4 Simple Steps for Loft Conversion

As home improvement enthusiasts we are regularly giving you information about wardrobes, which are our specialty of course. But with our experience in the industry and our passion for improving homes, we thought why not give you some tips relating to other forms of home improvement. In this case, loft conversions.

Converting your loft is probably one of the most time consuming and complex jobs that you take on when you are improving your home. However, there are a number of reasons why you might choose to take this job on. It can add value to your home if you are planning to sell soon and it can provide extra space as you are effectively adding another room to your home. They are four key steps that you will need to make sure are carried out correctly when you are carrying out a loft conversion.

Flooring

You will need to ensure that your flooring is strong enough to withstand the increased use that the loft will get when it has been converted. There are a few methods for doing this, such as fitting large wooden boards. However, in order to create a solid floor that is going to last, it is floorboards that are really needed.

Insulation

Specialist insulation boards are available that have been specifically designed for use in lofts. These boards can fit in between the beams easily, and they are straightforward to fit as they just slide in.

Plaster Boards

Once the insulation boards have been fitted, then the next step is to put the plasterboard in place. The gaps between the beams will need to be measured first as you will need to cut the plasterboard to fill these gaps. An electric saw is a good tool to use for this task. It is also important to ensure that the screws that you use to secure the plasterboard in place are the right size, and you need to leave a gap where the wiring can be run from downstairs if this is necessary. You may require some help from another person for this aspect of the conversion.

Plastering

The plastering of the loft is something that can be done yourself, but plastering can be a difficult job and you may want to get a professional plasterer in to do this work for you. If you do decide to do the work yourself then only a thin layer of plaster is needed, but it will need to cover all the plasterboard that you have put up, and special care is needed around the joints.
You do not usually need planning permission to carry out a loft conversion, although it is worth checking with your local council what their policy is before you begin work. It may be that the work will need to be inspected after it has been completed.