TIPS FOR PLANNING YOUR NEW LOFT CONVERSION
Converting our loft is one of the best things we've done to our home by far, but I know it can be daunting. It’s not exactly a cheap or quick thing to embark upon.
So, this blog post is to offer a bit of a helping hand to anyone thinking about doing a loft conversion or starting to plan one. Jump ahead to part two if your building work is about to start, as that's where I'm talking about what you can expect during your build, and how to get the best result.
So, aside from sorting out a builder and architect, what are the other things you can be doing to ensure you get your dream space?
SPEAK TO PEOPLE AND SEE OTHER LOFT CONVERSIONS
Try to see as many loft extensions as you can to get ideas. Talk to neighbours with similar properties. This can give you ideas; help you realise what’s possible; and guide you in what you like and don’t like so much.
It was our neighbour who gave us the idea for the small study we now have next to the new stairs. We were right about to submit our plans too! Don’t just rely on your architect for all the answers.
WORK OUT WHAT’S IMPORTANT TO YOU
Similarly, it’s a good idea to properly consider the way you want to use your loft space and what’s important to you.
Our architect’s preferred layout, for good reason of flow and use of space, didn’t give us things that were important to us such as having full-height wardrobes rather than a short hanging space in the eaves.
What he saw as ‘wasted space’ is useful to us - or rather me - as I have the room for my first-ever dressing table and a cosy chair for reading. Bliss! Only you know what’s important to you.
Our chosen loft conversion layout meant space for a dressing table
GET STARTED ON YOUR DECORATING SCHEME
I’d also recommend getting your decorating scheme pinned down before building work starts – or at the very least, in the early days.
After weeks of our loft being very much a building site, it then very quickly started taking shape and we had to swiftly get on the case buying bathroom tiles, choosing the paint and making decisions about other finishes.
I clung to my mood board for dear life. I was so glad that I had my thoughts firmed up. It meant that it was just a case of deciding which pink paint, which green tile, looked best in the space. Try to make life easier for yourself with that bit of prep.
If you’re stuck picking out your paint colours, I have some easy tips in this post to get you started.
Get started on your decorating ideas in the planning stage of your loft conversion
I hope these tips have helped give you ideas of how to plan for a loft conversion. Everything I've said does involve time and thought, but it's so worth it to get a space you'll love in the years ahead.
Why not also check out part two in this series where I’m sharing some pointers for once the work is underway. Go on, get yourself a cuppa....(you'll need the practice for all the ones you'll be making your builders!)
Victoria x
P.S. If you’re thinking about how to make your loft super-stylish, check out my post outlining the five things that stylish homes have in common.
PIN FOR LATER
