The costs in this guide are accurate as of 2025*

If you have a garage, but hardly use it, a garage conversion could be a great way to make the most of the space you already have. It’s also cheaper than other home expansion projects, such as extensions and loft conversions, and a garage conversion has the added benefit of not stealing space from your garden either. 

You can turn your existing garage into a bedroom with an ensuite bathroom, convert it into a home office, or even create an open plan kitchen. Garage conversions offer plenty of options. 

A garage conversion can also add a lot of value to your home. Depending on what you want to use your new living space for, on average, a home office could add £11,706 to the value of your property, while a home gym could add £11,927, and a new dining room and lounge (separate from the kitchen), could add £12,279, making it a valuable home improvement project. 

If you’re thinking of converting your unused garage into a new room for your home, this cost guide covers everything you need to know. 

On average, a garage conversion costs between £18,000 and £28,300. 

Keep in mind that cost of labour is higher in London and the Southeast, sometimes by up to 20% on average.

How much does it cost to convert a garage into a room? ↓

How much does it cost to convert a garage into a room?

The average garage conversion costs between £18,000 and £28,300. 

How much you end up spending on your garage conversion depends on the type of garage you have (whether it’s an integral garage, an attached garage, or a detached garage). 

This is because attached and detached garages often require additional structural integrity checks and other building work. The size of your garage will also impact costs. 

Integral garage

Integral garages are a type of attached garage that are built within the walls of your house and tend to have a door that connects your garage to your home.

Attached garage

Attached garages are attached to your home by a shared wall, but also have their own walls and roof that you will need to reinforce during the conversion.  

Detached garage 

Detached garages are free standing and are entirely separate from your home. They require the most building work to connect them to your house with new insulated walls, plumbing, and other roof work.

A garage conversion includes removing your garage doors to replace them with walls, doors, windows, insulation and heating, electricity, and plumbing. The below prices also include the cost of plastering and painting the walls of your converted garage.

We recommend you ask for multiple quotes. Having a good sense of what is included in your package will help you figure out how much you’ll need to budget. Tell us what you have in mind and get some free quotes today.

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Garage conversion costs

Type of garage + size	Average cost (including VAT)
Integral garage (one car garage) – 18 m2	£19,800
Integral garage (double garage) – 36 m2	£20,460
Attached garage (one car garage) – 18 m2	£29,040
Attached garage (double garage) – 36 m2	£30,085
Detached garage (one car garage) – 18 m2	£30,140
Detached garage  (double garage) – 36 m2	£31,130

The average single garage size is around 18 m², whereas the average double garage is 36 m². 

Prices will rise if your garage conversion project requires extensive remodelling of the existing floor space (for instance if you’re converting your garage in order to extend your kitchen). It will also cost more if you want a bathroom suit installed as well. To find out with more accuracy how much you could pay for your garage conversion, tell us what you have in mind, and get some free quotes today.

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Labour cost breakdown for a garage conversion ↓

Labour cost breakdown for a garage conversion

In order to complete your garage conversion, your tradespeople will need to carry out a range of work, which is broken down below. Keep in mind that these prices illustrate an example of what a garage conversion could cost you. How much you end up spending will depend on the specific requirements for your garage.

Type of work	Average cost (including VAT)
Preliminary work (e.g. site supervision, set up and clear site, lay ground protection, etc)	£4,600 – £5,400
Demolition work	£600 – £620
Foundations	£690 – £1,350
Ground floor work	£1,550 – £3,250
Walls (above and below DPC, internal stud walls / dormer walls, etc)	£3,900 – £4,200
Joinery	£770 – £850
Ceiling joists (only for detached and attached garages)	£450 – £940
Plastering work	£2,360 – £3,600
Installing (1) external uPVC window (materials included)	£260 – £280
Plumbing and heating	£1,100 – £1,850
Electrics	£2,500 – £3,600
Painting and decorating work	£1,250 – £1,700

Keep in mind that labour costs are higher in London and the Southeast, sometimes by as much as 20% on average. Click on the link below to find skilled tradespeople to help you with your garage conversion.

FIND A LOCAL TRADESPERSON

You may also wish to hire an architect to help you make the most of your space before you hire your skilled tradespeople. Lastly, you might also want to hire a post construction cleaning specialist to properly clean your garage and surrounding areas after the building works are finished. 

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How long does a garage conversion take? ↓

How long does a garage conversion take?

If your project doesn’t require extensive structural changes or reinforcements, the average garage conversion should take between 3 and 6 weeks to complete.  

