The phrase “home is where the heart is” takes on a new meaning when it comes to a loft conversion. Lofts are usually converted from commercial spaces, such as warehouses and factories, so they have tall ceilings and large open areas that can be transformed into living quarters for you and your family.
Any room in your home can be turned into a living space; the only limit is your imagination and budget.
Many homeowners want to convert their unfinished attic into a master bedroom suite. However, if you don’t have an attic or an entire floor for conversion, this isn’t your only option.
A finished basement can be transformed into a playroom for the kids, home theater, game room, office or bedroom with the right finishing touches.
If you’re feeling more adventurous, converting your garage into an apartment is another possibility. This may sound complicated and expensive, but it can actually be done fairly simply by following a few key steps.
Many homeowners want to install a master bathroom in their basement or attic space because they have a large area and their master bathroom is usually the largest in the home. If you have an unfinished area, this is a perfect time to add a gorgeous new spa-like bath that will make your evening relaxation truly special.
If you’re not sure whether that old warehouse or factory loft is right for conversion into a livable space, here are some of the major benefits to consider:
Space – Living in a loft means you have an open floor plan. This can be very advantageous, especially if your home lacks the square footage you desire.
Not only will this save you money on electricity and other utilities because it’s easier to heat and cool, but since there is more space, your family will have room to grow.
Plus, if you still have bedrooms on a different floor from the main living areas of the house, it may be time to consolidate and move everyone under one roof for convenience sake.
Privacy – The value of a loft conversion is that you have a private area in a very public place. Your private entrance can be separate from the rest of your home, so you have a quiet place to unwind after work. But if you want company, this is perfect because it’s easy to enter and exit through your main living area without disturbing others.
However, there are some disadvantages that you should consider before making an investment in commercial or factory loft conversion:
Unfamiliar Spaces – One of the biggest disadvantages to a loft is that it can be unfamiliar and take some time to get used to. If you’re moving from a house, even one with an open floor plan, you may feel like you lost your privacy and sense of seclusion.
Since there are no walls, you may feel like people are always watching you.
Lighting – If your home is older, there’s a good chance it was built before current energy-saving standards existed. This means that the lights in the loft were designed for factory lighting, not residential living.