Thousands of UK homes have been converted to include extensions and loft conversions, but with both offering a host of benefits, how do you choose which is right for you? Both deliver huge potential for your property, both in terms of space and investment, so when it comes to home extensions vs. loft conversions, it can be tricky to decide which one to opt for. Fortunately, here at AS Construction & Structural Engineering – the home of intelligent, efficient, and innovative structural engineering services – we have the answers you’re looking for. With our help, you can decide whether extending your home or converting your loft is best for you and your property.
In this blog, we’ll explore home extensions vs. loft conversions and will look at which one is right for you? From understanding what each choice involves and highlighting their benefits to helping you understand the things you need to consider, we’re here to help. What’s more, whether you choose to build an extension or convert your loft, we can do that for you too. Our highly qualified and experienced structural engineers work alongside developers, architects, interior designers, contractors, and other construction professionals to create and deliver results that will exceed your expectations. Get in touch with us today for more information.
Upgrading Your Living Environment With Home Extensions
What is an extension?
Do you have unused space to the front, rear or side of your home? If so, then you may consider a property extension. Home extensions utilise unused space around a property such as garden areas passageways or alleys to add extra rooms, expand living areas or alter the layout of your property. Our extensive experience in producing structural engineering designs ensures that you will receive the most economical, efficient, and innovative design solutions for your extension including planning, design, groundworks and foundations, construction and more.
What is involved in building an extension?
Here at AS Construction & Structural Engineering, our team is passionate about sustainable and efficient engineering. Our extensive experience in producing structural engineering designs ensures that you will receive the most economical, efficient and innovative design solutions.
We provide an end-to-end service for our home extensions including:
- General planning.
- Design and access statements.
- Planning policy research and advice.
- Preparation of Building Regulations applications.
- Detailed drawings to a measured scale.
- Groundworks and foundations.
- Flush floor and ceiling finishes.
- Uninterrupted running walls.
- Minimal steel structures for support.
- And much, much more.
We provide a complete service that will take you from quotation to completion with premium quality results. Get in touch with us for more info about our home extensions. If you’re not sure if a home extension is right for you, here are some of the benefits and disadvantages to consider…
The Benefits of Building an Extension
- Increase Your Home’s Value
Did you know that an extension could add up to 15% to the value of your home? Prospective buyers will relish in the additional space your property provides. What’s more, when completed to high-quality standards, even more value will be placed on the extension. Extra bedrooms, bathrooms and larger kitchens are all known to add more value to properties.
- Tailored To You
With our help, you can achieve a bespoke home extension that will elevate your property and infinitely improve your lifestyle. So whatever your preferences and style are and however you need your extension to function for you, your family, and your home, we can tailor it all to your needs.
- Cheaper Than Moving
For a larger home that saves on the cost and hassle of moving, a home extension could be the answer. Depending on the size, materials used and other specifications, the average cost of a UK home extension is between £30,000 and £65,000. This is a fraction of the cost of moving and is an investment that is guaranteed to add to your home’s resale value.
The Disadvantages of Building an Extension
- Planning Permission
Home extensions typically fall under permitted development, which means you can build without applying for full planning permission. However, these rules may vary depending on the type and size of your extension. If you’re not sure if you need planning permission, give our specialists a call today for trusted advice.
- Disruption
As with any home improvement, constructing an extension will cause an amount of disruption. You can expect some noise, dust and limited access while your extension undergoes construction. However, the specialist team at AS Construction & Structural Engineering takes great care to minimise any disruption throughout.
- Limitations
You may find that you are limited to the size of the extension that you can have depending on the size of your home and available outdoor space. Speak to our specialist engineers today and we can provide you with advice on the type of extension that may be possible for you based on your property’s specifications.
Transform Empty Loft Space With an Extension
What is a loft conversion?
Is your current loft unused or being utilised as a dumping ground for boxes upon boxes of storage? If so, then why not transform it into a functional room? Our loft conversions are primarily used to add extra rooms, such as bedrooms, offices, playrooms, additional living areas and more. Our extensive experience in producing structural engineering designs ensures that you will receive the most economical, efficient, and innovative design solutions for your extension including planning, design, construction and more.
What does a loft conversion include?
Here at AS Construction & Structural Engineering, our team is passionate about sustainable and efficient engineering. Our extensive experience in producing structural engineering designs ensures that you will receive the most economical, efficient and innovative design solutions.
We provide an end-to-end service for our loft conversions including:
- General planning.
- Design and access statements.
- Planning policy research and advice.
- Preparation of Building Regulations applications.
- Detailed drawings to a measured scale.
- Groundworks and foundations.
- Flush floor and ceiling finishes.
- Uninterrupted running walls.
- Minimal steel structures for support.
- And much, much more.
