Page 37 - Redbrik: Property & Lifestyle Magazine SPRING 2018

on average a dormer loft conversion with a double bedroom and en-suite bathroom is more likely to be in the region of £35-60k – and takes about six to 12 weeks to complete. Remember, seek professional advice before you start to plan your loft conversion because it must meet building and re regulations.
2. INCREASE LIVING SPACE WITH A CONSERVATORY
Adding a conservatory can raise your house’s value, especially if it’s part of a full-blown extension. It is a cost- e ective and relatively simple method to provide a space-enhancing option. Choose a design that complements the style of your home and make sure it doesn’t dominate your garden – a small conservatory can still add value and space! Also, think about its position:
a south-facing conservatory needs ventilation and shade, while a north- facing room requires good heating.
The most signi cant part of your conservatory will be the glass, so explore your options carefully. While double glazing is the minimum standard permitted by building regulations, there are a whole host of glazing options available, including solar control glass and self-cleaning glass. Again, think about which will suit your lifestyle and your home.
If you want to work your way up the property ladder to your dream home, you need to know how to maximise the value of where you live now.
Check with your local planning department whether you need permission to build. If you’re within your home’s permitted development allowance (your local planning department can advise on this) and your conservatory is separated from your house by patio doors, you may be exempt.
3. BUILD AN EXTENSION
Whether it’s a side return or a ‘glass- box’, adding a single-storey extension can start at around £30,000, while two storeys are about 50 per cent more expensive - so from approximately £45,000 (before VAT) depending on size and location. Remember to add in the cost of tting these rooms out to budget, too!
A modern extension on the ground oor can increase your property’s value by anywhere from ve to 15
per cent while adding a bedroom to create a three-bed house can add ten to 20 per cent to the potential asking price.
When planning an extension, design rooms to be as big as possible, but without sacri cing too much of the garden or outdoor area – this can make a property feel out of balance and deter buyers.
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