion is a revolutionary way to increase your living space within your home. It’s ideal for an expanding family, guest room, office, relaxation room or gym. So when you invest in a conversion, know how to utilise the space to its utmost potential.

Maximise your space with fewer pint-sized furnishings, built-in furniture and floor beds. Remove clutter so you avoid using this room as a storage room, otherwise you may as well have just kept it as a loft. Think vertical and use any nooks and crannies to the best of their abilities, for example, if you have an unusual space in the wall, you may want to create a bespoke bookshelf.  

Stairs

Choosing the right staircase is important because it’ll give you the access you need to get into your loft conversion. If you can, try joining them to your existing staircase so you can be sure they’ll fit in flawlessly with the rest of your home. Alternatively, consider spiral staircases, they look grand but they’re also compact and help to save space.

Bathroom

If you’re hoping to have a bathroom, your current plumbing will need to be checked. It takes careful planning in order to incorporate another bathroom into your home. Firstly, your current system will be examined to see whether it can cope with the added pressure required to produce both hot and cold water up to another floor. If your system can not cope with this, then you might want to consider whether it’s worth upgrading your plumbing.

Placement of this new bathroom in your loft conversion will work best if it’s placed above your current bathroom. This makes it much easier to join the new bathroom to your water and drainage supplies, without having to add excess pipework.

Also take into consideration that if you wish to have a shower in your bathroom, you will need enough head height for this to work. If you do not have the headroom, why not have a bath with a handheld shower head instead.

Flooring

To keep your loft conversion as warm as the rest of your house, add plenty of insulation to your flooring – especially if you want wooden floors. This will also work well to reduce any noise/footsteps that may be heard below.

Turn to the leading providers of loft conversions, home extensions and orangeries when you choose AKB Lofts. Let our friendly, well-trained experts help you on your way to your dream home in no time at all. With a wealth of experience and a passion for design, you can ensure an exemplary service. We’re a local family run business that ensures all work is fully guaranteed and completed by our own professionals, so you needn’t worry about any subcontractors. For your free quotation, get in touch with us today and let’s get you scheduled in!