Should I get a loft conversion or should I extend my home?

Should I get a loft conversion or should I extend my home?

If you are stuck between whether - Is the loft big enough for a add additional bedroom space. It to convert your loft space or extend conversion? is no secret that adding a bedroom your property on the ground floor then you may want to consider the key factors mapped out in this article. - Does the roof pitch offer enough head room? to your home will usually add value overall so either project should in most cases add value but be sure to Your property has potential which is - Would you need to budget in to speak to local estate agents if you fantastic but the wrong decision can add an additional dormer to improve need reassurance on this. easily be made leading to regret once head space? the project is complete. The decision is entirely down to you… if you can make a decision. - Will there need to be additional funds to access drainage? One of the biggest reasons people have a loft conversion is to eliminate existing dead space! Venturing into an untouched loft space is usually It is key to be aware that planning permission may be required for both options so we would always advise speaking to a qualified contractor if needed. You do not want to get lost in the planning process and later find out that your project is not able to go ahead. Inviting an expert into your home will help you evaluate your options - most companies will offer a quote and some advice free of charge. There are many types of a loft conversion such as a hip to gable conversion, flat roof dormer or even a Mansard conversion. A qualified contractor will be able to advise you on what option a dreaded task: man handling the pull down sliding ladder (If you have one), dragging yourself through what may be a small loft hatch to retrieve Christmas decorations or barely used items that you have clung to for a few years too many. A loft conversion will not affect any outdoor space you may have and if 2020 has taught us Questions you need to ask yourself: is best for your circumstance and anything - having a variety of space - Would my house benefit from an budget. at home is essential! additional reception room/bedroom? Single storey extensions are usually The decision to go for a loft - A loft conversion will add another added to create a larger living area, conversion or an extension will be staircase, do you have space for this? dining area or kitchen but can also heavily impacted on your immediate

environment: if you have a small garden already then a loft conversion is probably the way forward for you. On the other hand if you have plenty of outside space then keeping rooms on the ground floor maybe the way forward for you. Desirability Keep in mind that practicality is not always the primary factor - adding another small bedroom to a six bedroom house for example may be more hassle than it’s worth. Adding an additional reception room to a large home however might increase the desirability of a property. What will adding an extension or conversion achieve - does it resolve practical issues in your home or are you parting with your hard earned cash to improve the desirability… or does one of these options tick both boxes? What will the view be like? Will you be waking up in your loft conversion overlooking a majestic view, endless rooftops of the city you live in or will you be looking directly at your neighbours? The same questions can be asked with a ground floor extension. Natural Light from above Forking out the extra cash for a large lantern or roof windows will flood your new space with natural light. This is a key factor you need to consider especially if you opt for a ground floor extension - extended brickwork can create dark spots and a ‘Tunnel’ like feel if the project is not thought through.

If an extension is decided upon you will likely be spending additional funds on footings, drainage and additional furnishings/appliances depending on the use of the room. A bonus for a loft conversion however is that you may be able to convert the space that is already there without the need for a dormer for example keeping costs down.

With these key points in mind: What suits your property best?

Modern luxury epitomised

Guy Phoenix’s ‘The Knoll’ comes to market Located in one of the East Midlands’ with separate formal dining area, a The Knoll has a distinctive dark most sought-after villages - Colston utility room and cloakroom space. grey façade, which exudes style but Bassett in the Vale of Belvoir, A major feature of The Knoll is further enables it to sit comfortably Nottinghamshire - is award-winning its impressive lower ground floor within its natural surroundings. developer Guy Phoenix’s latest entertaining space, boasting a floor creation, The Knoll. to ceiling home cinema. The home The property features a state-ofboasts a 94% thermal efficiency the-art security system, two gated Known for his bespoke, multi-million- performance, achieved through state- entrances and particularly desirable pound, turnkey homes, which feature of-the-art products and installations. in today’s climate; a high-spec ultimate luxury, style and scale, antibacterial air conditioning system, Nottingham-based Guy approaches Surrounding the ‘one-of-a-kind’ which is one if not the first to be every property with a meticulous level property is a silhouette of mature installed in a residential property in of detail and consideration. trees, providing total privacy, whilst the UK. The system helps eliminate allowing sunlight to stream through. most bacteria including that of The five-bedroom The Knoll, which COVID-19. is being marketed by award winning The expansive, beautifully agent FHP Living, under its ‘Distinctive landscaped garden has plenty of Speaking of the The Knoll, Guy Homes’ brand through its Nottingham stone patio areas for outside living Phoenix, said: “We continue to hold and West Bridgford offices, is a unique and entertaining, and an elegant the accolade of building the finest and distinctive design, featuring glazed detached treble garage is and most desirable homes in the East clean, sharp lines with a Californian located within the grounds, which Midlands and beyond, and I believe influence. could double as a home office. The Knoll is our best work to date. This comes from over 20 years of Set within 1.4 acres in a secluded Surrounding nature and the experience and research into the clearing, hidden behind mature trees, ambience of the property has been very best of high-end homes and the property’s woodland setting runs carefully considered at The Knoll, interiors. Our properties give the throughout the home, with its interior with owl and bat boxes added to luxuries our buyers want but on a styling featuring subtle accents of the surrounding trees, and subdued completely different level. nature. lighting which has been installed in and around the property to gently “Every aspect of this luxury Potential home owners have nearly illuminate it - providing a striking development has been taken 9,000 sq. ft. of luxury living to enjoy, approach as guests drive through the into consideration to create an including five-bedroom suites with bronze gates and up the driveway. exceptional finish that our clients balconies, a swimming pool complete come to expect. From the quality of with cascading waterfall, changing Clad in aluminium and stone - with the interior styling, to the spec of room, sauna and steam room, a large each piece hand cut multiple times to appliances, to the positioning of each open-plan kitchen and dining area create the perfect size and shape - balcony to optimise sunlight, to the

vast entertaining space, no detail has been overlooked. It’s taken two decades to get to this level and each property we build improves.

“The Knoll, as with all our homes, is inspired by incredible places and spaces I have visited and love across the globe, which can be anywhere that inspires and provides a unique experience.

“We are incredibly proud of The Knoll which is built to a different standard, and its peaceful, wooded setting adds another layer of interest as does its closeness to nature.”

Steve Parker, director of selling agent FHP Living, said: “The Knoll is the latest and surely the best Guy Phoenix home to date. It is distinctively different to his other signature properties and stretches the boundaries of uber luxury and contemporary living.

“With all the magnificence that you would expect in a Guy Phoenix home, The Knoll has improved on what we thought before un-improvable, with the finishes and spec taken to a whole new level. The property is simply spectacular and will make an incredible home for buyers looking for the most modern luxurious living imaginable in a peaceful, private setting in the highly desirable Colston Bassett.” As Guy makes plans to move his product to the South of France, The Knoll is likely to be the last Guy Phoenix home ever built locally. For enquiries, please contact FHP Living on 0115 8411155.