How long your garage conversion will take depends on: 

1. The size of your garage 

2. Structural work involved 

3. How much plumbing and electrics you need installed  

4. The materials you choose (some require longer to source) 

5. Whether you need to wait for planning permission 

6. How intricate your design idea is 

Some garage conversions can take a little less, such as if you want to use your garage as a bedroom (2 – 4 weeks), whereas projects that require lots of structural changes and plumbing could take between 6 – 8 weeks. 

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How to save money on a garage conversion ↓

How to save money on a garage conversion

There are plenty of ways you can save money on your garage conversion. Following some of these tips could help you keep costs down, without having to compromise on quality: 

1. Ask for multiple quotes before you settle on your tradespeople – it’s a really good idea to know what a project could cost you (upper and lower ranges) so that you can make a properly informed decision about how much you want to spend on your garage conversion.

2. If you’re trying to decide what you should save your money on, invest in long-term elements like structural alterations, whilst budgeting on things you can change more easily later on like paint and decorative supplies. 

3. If a quote looks too good to be true, then it probably is – always check what is included in your package and remember to consider additional costs and prices that might not have been factored into the original quote. 

4. Save money in the right places – not only are the cheapest products more likely to break and need replacing sooner than more sturdy materials, but hiring the right tradespeople is also vital. In the long run, having everything installed correctly the first time can save you a lot of money. Do your research, and make sure you hire skilled tradespeople who will get the job done, right.  

5. Stick to the original design plan – when you start adding additional elements mid-way through the project, costs start to rise and can get out of hand. To keep everything under control, make a plan and then stick to it. 

Always hire skilled labour – a badly converted garage will only lead to further costs down the line to fix or replace mistakes made during the original build. Find out how much your garage conversion could cost you here.

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Conclusions

Alongside loft conversions, garage conversions are one of the best ways to make the most of the space you already have, without having to build an extension, which is more expensive. 

Adding space and value to your home (over £11,000 on average) a garage conversion comes with plenty of benefits. Not to mention that it gives you a lot of creative licence to turn that unused space into a gym, an office, part of your kitchen, or even an ensuite bedroom. 

If you’re thinking of converting your garage, let us know a bit about your space and intentions, and get some free quotes today. We recommend you ask for multiple quotes to get a good sense of how much the project could cost you.

*The Rated People cost guides are produced in collaboration with the quote-building platform PriceBuilder, and a range of tradespeople across the 30+ trades on our platform were consulted. Please note that the prices included are for guidance only – how much you end up spending will depend on the specific requirements of your project.

The post How much does a garage conversion cost in 2025?  appeared first on Rated People Blog.

The prices in this guide are accurate as of 2025*

Loft conversions are a great way of maximising the available space in your home. This means that if you can’t or don’t want to move home at the moment, but need the extra space, you can still upgrade your home with a loft conversion.

Loft conversions also increase the value of your home (sometimes by up to 20%), and often don’t require planning permission applications, because they tend to be covered by Permitted Development Rights (PDRs). You can check planning permission regulations for loft conversions here.

How much you end up spending on your new loft will depend on the type of conversion you’re interested in getting. The most common loft conversions, and their average costs are:

Bungalow loft conversions can be built using any of the above styles. 

Loft conversions can be used for all sorts of things, from an additional bedroom to a home office, or even a gym. What you do with your extra space is entirely up to you, giving you a huge amount of creative licence. 

Keep in mind that the prices in this guide include cost of labour and cost of materials. The prices include VAT.

Expect to pay more if you live in London and the South East, where cost of labour can rise by up to 20% on average. The size of your loft, and additional costs like underfloor heating, can also bring up the overall price.

This guide covers prices for all the different types of loft conversions, as well as what other additional costs might look like:

How much does an average loft conversion cost? ↓

How much does an average loft conversion cost?

 

The average cost of a loft conversion is £90,000, with a lower range of £40,000 and an upper range of £150,000, depending on the size of your loft, and what type of loft conversion you are getting. Where you live in the UK will also affect costs.

There is so much you can do with your loft. Leaving your old boxes to collect dust can be a waste of space when you could turn it into a guest bedroom, or a playroom for children instead. The possibilities are endless, and all of them could add value to your home.

Conversions also allow you to create more space without taking it away from other areas of your home, like your garden, in the way that rear and wrap-around extensions do. Also, because your loft already has lots of important structural foundations, it actually costs less (per square metre) to convert an old loft into a new room, than to pay for another type of extension. 

If you have a loft full of ‘dead’ space, converting it is a great, cost-effective and value-adding way to improve your home.

