In most cases attics are the most under used space in the home; and with good reason. Getting in and out of them can be a real hassle. This usually means when we do get up there things are just dumped wherever there is space. This leaves them cluttered and when combined with poor or no lighting they can be a death trap. Things are stored up there and forgotten – often it is easier to buy new than to search the dreaded attic.
But it doesn’t have to be this way. There are a few changes you can make to get the most out of your loft space, and they needn’t be expensive.
Structurally Sound?
Before doing anything you need to be sure there are no structural problems with the roof timbers. Check for any cracks or signs of damp, rot or woodworm; and if you’re not sure get a condition survey to be on the safe side. Ideally you should leave the main supporting beams exposed as they will be easier to monitor. If your attic floor isn’t boarded then to make the most of the space you should really get this done. Putting your foot through the ceiling is far more painful than paying for floor boards. If when walking on the floor the joists start to bend, you may need to fit additional timbers before using the space to make sure you don’t cause any damage.
Improved Access
The attic entrance is usually just a small hatch in the ceiling. We struggle to balance on unsteady chairs or step ladders and to heave and squeeze our bodies through the tight openings. If this sounds like your loft, then the first thing you need to do is improve the access. Ideally a staircase would be installed, but even just increasing the size of the opening and fitting a fixed pull down ladder will make your loft a lot safer and easier to use.
Sort Out your Storage
So you squeeze through the hatch only to find yourself clambering over old boxes and piles of junk hunting for whatever it was you went up there for. It’s time to get organised up there. Start by throwing out anything you don’t want or don’t need any more. Then you can start sorting out your storage system. The loft space is ideally suited to custom designed, fitted storage solutions. But if this sounds too expensive, a few cheap shelving units and perhaps an old filing cabinet can save you a huge amount of time in the long run. Just make sure you keep everything tidy and organised. Don’t be tempted to throw things through the opening and get out of there or you will soon be back in the same mess.
Loft Conversion
If you want to make the most of the loft space then a conversion is really the way to go. It can be expensive costing upwards of £10,000, but all that and more is usually added to the value of your home. Most of the time you won’t need planning permission to convert your loft, but you will need building regulations. The space can make an office, bedroom or any number of other uses to suit your needs.