It cannot be denied that loft conversions are a great investment, estimated to increase a property’s value by up to 21%. However, when planning a loft conversion renovators are often torn between maximising the value of their home, or prioritising family life and comfort. Unlike a ground floor extension, likely to house a larger kitchen and/or living space, the best use for a loft conversion is less straightforward. The biggest debate we see is between using the additional space to add a master suite in the loft or to maximise bedrooms. So, which is the best use of a loft conversion? Let’s dive into some past projects to find out.

The debate between a master suite or multiple bedrooms was one our clients in SW18 faced when converting the loft of their family home. Working with our design team who offer free unlimited amendments, they were able to see floorplans for both options with the l-shape loft conversion offering an added 38 SQM of space for them to utilise. Initially leaning towards a master suite which would have created space for both an en-suite and dressing room, as the build went underway they opted to adjust the plans to create two large bedrooms and two bathrooms. Our planning team were able to use a combination of planning permission and permitted development to maximise the extension and add a new level to the home that became the perfect space for the children to have to themselves. We often see parents struggle when their younger children outgrow box room nursery’s so lofts are a great option to create rooms that can grow with your children.

Tip! Extra bedrooms are often considered the best way to increase the value of a property.

A similar project in Wandsworth saw our client take the route of creating two extra bedrooms and a bathroom when converting the loft of a Victorian home, with the intention of using one as a home office. The home office has become increasingly popular in properties since the post pandemic rise of working from home. It is a great option that accommodates a current lifestyle whilst futureproofing for a growing family and increasing its potential sale value. Lofts work well as office space as they are often the quietest area in the home. The natural light you can have in a loft space can really benefit your productivity, whilst working away from the living areas in your home is great to help maintain the work/life balance that can be blurred when you work from home. Head over to our dedicated blog if you’d like more tips on designing a home to help maintain a work life balance.

Tip! If you’re struggling to decide between options for your home, speak to our team about our 3D visual service or our upcoming House Tour that features a completed l-shaped dormer in a family home that you’ll be able to visit at our next event.

Although we tend to see our clients lean toward multiple bedrooms rather than a master suite, they are not without their benefits. A master suite can be essential to the wellbeing of those who need a space separate from the chaos of family life. A master suite can include dressing rooms and walk-in wardrobes for fashion lovers or can be cleverly designed with interior zoning to create small living areas for peaceful reading or relaxation. An en-suite is a luxury many desire and can offer some much coveted privacy in a family home. A master suite is also a good option if you have a family member or lodger who will be occupying the space as they’ll also benefit from that sense of privacy as well as having their living space slightly separated from the other occupants of the home.

The traditional use of lofts has often been for storage, so it’s important to consider this when deciding to convert your loft into liveable space – particularly in period properties that frequently have very little original storage incorporated into their design. Loft conversions generally extend the rear pitch of the roof which squares off the room and makes it much more usable. The front pitch is often untouched except for a few Velux windows on the front elevation. As a result, the wall which includes the ceiling slope can become awkward to use so it’s common to incorporate eaves storage into the design to cut off the room, creating handy storage but also improving the overall look and finish of the room.

Tip! When working with Home Tales we look to design homes that work for both your property and your lifestyle. If storage is an issue speak to our team who can offer clever tips and tricks to maximise storage space.

Want to learn more about the benefits of a loft conversion?  We work with homeowners across London and Brighton interested in extending their homes, to get in touch call us today on 0207 043 2378 or email us at hello@hometales.co.uk. You can also book a consultation via our live diary here, a member of our expert team will be in contact to discuss your ideas and issue a free, no obligation quote. You can follow us on Instagram @hometales_design to keep up to date with our latest news and offers, with regular tips and renovation advice from our team.