The wide range of possibilities open to you when you choose to convert your loft need to be taken into account. It can be tricky to know where to start with a loft conversion.

Luckily you're reading this article. Here we will take you through some of the key considerations you need to make when deciding on a loft conversion.

This article will mostly focus on the price of loft conversions and how you can save yourself some money, but we will also cover some of the work involved in a loft conversion so you can know what to expect.

Take Your Time

Primarily we advise that you spend a lot of time working out exactly what you want from your loft conversion. This way, you can channel your resources and funds in the right direction to make the most of your money.

Consider Your Budget

You should think about your budget's size alongside thoroughly detailed planning. This way, you will have a fuller picture of your project and your limitations.

These can include the type of roof you have on your property and whether you need to seek a Party Wall Agreement or apply for planning permission with your local authority.

For example, if your property stands within a conservation area.

All of these will increase the price of your project, so thinking about them early is the best way to prepare yourself and your budget for any loft conversion additional costs.

Here we will go through some more of these additional factors in detail. Before starting your loft conversion, you should consider these aspects in your planning stage.

The second biggest determiner in how much your loft conversion will cost you is the style of conversion you choose for your project.

We have already briefly gone through these different types, but there are in-depth differences between the different styles and how they will affect the cost of your project. 

Due to the scale of this project, you will most likely need to apply for planning permission with your local council or local planning authority to conduct this style of conversion.

Naturally, the material you decide to use when constructing your loft conversion will also affect your costs. 

For example, you will need to cover or replace the existing materials as you change your roof.

Felt or cedar shingles or concrete roof tiles are cheaper roofing options, while slate, metal, clay and fibreglass shingles sit at the other end of the cost scale.

The type of windows you choose to install in your loft conversion will also influence the price you pay for the project.

Depending on the level of glazing you select, whether double or triple glazing, the size, shape and the number of windows you choose can all add or detract from your overall budget.

Alongside these considerations, you will also need to think about the framing materials you will use, as these can dramatically affect your costs, depending on what you choose.

If your proposed loft conversion looks like it will affect your neighbour's property, for example, if you live in a semi-detached property or terraced house, you will most likely need a Part Wall Agreement. 

This can also impact your budget, with a typical Party Wall Agreement costing around £1,000 and costing more if you need to hire a Party Wall Surveyor.

The Party Wall itself stands between your and your neighbour's terraced property, and you must notify your neighbours that you plan on making alterations to your property before the project begins, so they have time to file any grievances.

Given that they occur in and around your roof space, most loft conversions will require scaffolding so the loft conversion labourers you hire to complete the work can reach the areas they need to reach.

The scale of your conversion project and the size of your existing property will determine the amount of scaffolding you need. 

Any additional materials you need to support structural components of your roof you need will also affect your costs.

Your costs don't end once the project is finished and your loft conversion is completed with final inspections done. 

All masonry debris and your existing building material will need to be disposed of during construction and after completion.

Most people choose to use a skip hire or muck away service to clear the waste from their properties. 

However, this can present unexpected costs if the skip is on your property for longer than you expected or if restricted materials are placed into it.