Are you wondering what you should expect to pay for a loft conversion? 

On average, a loft conversion costs between £80,000 and £90,000, with a lower range of around £40,000 and an upper range of £150,000.

It will take between 6 and 12 weeks for your loft conversion to be built.

Did you know that, in many cases, a loft conversion can also make your home more eco-friendly and energy-efficient? This is due to the added insulation that is installed in the loft during the conversion. The cost of insulating your new loft is also covered in this guide.

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How much does a velux loft conversion cost? ↓ 

How much does a velux loft conversion cost?

 

The average cost of a new, velux loft conversion is between £40,000 – £75,000. The most expensive velux loft conversions can go up to £80,000 or even more, whilst on the lower end, one-window, small velux conversions can cost as little as £30,000. Size and number of windows affects price. 

Velux or roof light loft conversions are the simplest and least expensive, because they don’t involve structural changes to your roof. Instead, a skylight window is added (usually a velux window), as well as a new floor and staircase to access the loft area.

They’re the most affordable loft conversion, making them very popular with homeowners. They also don’t usually require planning permission, which makes them great for people living in conservation areas.

Because they don’t involve structural changes, velux conversions provide the least amount of added space, and are therefore mostly suited for properties that already have large lofts. If you have a large loft, or are looking to convert yours with a fairly tight budget, then a roof light conversion might be the ideal renovation for you.

Taking between 4 and 7 weeks to build, the average velux loft conversion costs between £40,000 and £75,000 to complete. However, how much you spend on your velux conversion will depend on the size of your loft and the specific requirements of your project, such as how many windows you want installed. For example:

A 50 m² loft conversion with two velux windows and no dormer would cost you roughly £41,100. This quote includes loft insulation, the labour cost of installing a bathroom suite (but not bathroom materials), and all the necessary preliminary and demolition work, plumbing and electrics, and painting and decorating. Drawings and building control are not included.

On the other hand, to get a velux loft conversion that includes all the above, but is double the size (100 m²), would cost you roughly £73,250.

For a more accurate quote of how much you might spend on your loft conversion, speak to a skilled loft conversion specialist today.

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How much does a dormer loft conversion cost? ↓

How much does a dormer loft conversion cost?

 

The average dormer loft conversion costs between £55,500 and £118,400.

Suitable for homes with a sloped roof, a dormer conversion involves building a box-like structure with a flat roof that sticks out of your existing roof.

Because they can be built on most roofs, including semi-detached, detached, or terraced houses, they’re a popular way to add loft space and introduce more light into your home through additional windows. 

The great thing about a dormer loft conversion is that there are plenty of different styles of dormer windows for you to choose from, allowing you a high degree of creative licence when it does to the outside appearance of your home.

You could go with:

• A gable fronted, or doghouse dormer loft extension
• A hip roof dormer loft extension 
• A shed roof dormer loft extension
• A flat roof dormer loft extension
• A mansard roof dormer loft extension
• An L-shaped dormer loft extension

Not all of these will be suitable for your particular roof. The best thing to do is speak to a specialist, who can advise you on the best option for your home. Tell us about your project, and get some free quotes today.

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Dormer loft conversion prices, according to size and number of windows:

30 m2 dormer loft conversion with 1 window	£58,000
65 m2 dormer loft conversion with 3 windows	£91,000
100 m2 dormer loft conversion with 3 windows	£129,800

The average cost of a dormer loft conversion is between £58,000 and £120,000. How much you spend will depend on what you’re looking to get. For instance, the above prices include all demolition and preliminary work, plumbing and electrics (including labour costs for a bathroom suite, but not bathroom materials) and all the necessary plastering and decorating. They do not include drawings and building control costs or wall and floor tiles/finishes.

Dormer loft conversions tend to take between 6 and 9 weeks to build.

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How much is a mansard loft conversion? ↓

How much is a mansard loft conversion?

 

On average, the cost of a new mansard roof conversion is between £100,000 and £110,000. On the lower end, a small mansard loft conversion could cost as little as £70,000, or even less, whilst the upper price bracket for a mansard roof extension is over £150,000.

If your priority is getting as much extra loft space as possible, then a mansard loft extension is your best option on this list, because it will give you the largest loft conversion. As a result, they tend to be the most expensive to build.

They usually get built on the rear of your property, with horizontal roofs that have an almost vertical back wall. As well as a standard mansard, you could also look into an L-shaped mansard, or a double loft mansard conversion.

The good news is that they increase the value of your property, and are visually attractive from the outside. You can choose what material to use on the outside of your mansard, from slate to timber to brick cladding.

