Adding Space & Value

We are noticing a huge increase in the number of alterations to residential properties in these economically stringent times.

Rather than moving, homeowners are staying put and maximising the potential of their homes by increasing the useable space available by extending out, up or down.

A loft conversion is often the starting point for utilising a previously neglected area of the property. Providing there is sufficient headroom, a loft space can be transformed into another bedroom or study area for the family. If headroom is an issue, a dormer window or rear mansard (steeper roof slope) can be incorporated to increase the height and bring natural light into the room.

A side return or rear extension is also popular – as kitchen areas become the focal point of the home, there is an increased need to incorporate a living/dining into the kitchen area where the family can relax. The days of formal dining are long gone and extending into the side passage of a house or out into a garden area is an excellent way of achieving a modern family space. Alternatively, you may wish to re-model two rooms by removing a loadbearing wall to create one large space. A structural engineer can advise you whether this is possible and provide calculations and sketch designs for building regulations purposes.

It is the basement, though, which has become the most utilised area in the past few years. We now routinely design basements which run beneath the entire footprint of a house and even the entire garden, for use as a home cinema/music room or gym. Part of a basement might become a utility room which then frees up space in the kitchen.

The extent and location of your extension will be determined by your family needs. Discussions with an architect will help to firm up your ideas and you will be given guidance as to whether you will need planning permission and building regulations approval (which is almost always the case). Once you have agreed the extent of your project and an architectural design has been finalised, you will then need to appoint a structural engineer to carry out the necessary calculations and technical drawings for the design to be achieved. The aim of your architect and structural engineer is to come up with the best possible design within your budget and to ensure the project is as smooth running as possible.

The decision to extend or convert the loft or basement of a property is one which will improve your property both in terms of the extra space it provides and the value it will add in the long term. It is a great alternative to moving home – what are you waiting for?

Written by Judith Pole of Pole Structural Engineers, Admel House, 24 High Street Wimbledon Village www.pole.co.uk