We provide a complete service that will take you from quotation to completion with premium quality results. Contact us today for more info about our loft conversions. If you’re not sure if a loft conversion is right for you, here are some of the benefits and disadvantages to consider…
The Benefits of Converting a Loft
- Cost-Effective
Loft conversions are known to be cost-effective and budget-friendly, more so than moving home or even adding an extension. Average cost of converting a loft in the UK start from around £50,000. This means that you can expand your home at a fraction of the cost of moving.
- Increase Your Home’s Value
As with home extensions and any home improvement, loft conversions add value to your home. A quality loft conversion can add up to 20% to the value of your home. Depending on how your extra space is designed and used, you can see significant cost benefits. This makes loft conversions a smart investment to make for maximum long-term financial benefits.
- Tailored To You
With our help, you can achieve a bespoke loft conversion that will expand the space within your property and infinitely improve your lifestyle. So whatever your tastes and style and however you need your loft conversion to function for you, your family, and your home, we can tailor it all to your needs.
The Disadvantages of Converting a Loft
- Limited Design & Layout
Loft conversions are versatile, but it takes skill and experience to make tricky loft spaces and layouts work well. We strongly advise working with a professional architect and design company for your loft conversion for premium results. We can work with you to establish the design that you want, within the confines of the space you have available.
- Planning Permission
Loft conversions generally fall under permitted development, which means you can build without applying for full planning permission. However, these rules may vary depending on the type and size of your conversion. If you’re not sure if you need planning permission, give our specialists a call today for trusted advice.
- Disruption
Some elements of disruption can be expected with any home improvement and loft conversions are no different. You can expect some noise, dust and limited access while your loft is being converted. However, the specialist team at AS Construction & Structural Engineering takes great care to minimise any disruption throughout.
How To Choose Between Building an Extension or Converting a Loft…
Choosing between building an extension or converting your loft is a highly personalised choice. There are many things to consider before finalising your decision. So, when it comes to your your property, family, and budget, here are some things to think about to help you decide which is right for you…
- Property Investment
Whether you’re extending, or converting, you can expect investment implications with either option. We advise researching how each decision will impact the long-term value of your home. Assess each outcome and weigh up which one aligns best with your financial goals.
- Timeline
Whether you’ve renovating your whole home or just want to extend or convert a single space, you will probably have a schedule in mind. Each option has a different timeline and understanding how these fit with your schedule could decide for you.
- Budget
Your budget will play a huge part in deciding between extending or converting. The average cost of extending your home is around £60,000. The average cost of a loft conversion is around £50,000.
- Purpose
The purpose of your extension or conversion will likely impact the decision you make. Extensions are typically used for creating additional living spaces and increasing the size of existing rooms. Loft conversions are often used for bedrooms, home offices, and bathrooms.
- Aesthetic Considerations
An extension will alter the external appearance of your home and will utilise an area of your garden or other unused spaces. A loft conversion will be undetectable from outside your home and will integrate with your existing structure.
In Conclusion
The decision between a home extension and a loft conversion is a vital one, requiring thoughtful consideration at every point. The option you choose should align with your household’s requirements, your budget and your property to deliver results that seamlessly integrate with each. Before making your final decision, we recommend considering the long-term implications of both home extensions and loft conversions. Assessing the long-term impact that each will have on the resale value and potential return on investment could play a key role in the decision you make.
The goal of each option is clear: to create a home that reflects your style preferences, lifestyle and family. If you’re ready to convert or extend, your your dream home awaits with AS Construction & Structural Engineering. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today for more information.
Why work with us?
We are a long-standing, reputable structural engineering consultancy based in East London. We are a talented, dynamic and enthusiastic team of Engineers delivering intelligent, efficient and innovative engineering solutions. Here’s more about why you should work with us…
Complete Project Management
We provide great designs which
satisfy our client’s
requirements, and our
exceptional project completion
rate is a testament to the
constant business we receive
from new and existing clients.
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Range of Services
We offer services nationally
across the UK and our
portfolio includes residential,
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Fully Qualified
We are fully qualified and are
registered with the Institution
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world’s leading and governing
professional body for
qualifications and standards in
structural engineering.
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If you’d like to take the step and arrange your loft conversion, please don’t hesitate to contact us today!
Why Choose Us:
Expertise: AS Construction & Structural Engineering boasts a team of experienced professionals with a proven track record in successful loft conversions.
Quality Assurance: We prioritise quality craftsmanship, ensuring that every aspect of your loft conversion meets the highest standards.
Client-Centric Approach: Our commitment to client satisfaction is unwavering. We work closely with you to bring your vision to life, ensuring a seamless and stress-free experience.
Contact AS Construction & Structural Engineering today, and let us transform your loft into a space that complements your lifestyle. Your dream loft conversion is just a call away!