If you have a reasonably-sized unused loft, you may feel the urge to make it into an extra bedroom. This can be a great way to swap an open space for some extra home value, a bedroom, or whatever you can think of. Swapping a loft has many pitfalls, so let’s go over the most common ones that many people may miss out on.
Be Careful When You Swap Your Heating
One of the most common renovations for a loft is to replace components within it. Many lofts, especially those in older homes, will have a conventional or regular boiler in place, which can be removed and replaced with another type. This involves removing the tank from the loft, allowing for more space.
However, this must be done with a degree of research since choosing the wrong boiler will impact your home’s heating. If you’re putting in another gas boiler, your choices will be between a combi and a system boiler. System boilers will be more adept at handling the heating in a larger home, while combis will be better for smaller homes with 1 bathroom and less need for simultaneous water taps running.
Although they free up the most space, even the best combi boiler in the UK will have its limitations when it comes to house sizes. System boilers will need some more space for peripheral parts but can free up loft space. They do tend to cost more than combis but have a higher water output.
Similarly, electric heating can be easier to install while freeing up space, but it will increase your energy bills in the UK since electricity is comparatively more expensive than gas for homeowners. However, electric boilers might be the easiest to obtain parts for if the UK boiler phase-out goes through.
Hydrogen boilers and heat pumps can also be viable alternatives but they have their own issues. It’s best to weigh up the pros and cons before making a decision.
Insulation is Key
Lofts tend to need better insulation, especially in older homes before they are ready for most purposes. Insulating against heat as well as sound could be a necessary part of the process of renovation. Prevents draughts will improve the comfort of the room as well as allow for better energy savings. Insulation is also relatively cheap and easy to implement if you do it yourself however, you need to know what you’re doing.
If your loft is subject to a lot of moisture, you’ll need materials like mineral wool or polyurethane beads. You can insert beads and foams without removing the whole wall while mineral wool batts are easier to insert into removable walls. Both of these materials prevent water damage and have great sound insulation properties.
Alternatively, you may need cooling in your loft since hot air tends to rise from the bottom of the house to the top. You may want to install a cooling fan or air out the room properly. Installing a carpet can provide better insulation and prevent hot air from coming up the roof through gaps in the floorboard.
Proper Ventilation & Lighting
Natural light is usually the way to go if you can. Roof lighting, skylights, and dormer windows can be great for this. This will depend on your pre-planning and can be quite expensive to retrofit, depending on your loft. A large floor-to-ceiling picture window, French doors or a Juliet balcony can be great designs to incorporate, allowing for maximum light entry.
So, how do you manage your budget? If your loft already has windows, you may want to replace the frames or the glazing. Glazing can be easy enough to replace, but frames might be an issue, depending on the material you’re looking for. uPVC is the cheapest option, with more expensive options being aluminium and wooden windows.
That’s not to say that more expensive options aren’t worth it. They can be longer-lasting, be more aesthetically pleasing, and provide better returns on your investment. Choose wisely.
As for lighting, LEDs (Light-emitting diodes) are the most energy-efficient lighting technology available to most UK homeowners. They are more energy-efficient than incandescent bulbs and they also last up to 50 times longer. An individual lightbulb costs less to run and won’t need to be replaced as often.
Look Into Grants That Could Keep Costs Low
While this laundry list of repairs may feel like it could cost a lot, there is good news for those living in UK regions. Grants like the ECO4 scheme and other home insulation grants can provide you with better glazing, better insulation, and even more efficient heating systems. These are usually subject to a check in your home and are means-tested.
These grants are meant for low-income homes and those with bad energy efficiency. They often apply to homes with an Energy Performance Certificate rating between D and G. They may also be regionally dependent. Check their websites to see how you can apply.
All in all, your loft insulation does not have to be super expensive. There are reasonable solutions that could spare your wallet from excess punishment.