Loft Conversion Tips

Requirements

• Before you get started designing your loft conversion, or even talking to contractors, you need to determine if your structure meets the necessary requirements. Start with local building codes to make sure your loft space meets the minimum requirements in terms of height, width and structural integrity. Then consider your own requirements, and whether the loft space is big enough to accomplish what you want. For example, make sure your loft is tall enough for you to stand up in most of it.

Budget

• Honestly determine how much money you have to spend. Home remodeling projects are notorious for running over budget and taking much longer than expected. There are almost always surprises when renovating, and you should plan for your costs to be at least 20 percent more than the original estimate.

Light

• Because most existing lofts only have two windows, one at each end, consider adding plenty of windows and skylights to your renovation. A typical post-renovation complaint is that the loft "seems dark." Plan to add more windows than you might think, and pay extra attention to the bathroom, if you're including one. A bright bathroom adds energy to a loft conversion.