Are you bursting at the seams? Do you need to move your family out of their bedrooms every time a friend or relative comes to stay? Is your work encroaching into the sitting room? Are you talking seriously about needing to move?

If you have an attic or loft packed with junk and cobwebs, now's the time to think about a better use for it.

The sky's the limit!
Converting your loft can be a cost-effective way to dramatically increase the living space in your home by creating an extra bedroom, study, playroom or bathroom.

If your loft is suitable for conversion, then you can create a light, airy space with views across the rooftops, while adding value to your home in a declining market.



It's difficult to give a cost of converting your loft, but it ranges from £15k to £50k depending on the size of project, the specification and where you live in the country.

A new bedroom, particularly with ensuite bathroom, will add value to your home.

Remember the key is in the preparation and planning. Browse through magazines to get ideas, seek professional advice on planning, think carefully about project management and make sure you employ a good, professional builder. Find inspiration and a reputable builder in your area through www.fmb.org.uk/findabuilder.

As with any other building job, obtain two or three quotes, check references and visit previous jobs. Agree everything in writing, fix your budget and manage the project and budget very carefully.

Reputable builders will work from scaffolding until they need to 'break through' into the house. A loft conversion should be far less disruptive than other types of building work.