Because of the structural changes involved in building a mansard loft extension, you will likely require planning permission to have one built. If you aren’t sure whether a mansard loft conversion is the right fit for you, get into contact with a skilled tradesperson who can help you decide.

FIND A LOFT CONVERSION SPECIALIST

The average mansard loft conversion costs between £100,000 and £110,000. On the lower end, you could pay around £70,000, whilst more expensive projects can cost upwards of £150,000. How much you end up spending will depend on the specific requirements of your project, like how many windows you want installed, and whether you want a bathroom or kitchen fitted as well.

Out of all the conversion types, mansard loft conversions take the most time to build, with an average of 8 to 11 weeks to complete.

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How much does a hip to gable loft conversion cost? ↓

How much does a hip to gable loft conversion cost?

 

The average hip to gable loft conversion costs between £70,000 and £100,000. A smaller one-window dormer hip to gable conversion could cost you £60,350, whilst bigger projects, with multiple windows and a dormer could cost as much as £134,000, or even more. Your location will impact on cost of labour.

Hip to gable loft conversions are built into homes with hipped roofs, and are suitable for a lot of semi-detached, detached, or end-of terrace homes. A hipped roof is a roof that has three, equally downward sloping sides. The loft is usually built by turning one of the sides of your roof into a gable roof, creating a (triangular-shaped) vertical end wall.

Though there are some exceptions to the rule, most hip to gable loft conversions do not require planning permission, as they fall under permitted development rights. For more information, you can access the Planning Portal website.

Hip to gable loft conversions will add a lot more space and natural light to your home. Due to structural changes required to the joists and roof of your home, they usually fall in a higher-end cost bracket, costing a little less than mansard conversions.

An average hip to gable loft conversion will cost you around £90,000, or between £60,000 and £135,000.

Hip to gable loft conversion prices, according to size and number of windows:

30 m2 hip to gable loft conversion with dormer and 1 window	£65,350
50 m2 hip to gable loft conversion with dormer and 2 windows	£77,700
65 m2 hip to gable loft conversion with dormer and 3 windows	£104,000
100 m2 hip to gable loft conversion with dormer and 3 windows	£142,000

Prices will vary, depending on the specific requirements of your project. The above prices include (bathroom installation, but not materials), demolition and preliminary work, all necessary plumbing, electrics, plastering and decorating, but not drawings and building control costs.

A hip to gable loft conversion usually takes between 6 and 9 weeks to complete.

Are you thinking of getting a loft conversion? Tell us about your project, and get some free quotes today.

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How much does a bungalow loft conversion cost UK? ↓

How much does a bungalow loft conversion cost UK?

 

The average bungalow loft conversion costs between £40,000 and £100,000.

It’s becoming increasingly popular for bungalow owners to add a loft conversion to their home. This is because they can nearly double the available space of a bungalow, essentially creating a second storey.

You might just be looking to add a room to your bungalow. Or you could get a dormer loft conversion, a hip to gable loft conversion, or a mansard loft conversion added onto your bungalow. 

The bigger the conversion, the more it will cost. Some bungalow conversions can reach upwards of £120,000. On average, you can expect to spend between £40,000 and £100,000, depending on size and the amount of windows you want installed.

Most bungalows do not require planning permission, as they’re considered permitted developments.

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Conclusions 

Loft conversions are a great way to make the most of the unused space in your home, and often for a lot less money than an extension.

Be patient, take your time, and make sure everything is in place for a professional, top-quality conversion. The best way to do this is by doing your research, so that you can make sure you know what to expect when it comes to planning, and paying, for your loft conversion.

Keep in mind that the size of your loft, and where you live in the UK, are the biggest factors impacting on costs. Additional insulation and underfloor heating will also raise prices.

And always hire skilled professionals. Find a loft conversion specialist today.

*The Rated People cost guides are produced in collaboration with the quote-building platform PriceBuilder, and a range of tradespeople across the 30+ trades on our platform were consulted. Please note that the prices included are for guidance only – how much you end up spending will depend on the specific requirements of your project.

The post How much does a new loft conversion cost? appeared first on Rated People Blog.

Knocking down a wall to create an open plan layout is a popular choice for homeowners looking to make their homes brighter and airier. But before you pick up your sledgehammer, you need to make sure that you know whether the wall’s load-bearing or a stud partition – otherwise you could damage the structural integrity of your home!

To help you avoid a potential DIY disaster, we’ve explained the difference between stud partition walls and load-bearing walls below.

Stud partition vs load-bearing walls

Whilst knocking down any wall in your home might seem daunting at first, there are two key differences which make one type of wall harder to remove than the other.  

