How much do loft extensions cost?

A loft extension can be the most cost effective way of giving you extra living space, and it is likely to add around 10% - 15% to the value of your property when you come to sell it.  However, the cost of this type of extension can vary hugely depending on:

The size and type of your home
The roof type and condition
Any plumbing that may need to be relocated
Any complications such as chimneys or unusual layouts.

One of the benefits of a loft extension is that you probably won’t need planning permission – particularly if the extension does not affect the appearance of the house on the street facing side.   These extensions are generally considered to be “permitted development” – although it is always wise to check before starting work.

Any change to the structure of your home, however, will be subject to Building Control to make sure that the work conforms to all current building regulations and is therefore safe.  You will need to think about aspects such as plumbing, electrical wiring and emergency exits as well as the design of your new living space.

If you are planning a significant build, then it is wise to use a registered architect to plan the design.  Smaller-scale loft conversions may be handled by local specialists who will deal with every aspect of the project.   Local companies are ideal as they are likely to have dealt with similar projects and should be able to give you references.

Any loft conversion project is likely to involve re-roofing the whole property.   Roofing is a specialist job, so make sure that the contractor doing the loft conversion has the right experience in roofing.  Many building firms will sub-contract the roofing to specialist roofing contractors, while some (such as Federation of Master Builder companies who are also members of Redland Select) may handle the whole job.

When you are planning your loft conversion, do consider the value it will add to your home and make sure the work is done properly to integrate the new space into your house: a simple ladder up to a study room in the loft will not impress future buyers!

Depending on the type and scope of the extension, you are looking a cost of anywhere between £8,000 and £50,000.   While this is obviously a considerable investment, you could make yourself feel better by comparing this to the cost of moving house to gain that extra space.