Loft conversions are one of the most popular ways to add living space to a home and for good reason.

Converting your roof space is considered a ‘permitted development’ meaning you do not require planning permission as long as certain conditions are met. This can make it a much easier and faster way to add extra rooms to your home as you can get straight on with the work without waiting for planning consent (although you will still need to comply with building regulations).

However, one of the most attractive aspects of loft conversions is how cost effective they are. If you are looking to add space and value to your home, a loft conversion is an ideal choice for a number of reasons.

Cheaper than an extension

Generally speaking a loft conversion will cost less than a full extension to add the same amount of floor space. This is because the main structure should already be in place and you are merely having to modify it, rather than starting from scratch.

According to Moneywise, the Royal Institution of Charters Surveyors (RICS) have estimated that an average loft conversion will cost around £660-900 per square metre compared to £1,260-1,680 per square metre for an extension.

Adds value

Increasing the living space in your home will almost always significantly increase the value of your property. It is always a good idea to discuss you plans with an estate agent before beginning work so you have a realistic idea of how much value you are likely to add. This can give you a clear idea of what your return on investment is likely to be and can help you work out how much it is worth spending on your conversion.

The amount of value you can add will, of course, depend on your exact plans. Nationwide estimate that adding an extra bedroom will generally increase the potential sale price of your property by around 10%. A new bedroom and bathroom, however, could net you up to 20% more.

Makes you home more energy efficient

Converting your loft presents the perfect opportunity to improve your home’s energy efficiency. Not only can this reduce your power bills going forward, it can also make your home much more eco-friendly.

If your roof is uninsulated or has poor insulation, fixing this should be a standard part of the conversion process. For the average UK home this will usually only cost you around £285-395 but can add up to significant yearly savings. Research by the Energy Saving Trust shows that insulating your roof can save you between £135-240 a year depending on the type of house you have. It can also cut your carbon footprint by around 550-990kg of CO2 per year.

The advantages of Metrotile roofing for loft conversions

Metrotile’s lightweight steel roofing products are a popular choice for loft conversions as they offer a number of advantages over traditional alternatives. Our products are up to 7 times lighter than traditional roofing, reducing the stress on your existing structure and making them ideal for re-pitching your roof to create more space underneath. Our tiles are also thinner than traditional tiles, leaving more room for extra insulation helping your home to be even more energy efficient. Finally, our super high performance tiles are wind and watertight under even the most extreme conditions. We are so confident in the quality of our products that we offer a 40 year weatherproof guarantee, giving you complete peace of mind for the future.

To find out more or to ask for a quote, call Metrotile today on 01249 658 514 or use our contact form for a swift response.