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How to turn your attic into a bedroom

We’ll take a renovation approach to this inspirational, how-to piece which will cover some of the key considerations of attic conversion. Loft space can provide the perfect place for a gorgeous spare bedroom (or one of the kids’ bedrooms), so in this piece we’ll look at:
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How to turn your attic into a bedroom

Looking for some extra space to accommodate guests or a growing family? Converting your attic into a bedroom could be the answer to your problem. Here’s how to do it.

What’s in your attic?

If your answer is anything other than “a gorgeous, bespoke bedroom”, you’re missing out.

For many of us, our loft space is often nothing more than a stuffy afterthought, filled to the brim with boxes, dusty old furniture and long-forgotten possessions. So – if your attic is big enough – why not transform it into something truly special instead?

Whether creating a new guest room or a special den for the kids, converting your attic into a beautiful extra room can create additional living space as well as increase the value of your home. Follow this quick guide to help you get started on your renovation project.

Loft-Planning

Evaluate the space

Of course, there’s no point in gleefully planning out your new attic bedroom without first making sure the space is actually suitable for conversion. Before ordering en masse every single item from our California Bedroom Collection, you’ll need to first evaluate the space and get the entire process planned out on paper.

There’s quite a bit to consider for this bound-to-be-amazing attic conversion project, so you might want to hire in a professional to give you expert advice and guidance. Some of the major questions you’ll need to answer before you begin any work include.

Do I need a building permit or planning permission?

Before embarking on any major home renovation project, it’s important to be clear about the rules and regulations that you need to follow. Check with your local council to find out if you need to obtain a building permit or planning permission before you start.

What are the building regulations I have to follow?

Once that’s sorted, you’ll need to make sure any renovations you do carry out comply with building regulations, as there are specific rules about things like ceiling height, the strength of the new floor, the stability of the new room, heating options, the size of the room, and fire, sound, access and safety precautions.

Loft-Conversion
Loft-Conversion-Roof

Is my loft space suitable for conversion?

You’ll also need to make sure the house can support the weight of the added bedroom, if there’ll be enough usable space in the room once all the necessary building works are done, and whether there are any obstacles (like water tanks, chimney stacks and roof structures) that need to be taken into consideration.

Make sure you’ve got every little detail covered during the planning stage so that the actual renovations work goes as smoothly as possible. Plan meticulously for everything that might go wrong, generously cost up every expense (with contingencies, just in case) and make sure you’ve thought of every eventuality (like: where will you live while the works are taking place?).

Find the best workers for the job

With the relatively mundane planning sorted, and your mind now buzzing with ideas, it’s time to get stuck in. But, converting a loft can be a complicated process. If you’re determined to go the DIY route, be warned that you may still need experts to help with some of the trickier aspects.

For peace of mind and a job done well, you might want to go the whole hog with a professional instead. Find the best construction workers, engineers and builders for the job by searching online, reading reviews, and asking for recommendations from friends and neighbours (particularly that one at the end of the road whose house has just gotten a storey higher). Make sure you get at least three different quotations, and that they visit your home and take accurate measurements first.

The Amazing Attic Conversion Project To-Do List

Embarking on a massive project without making a long-as-your-arm to-do list? Unheard of! As well as the points above, we’ve got a few more to add to your painstakingly-organised dossier.

  • Reinforce joists: make sure your new bedroom is structurally sound for regular use by reinforcing all the joists and beams.

  • Insulation: insulate the floor, the wall and the ceiling beneath the roof.

  • Plumbing: if you’d like an en-suite, try to locate the bathroom close to the main stack of pipes to reduce the length of the new pipes you’ll need to install.

  • Wiring: install electrical wiring across the walls, floor and ceiling, placing at least one outlet on each wall and at least one outlet every 3.6 metres.

  • Build the staircase: the new staircase will need to comply with building and fire safety regulations.

  • Install flooring: choose whether you’re going for carpet or wooden flooring, and prep and soundproof the floor before installation.

  • Install cooling, heating and ventilation: think about both cold-weather and warm-weather solutions to make sure the space is comfortably liveable year-round.

  • Fit windows: it’s relatively easy to fit rooflight or skylight windows in the attic, although you could opt for dormer windows if you’re craving more usable space and don’t mind the extra construction work.

  • Check for fire safety: you may need to re-plaster the ceiling below the loft, add a fire door and make sure an escape-sized window is easy accessible from the new bedroom.

  • Add storage: instead of making your bedside tables do all the work, make use of every extra nook and cranny in your attic bedroom by adding built-in storage and cabinets.

Bedside-Table-Lofts

Think layout, add décor

The basics covered and the must-haves done, it’s time to decorate!

One of the trickiest things about decorating an attic bedroom is the inevitable odd angles and awkward shapes you have to contend with. Make the most of the unique architecture of your brand-new room by making these features into focal points. Highlight the slopes of the ceilings, the triangular shape of the roof, the oddly-carved out nook or the asymmetrical layout using accent colours, eye-catching wallpaper, strategically-placed sculptures or targeted lighting.

Let the limits of the room inspire you to think creatively, whether that’s opting for narrower nightstands than in the rest of the house or putting in a comfy beanbag instead of formal seating. Need to maximise storage without compromising on style? Try a Scandi-inspired open wardrobe for pared-back clothes storage or the delightfully-slim Kingstown Eaton 3 Drawer Narrow Chest, with a modern, three-drawer design.

An airy finishing touch

As the room closest to the sky, it’s only natural to finish off your attic bedroom by squeezing as much light and airiness into it as possible. Start with creams, neutrals or pastels as your base, boost light levels and add delicate throws, curtains and layered bedding. Take your lighting beyond the standard ceiling installation by adding a reading light to your bedside cabinets, an LED strip on your shelving or ‘floor washer’ lights for soft, dreamy, low lightingpositioned to highlight your favourite decorative pieces.

Loft-bedroom

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