Load-bearing walls are riskier to remove

Load-bearing walls support the weight of either the floor above it or the roof, so knocking it down or making any changes to it could cause major structural problems if you don’t know what you’re doing.

They’re made of different materials

Stud partition walls are usually made from a timber frame and plasterboard. On the other hand, load-bearing walls are usually (but not always) made from much sturdier materials like concrete, steel and brick, because of the role they play in supporting your home’s structure.

So, stud walls are usually much easier to remove than load-bearing walls. However, it’s important to remember that you may still undercover electric wiring and plumbing when removing a stud wall, which makes the job slightly more complicated. In this case, it’s best to speak to an expert builder before taking down a wall.

Connect with a vetted builder on Rated People.

How to tell if a wall is a stud partition wall or a load-bearing wall

There are many different checks that you can perform to get an idea about whether a wall is load-bearing, but there are no black and white rules. If you’re in any doubt, it’s always best to seek advice from a builder.

1. Knock on the wall

One common check is to simply knock on the wall and see if it sounds hollow. Load-bearing walls are usually solid, whereas stud partition walls are hollow. But, this isn’t always the case, so don’t use this as your only check!

2. Check the wall above

If the wall you’re thinking about removing is downstairs, check the wall directly above it upstairs first. If this wall is solid, it could indicate that the one downstairs is load-bearing.

3. Is it an exterior wall?

Exterior walls are almost always load-bearing, regardless of what material they’re made from.

4. Look at your property’s foundations

Have your property’s foundations examined to identify which walls have beams that go directly into the concrete foundations. These will usually be load-bearing walls.

5. Consult construction documents or floor plans

If you have access to construction documents or floor plans for your house, then these may contain detailed information about where the beams in your house are. Beams can stretch through multiple walls and floors. Those that start at your property’s foundation and stretch through to the wall above are usually load-bearing.

6. Look at your property’s joists

Usually, walls that are perpendicular to joists are load-bearing, whilst those that run parallel are not.

Whilst all the above points can be good indicators of whether a wall is load-bearing, they aren’t 100% reliable individually. Accidentally removing or making changes to a load-bearing wall can be extremely dangerous, as it could cause your home’s whole structure to collapse over time. It’s always safest to consult the opinion of an expert before starting to knock anything down.

Find an expert builder to help you out on Rated People.

The post What’s the difference between a load-bearing wall and a stud partition wall? appeared first on Rated People Blog.

2020 changed the way we work and live. In turn, this has shifted our relationship with our homes and interior design choices. As we move into the new year, it’s time to refresh your home – whether that’s by repurposing an existing room, finding new furniture or using fresh décor. Scroll to discover five of our favourite home design ideas for 2021.

1. A separate entertainment room

As staying in continues to be the new going out, a single-use entertainment space in your home will be undoubtedly well-used. Missing the cinema or your favourite restaurant? Recreate the experience in your own home! It could be as simple as redecorating your dining room. Or, you could convert your loft, garage or basement into a media room.

Thinking of converting or extending a room in your home? Find a local builder on Rated People.

2. Warm interiors

Throughout the uncertainty created by the coronavirus pandemic, our homes have offered us unwavering comfort and stability. This year, make your home even more welcoming by opting for a nostalgic, warm interior design style, such as cottage-core. It’ll transform your home into what could be happily mistaken as a cosy rural hideaway.

3. Colour is key

With many of us looking for new ways to express ourselves in 2021, look no further than using bold, bright colours in your home. Use this year as an opportunity to experiment with colour and inspire a sense of hope and optimism! You could go for a cheap and cheerful colour pop or make a statement with a completely new colour scheme.

Find a professional painter and decorator by posting your job on Rated People.

4. Skylights to open up your home

In 2020, many of us spent more time appreciating nature, whether it was by enjoying long walks, gardening or learning how to tend to house plants. Windows are a portal to the outside world and make our homes feel light and spacious. Install skylights and energy efficient windows in your rooms – they’re a great way to create the illusion of a bigger home.

Get in touch with a window fitter to install a skylight or upgrade your existing windows, on Rated People.

5. Sustainable furniture

If you’re looking to replace your furniture this year, why not try your hand at an upcycling project? It’s a great way of reusing or repurposing materials.

If upcycling isn’t your thing, then you can buy vintage, second hand or better quality, multifunctional pieces that will last decades. Furniture rental services are also a good option, with big names such as John Lewis leading the way.

The post 5 home design ideas for 2021 appeared first on Rated People Blog.

