Move or extend? How a loft conversion architect company in Hampstead, London can help you decide
Living in Hampstead, in the North London borough of Camden, has many advantages. It’s known for its heath, great schools and village feel, making it an attractive location for many residents, especially families.
But as families grow and more space is required, the “move or extend” dilemma rears its head.
In this post, we’ll explain how a loft conversion architect company in Hampstead, London, can help you decide which option is best for you.
Move or extend — the pros and cons
Deciding whether to move or extend is a tough call. We’ve summarised the pros and cons to help you decide.
Moving: the pros and cons
If you’re flexible on location, then moving can be a great option. It could allow you to move out of an expensive area to a more affordable one, enabling you to gain more space without spending too much.
It also means that you avoid the hassle of extending your property — and also all the mess and disruption that it can cause.
However, moving can also be a stressful process with a lot of ups and downs along the way. And if you’re well settled in your area, then the thought of moving away from family, friends, school and work and starting over can be a daunting one.
Extending: the pros and cons
There are lots of different ways to extend your home. One of the most popular — and affordable — is to make the most of space that already exists, such as a loft.
Extending can certainly increase the value of your home. According to Homebuilding & Renovating, a loft conversion can add up to 25% to the value of your property.
Extending your home can also save you money compared to the costs of moving and finding the cash to buy a bigger property. For settled homeowners in Hampstead, it’s preferable to starting again in a new locality. This is particularly true if you are a young family with children attending good schools.
In terms of the cons, you need to be aware that extending can cause weeks or months of disruption to your home. This isn’t always the case, of course, especially if you choose a loft conversion, which is minimally invasive.
You will also be restricted to what you can actually do with the space you’ve got. Many properties in London only have a small footprint. In this case, loft conversions are the best solution.
Bear in mind that if you extend, you will need to go through the process of obtaining planning permission and understanding building regulations. This can be time-consuming unless you appoint a professional to help you.
The role of a loft conversion architect
A loft conversion architect can help you make the decision whether to move to a new place or extend upwards. They will first assess your loft space and advise whether it’s suitable for conversion. This will depend on a variety of factors such as ceiling height, roof structure and pitch.
Your loft conversion architect will also work out whether you need planning permission. Many projects of this type don’t require it, as long as they fulfil certain conditions.
They’ll also talk you through important considerations like building regulations and any party wall agreement you may need to draw up with your neighbour.
Knowing exactly what a loft conversion entails is essential so you can make the best decision for you, your family and your budget.
If you decide to go ahead, your loft conversion architect can draw up plans that make the most of your space and manage your entire project. This makes the process of gaining that extra space you need as seamless as possible.
Find a loft conversion architect in Hampstead, London
If you’re looking to extend your living space, then a loft conversion could be the perfect solution.
Using the services of a loft conversion architect in Hampstead, London, can help you decide whether it’s the right option for you. They will also be able to guide you through the entire process so that you end up with the spacious, comfortable home you need.
Contact Humphreys & Sons to find out how we could help you make the right decision for your property. We’re a local, family-run architectural firm with expertise in many areas, including loft conversions, and are here to help you achieve the space you need.
Related Blogs
