Loft Upgrades That Have Big Impact

If you’re thinking of having your loft upgraded, whether from a largely unused space (perhaps with the exception of storage) or from a previously converted interior, there are many ways you can upgrade a loft to meet your preferences. Let’s dive in!

Note: How you can use a loft space after an upgrade will depend on the pre-existing state of the loft and what exactly the upgrade offers. For instance, adding loft floor boarding may make it safer to walk about (to what extent will depend on the job involved) and keep storage but that may not mean it’s safe to use as a living space, exercise room, gaming space etc. To err on the side of caution, always hire suitable professionals and ensure any questions you have are covered.

Find Tradespeople, compare up to 3 quotes!

It's FREE and there are no obligations

Get started

Currently Unconverted Loft Space

We’ve broken up loft upgrade ideas into two sections; firstly, for if you have not yet had your loft space converted and then ideas for loft spaces that have already been converted.

So, if your loft has already been converted (e.g. loft bedroom conversion or loft games room conversion), skip to the next section; otherwise, here are four standout upgrades from non-converted lofts that can have a big impact.

1. Loft Floor Boarding (or/and Floor reinforcement)

This involves having a professional install floorboards on the surface of your loft. Even if your loft isn’t converted, loft floor boarding can make the space safer to walk on and increase room for storing items.

Loft boarding could also improve your loft’s insulation, though it may not achieve it to the degree you’re looking for, as we’ll explore more in the ‘loft insulation’ subsection below.

It’s important to know that loft boarding is not the same as floor reinforcement. While loft boarding is a means of providing new floor space and can therefore expand how much walking room there is, floor reinforcement involves reinforcing existing floor space.

2. Loft Insulation

Having your loft insulated is a way of reducing your home’s heat loss, which, in turn, means saving on your energy bills.

In fact, depending on the source, it might save somewhere in the region of £40 to £300 annually. However, as you can see from this wide range, this will differ based on the extent and type of insulation used.

There are many types of loft insulation to choose from like:

• Blanket Insulation - Popular and affordable option for most lofts
• Sheet insulation - Highly-effective for underside roof insulation though costly
• Loose-fill Insulation - Lightweight material, though not ideal and requires a professional given the messy and complex nature of the installation
• Blown-fibre insulation - Good for difficult to reach spaces, though again challenging to install, plus much more expensive than loose-fill insulation

Loft insulation can also (depending on the type) help keep your loft warm and potentially increase your property’s value.

3. New and Improved Loft Ladder Installation

Having your loft ladder replaced with an up-to-date alternative can offer various benefits such as ease of access, ease of use and convenience.

For instance, while you could opt for a manual stairs, there are also fully and partially automatic loft ladders that make it super easy to gain access to the loft.

4. Full Loft Conversion

You may instead want to consider having your loft fully converted to use for a whole new purpose such as a playroom, bedroom, exercise room, home office or games room.

Aside from how a loft conversion can be used, here are the different types based on the design/nature of the loft conversion:

• Velux Loft Conversion - New windows added with a relatively low-cost and easy setup
• Dormer Loft Conversion - Existing roof is extended vertically, protruding outwards
• Hip-to-Gable Loft Conversion - Hip side of roof becomes vertical gable for more space
• Mansard Loft Conversion - Significant roof shape changes
• Modular Loft Conversion - In this case, prefab units are built elsewhere then installed

A loft conversion can not only have a massive impact in the short-term by opening up an entire new space for use at home but by increasing the value of your property.

Depending on the source, it’s estimated that loft conversions can often add around 10% to 20% to the value of a property.

If You’ve Previously Had Your Loft Converted

Say if you’ve had your loft converted already. In this case, the best upgrades will differ with examples including smart tech upgrades, skylights, dormer windows and custom and integrated storage! Let’s take a look at some notable ideas.

1. Smart Tech Upgrades

Whether your loft conversion provides an extra bedroom, an exercise space, a game room, bathroom or otherwise, smart tech upgrades can help improve your loft in an impactful way.

2. Customised or/and Integrated Storage Options

Custom storage options, in general, can include the likes of custom-fit shelves, modular storage units and rolling storage carts.

Integrated storage options which could also be customised or not customised are under-eaves cupboards, wall-to-wall shelving and pull-out drawers.

3. New Window Options

There are also several ways that adding windows to your loft that can have a significant impact. For example, dormer windows are part of a dormer roof-structure which protrude outwards, providing direct access to viewing outside while also potentially enhancing the aesthetic of your roof with this approach adding an increased sense of height and adding more detail and intrigue to your roof’s appearance.

You might instead be interested in getting skylights installed. These windows are installed on the ceiling of the loft, providing a view through the roof of your home and acting as a way to let more natural light in.

4. Enhance Lighting for Your Loft

Note: Make sure to hire a qualified electrician for any lighting work that involves electrics. In most cases this apply, though this wouldn’t be the case for say if you wanted to just set up a desk lamp. For any types of lighting that you may be ensure of whether it’s okay to install DIY, check with a reliable and qualified service/electrician and the local council if you wanted a third-party verification, though the council may not always have the answer upfront.

Speaking of natural light, the above examples are some ways of enhancing your loft’s lighting setup, though artificial lighting can also play a big role depending on what works for your loft and based on your preferences.

Having larger or more powerful lights added to your loft is one way to improve the ambient lighting, as an effective way of improving the look and feel of your loft.

Whatever options are for you, just ensure you go with a loft lighting setup that is safe and works well. Also, as mentioned, you must hire a qualified electrician for this work too.