Extension or loft conversion in London?

A homeowner may need more space. Moving is usually what comes to mind at first. Moving can be very expensive, stressful and emotional. You need a new home quickly that suits everyone’s needs. It also must not cost a fortune. That sounds impossible. Property owners in London have more cost-efficient ways to get the extra space. You need not say goodbye to the home you have grown attached to. The most standard upgrades are a loft conversion or a house extension. We are here to help you decide which one fits your needs better.

Space

First of all, you have to think about the function of the new space. Decide whether you want more kitchen space or a new master en suite. Then you can start planning. The loft area is usually dead space, used as storage. It is waiting to be converted to something functional. You may have a growing family or need a new office space. You may not want to sacrifice a chunk of your garden. Then a loft conversion is the right choice for you. Lofts however have certain limits caused by the sloped angle of the roof. So not every piece of furniture can be fit into the new room. We advise consulting with an interior designer. They are trained to bring the most out of your room layout.

There are rules on certain properties when it comes to extensions. However, you can add any room to your property by extending into the garden. You can even add 2-storey extensions by building upwards. You can design and build new rooms without being concerned about pre-built dimensions. If you extend your house into the garden, you will lose outdoor space. But you will have more space for your growing family. Or you can have a nice open-plan living space. Before you plan any bigger changes to your home, think about planning policy. Consult with your builder about potential planning policies in your area.

Long-term value

In the short run, loft conversions are the cheaper option. That is if you need one extra bedroom without any specific needs. You may want a more sophisticated and complicated loft design. Then you will need a bigger budget. You have to expect a higher level of disruption.

In general, home extensions are the more expensive choice. The process involves constructing new space. However, you can get more creative with extensions. The real value lies in the finish of the new space. You can design the space and pick furniture more freely. That creates a high-end finish that will increase the value.

The figures this post quoted in 2021 no longer match what NU charges. The current rates are published in full in the build cost calculator. They are priced by scope and by tier. The final cost still depends on the new space. Its size, structure and finish all count.

Time frame

Need the space quickly? A loft conversion is the simpler and faster option. A loft can be finished in five to eight weeks. So the disruption is shorter. You may be raising the roof or making a structural change to the exterior. If so, planning permission is needed, which can expand the timeframe.

A home extension takes 10 to 12 weeks on average. That excludes the design and planning phases of the project. Those vary depending on whether you need to apply for planning. They also depend on other permissions (such as party wall agreement).

What about getting both?

Many London homeowners complete a loft conversion and an extension at the same time. Some even undertake a home renovation and refurbishment too. That saves the disruption of two separate projects. Do you want to maximise the space and value? Consider converting your loft space and adding an extension!

NU Projects works in design and build. We take extension and refurbishment projects from drawing to finish. You may plan to change the layout or design of a West London property. If so, we can advise on the route.

To talk to the team, send two lines through the contact form. You can also call 020 7731 6841. We usually reply within a few hours, weekends included.