To add extra living space without building out into your garden, and increase your property’s value by £37,000 on average (according to Nationwide) at the same time, consider converting your loft. Most houses don’t require planning permission for a loft conversion (but you must check with your local authority), which cuts down the time it takes to build one.

Loft conversion ideas

A spacious spare bedroom loft conversion

Loft-to-bedroom conversions are one of the most popular loft conversion choices for growing families or people looking to rent out a room for extra income, because you get a spacious extra bedroom without the need for an extension.

To stop the natural light from shining through the windows or skylight and waking you up too early in the morning, there are plenty of blackout blinds to choose from. In a rooflight loft conversion, skylight blinds will sit flush into the existing roof space.

Check out our spare room decorating ideas for a step by step guide to making a spare room look just as good as the rest of your house does.

A light-filled living space

An extra living room in the loft is great for homeowners looking to rent out a bedroom, as the lodger will have their own private living room, which is a rare find!

Try a design that allows lots of natural light to come through the windows, to cut down on artificial lighting. Loft conversions have roof insulation too, to stop heat from escaping. With TVs, gaming consoles and lamps among the many energy-guzzling appliances found in living rooms, the energy savings from heating and lighting will cut your energy bill significantly. For more living room lighting ideas, visit our Inspiration Centre.

A handy home office loft conversion

Loft offices are one of the easiest loft conversion plans as it’s a cost-efficient transformation and can be built in the smallest of lofts. Plus, a carpenter can build custom-made cupboards or shelves to fit perfectly in the nooks and crannies of the space. Make your office space stylish, yet practical with beautiful office furniture that’s not just for the office.

A well-organised walk in wardrobe

The walk-in wardrobe is a great solution to release some of the pressure on a small wardrobe or other storage options that you currently have in your bedroom. If your loft is small or narrow, then the large mirrors which are part and parcel of the best walk-in wardrobes will also make your space look bigger. Discover how to make your walk-in wardrobe look a million dollars without the large price tag by checking out our celeb-style walk-in wardrobe ideas.

A blissful bathroom loft conversion

By converting your loft into a bathroom, you can create a spacious en-suite, guest bathroom or spa room of your dreams. If your existing bathroom is small, or shared by multiple people, having an extra bathroom in your home will make getting ready in the morning much more enjoyable, and relaxing too.

Add large windows into your loft bathroom to have a beautiful whilst you soak the stress of the day away in the bath. In fact, take this opportunity to add other unusual bathroom design features into your new space.

A cool kids’ bedroom

By creating a kids’ bedroom, playroom or TV room in your loft, you’ll have the freedom to design the room as creatively as you like, without disrupting the décor style of the rest of the house. If your children are older, then a loft bedroom conversion is a great way to give them some room to themselves. You could even have the loft soundproofed so that their activities don’t disturb the rest of the family.

An eye-catching feature wall is a great way to give your child’s room some character, and inspire their artistic nature through bright colours and patterns. A painter/decorator can design and create the perfect mural to fit your child’s personality. Check out some feature wall ideas and inspiration.

A happy hobby room loft conversion

Having a dedicated space to indulge in your hobby in, complete with bespoke storage for your equipment, is a great solution to keep the rest of the house tidy. Plus, if you decide to turn your hobby into a side hustle, then it’s quiet and spacious to work in. Check out expert tips on getting serious about storage from Phil Spencer, presenter of the property TV programme Location, Location, Location.

Loft conversion stairs ideas

The staircase is one of the most important features of a loft conversion. You’ll need a permanent staircase, rather than a ladder or retractable staircase, so that you can escape easily in case of a fire.

 A loft conversion specialist will evaluate your loft space to find the best type of staircase for you, as well as identify any potential design or structural problems before the installation stage – saving you from a very expensive mistake.

Spiral staircase

The spiral staircase doesn’t normally require a new landing to be built, so there’s less impact on the floor below the loft. Spiral staircases are usually made from rust-resistant, durable metals such as aluminium or steel.

Paddle or space saver staircase

Also known as space saving stairs, paddle staircases are made using alternating paddle treads. This unique design feature cuts the size of a paddle staircase roughly in half when compared to a normal staircase. So, you’ll get the same number of treads in a smaller amount of space.

Stairs over landing

Building your loft staircase as an extension to your existing staircase is one of the simplest and most efficient places for it to go. This is because it’s built directly above the existing staircase.

Storage stairs

Shoes being thrown in the hallway is a pet peeve for many of us! By choosing storage stairs for your loft, you’ll have an easily accessible shoe storage option that’s also discreet.

Considering a loft conversion? Look at the different types available, the steps involved and the overall cost in our loft conversion cost guide.

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For those of us who don’t want to move but need more space, extending is often the answer. However, if you don’t have room around your house or any potential to convert a loft, going down may be the solution. A basement conversion can be fitting out an existing cellar, enlarging it enough to be habitable or starting from scratch. However, there are several questions you need to ask yourself before starting your project.

Does it need planning permission?

While the current rules for basements are under review (see Planning Portal for more details), generally, converting an existing space won’t require planning permission while digging a new one will. As habitable space, both will be subject to building regulations in relation to insulation, structural support and minimum height. You may also need permission from your neighbours, unless you live in a detached house – this is known as a party wall agreement and could also involve employing a party wall surveyor. This is because a basement conversion involves a shared wall and could potentially damage their house. It’s a specialist job so you’ll need to hire experts, such as an experienced architect, structural engineer and builder – or a conversion company.

This basement conversion has been used for a kitchen-diner that opens up onto the garden.

Image source: Matteo Bianchi Studio

Read more: how to get more space without knocking down walls

Will it be cost-effective?

This depends on whether you’re converting an existing space or digging a new one (which can double the cost) and how much you need the extra room. If there are few other options or you live in an area where the property prices are typically high (making the new space more valuable), then the investment can be cost-effective. Simply digging and underpinning a new basement can cost up to £3,000 per square metre, and can be made more difficult by ground conditions, so it’s good to know what’s underneath your house before you start. If you’re unsure, ask for a geology survey. You could also ask neighbours to find out if anyone has had a conversion locally or speak to local trades, to find out what issues they faced.

A basement makes a great location for a luxurious spa-style bathroom.

Image source: Design Republic

How can you keep the space dry?

Time was when basements were cemented in place without waterproofing, ending up becoming damp. However, a properly excavated, underpinned and tanked space should minimise this problem, and, along with heating and ventilation, prevent condensation forming. There are several techniques to make a basement watertight and which one you use will often depend on the water table level. If you live in an area with a high water table for example, your basement may be prone to flooding and require more than one form of waterproofing for an effective solution.

Most conversions use a cavity membrane system that allows the moisture to run behind it into a sump below the floor, which is then pumped away. It can also be tanked, like a wet room, or have external waterproofing. A quality damp proofing specialist will be able to make sure your conversion’s watertight.

A basement is simple to turn into the ideal room for a wine collection.

Image source: Spiral Cellars

What are you planning to use it for?

Basements can be almost anything you’d like them to be but may be better suited to one function or another. If you’re not able to include much natural light, for example, they may work better as bathrooms, guest bedrooms or cinema rooms (when darkness is a good thing!). However, if you’re keen to create a light, bright space, artificial lighting is a great way to boost daylight from sun tunnels and lightwells. Remember that your ceiling may be lower than in other rooms, so avoid low-hanging pendants and opt instead for recessed spotlights, wall lights, track lighting and lamps, all of which an electrician can help you fit safely. Perimeter lighting around a dropped ceiling is a great way of mimicking natural light coming in at the edges of a room.

All a smart cinema room needs is spotlights, lamps and backlighting.

 Image source: Qualitas Construction

Find more ideas on how to create more space without moving house.

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You can personalise everything from your coffee to your car to suit your needs, so why should your house be any different? Open-plan living offers one option for changing your space but there are several other solutions for reconfiguring your home that can be less drastic. Make your home feel more spacious, hide away clutter and give yourself extra room for the things you enjoy the most – all without sacrificing walls.

Open up a staircase

Image source: Bisca

Visual obstructions, such as a chunky wood staircase, can make your home feel dark and cramped, especially if your hallway’s small. Instead, think about swapping it for a glass-sided design. Not only will this allow extra light to reflect and be refracted, making the area feel brighter, it’ll give the illusion of extra space. Made using laminated or toughened glass panels that can be continuous or framed with wood or metal (often with wooden steps), you can even add recessed lighting for light-time illumination. A specialist staircase designer or carpenter will help you select a design in keeping with the rest of your home.

Install an enclosed porch

Image source: Anglian Home Improvements

While some properties have space for a utility or boot room, what to do with the practical but space-hogging aspects of our homes can be tricky. Built onto the front or side of a house, an enclosed porch is an inexpensive mini extension that can solve your clutter problems. Porches are usually a simple structure of dwarf walls, windows and an exterior door but you can also include lighting and power sockets to make them more functional. Small projects normally fall under permitted development but check the Planning Portal or with your local council first. Good uses for a porch include hanging coats, umbrellas and shoes, storing wood for a stove inside or as a home for a condensing tumbler dryer (though insulate the porch well as some won’t work below 5C). A local builder will be able to advise you on what’s possible.

Read more: create more space without moving house

Convert a cellar

Image source: London Basement

Unless you’re a wine collector, chances are your cellar or basement could be put to much better use than a general store-all junk room. While loft conversions usually end up as bedrooms, converting the space below your floor creates the possibility of an additional room for almost anything you like (and can cost around the same for a basic loft conversion), from a hobby and crafting area to a study or location for a home business. Cellar and basement conversions are also perfect as playrooms or utility rooms. As long as you’re not altering the floor height to create more headroom, you’re unlikely to need planning permission and a conversion can be finished in just a few weeks. Find more information at The Basement Information Centre or find a builder specialising in basement conversions here.

Add an orangery or sunroom

Image source: Amega

Built using less glass and more brickwork than a conservatory, orangeries and sunrooms have greater scope for year-round use. Sunrooms tend to look more like a traditional extension with a solid roof and large areas of glazing at either side. An orangery usually has a partially glazed roof with a roof lantern and the sides either built of brick with doors and windows within them or some fully glazed walls. The reduced amount of glass means that these additions are more comfortable to spend time in during very sunny days, too. They’re both good for using as a second lounge, family room or for dining, yet unlike an open-plan extension, can have glass doors separating them from the main area of the house, giving you extra space only when you need it.

Read more: make the most of existing space without extending

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When it comes to putting in an offer for a property, most buyers are looking for something unique. Church conversions tick that box, although it’s unlikely that you know anybody who has acquired one lately. The Christian Research group says that of the 47,600 English churches operating today, around 10% will be declared redundant by 2020. Since developers and planners are looking to convert unused property into housing, many of these disused churches are likely to become residential homes.

According to the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), in the last 5 years around 500 churches have been converted into houses in London alone. While the idea of closing a church isn’t a happy one, it’s actually a legacy of the Victorian era, when excess places of worship were built and some were even left half finished!

The conversions are popular because of the high ceilings, large stained glass windows and intricate brass detailing on features such as door handles. For the religious, they offer the chance to get close to God – you’re technically living in His house! – but for the non-religious, features such as the bell can still appeal as owners ring it to mark special occasions like the New Year.

Every property has its downsides and since churches are old buildings, they can come with age old problems like rotting and lead roofing, which is a goldmine for thieves. Have the property surveyed by a member of the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors to make sure that it’s safe and to highlight any potential problems that might put you out of pocket at a later date if left undetected and untreated. Should you decide that you want to buy a church, it’s a really good idea to invest in lighting and add extra security with a front gate and CCTV in place.

Churches weren’t designed to be homes, so you might need to reassess and add electrical connections to power items like washing machines and showers. The little things become the big things so don’t get too caught up in the design and forget that no matter what improvements you make, your heating bills will be much higher than average thanks to those tall ceilings. Inserting a number of different levels can help make this more manageable but you’ll need to decide whether dividing up the property visually damages the unique architectural design. Voices were meant to be carried in a church too, so consulting a specialist tradesperson to help with soundproofing is essential unless you don’t mind an echo in the living room!

Putting practical considerations aside, living in such close proximity to an old graveyard will test your morals. If graves are present, the ground will have to be deconsecrated and human remains moved where possible. If they can’t be moved, you’re legally bound to let relatives visit, so if you favour your privacy, a church conversion might not be the best option for you. In which case, it’s time to return to the house hunt!

If you’re sold on the idea of a visually unique home and prepared to deal with any problems that may arise, it’s time to decide between purchasing an already converted home or designing your own. I would recommend hiring an architect for the latter, with the help of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA). There’s no point paying a higher price for a building if you don’t stay true to its architectural features and find yourself frustrated with issues like sound and heating.

Before putting in an offer, talk through your ideas with your Local Planning department since you’ll need planning permission from both themselves and the Church Commission. Churches can be grade 1 or 2 listed buildings, so they may also require approval from the English Heritage which your architect should help you with obtaining. After that, you’re free to put in an offer to your local Diocesan Redundant Church Uses Committee who will liase with the Church Commissioners on your behalf and return with a final decision on whether your offer and future plans have been accepted…

To find a tradesperson to help with your church conversion (perhaps you need the help of a specialist tradesperson for soundproofing), post your job and tradespeople will contact you to quote. You’ll be able to view their profile pages, inclusive of ratings and recommendations, to help you decide who to hire. 

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