Do you feel like you’re outgrowing your home? If so, you’re not alone. A recent study found that 45% of homeowners wished they had more functional space in their homes.
The reality is that plenty of new-build homes are designed to maximize square footage, giving homeowners more space that they can actually use. However, this also comes with a pretty steep increase in price.
The good news is that you don’t have to purchase a brand new home to access more functional space. Loft boarding is a perfectly acceptable solution to your space needs that won’t cost you nearly as much time and energy as moving.
What makes loft boarding such a great option for homeowners? Read on to find out more about loft boarding benefits and decide if it’s right for you.
What Is Loft Boarding?
Not all loft spaces or attics are finished. That means that you may be looking at exposed beams or joists, or a thin layer of drywall protecting an otherwise exposed layer of insulation. In either case, your loft is not considered a safe or usable space.
Loft boarding is the process of covering the joists in your attic with boards to create a stable floor. Some people may attempt DIY loft boarding, which usually involves laying boards directly on the joists.
However, professional loft boarding is a more precise and practical option. Professionals will use battens or legs to create space between the joists and the boards. This allows for more insulation beneath the boards, which increases the benefits of loft boarding.
There are a lot of misconceptions loft boarding tends to generate which may have scared you off. However, we’re here to tell you that these misconceptions are, well, false!
Benefits of Boarding a Loft
After taking a look at some of the common misconceptions about loft boarding, you’re probably wondering what the actual benefits are. You’re in luck because we’re going to take a deep dive into these benefits.
Increase Storage Space
Running out of storage space is a commonly cited reason that homeowners outgrow their homes. Whether you’ve expanded your family or simply expanded your belongings and assets, needing more storage space is expected.
By boarding your loft, you can create storage space as large as your home’s footprint. By giving yourself so much additional storage space, you can stay better organized and have more room for the things you need daily.
Create Safe Access to Your Loft Space
Moving around in an unfinished loft is dangerous. In fact, the only safe space is to stand is directly on a joist, which is somewhat like walking on a balance beam. Even the slightest misstep can cause injuries and costly damage to your ceiling.
A boarded loft is safe to walk around in and easy to access. Typically, a boarded loft is equipped with a loft ladder. A loft ladder takes up minimal space and allows you to get in and out of your boarded loft in a quick, safe fashion.
Increase Energy Conservation
Nothing is more frustrating than paying exorbitant amounts of money to keep your home temperature-controlled. It only becomes more frustrating when you realize how much of your heating and cooling is seeping right out of your house.
During the loft boarding process, the insulation between your ceiling and loft is increased. The boards add another layer of insulation that keeps your temperature-controlled air in and hot or cold outdoor temperatures out. This makes it easier for you to keep your home comfortable without wasting energy–or money.
Create Additional Soundproofing
Insulation doesn’t just protect you from energy loss. It also creates additional soundproofing.
We tend to think about disruptive sounds as coming from the street or sidewalk outside. While a boarded loft can lower these sounds in your household, it can also lower the sound of heavy rain, hail, and even passing airplanes. If you live in a highly-populated area, you know how important soundproofing can be!
Avoid High Renovation Costs and Planning
Loft boarding isn’t the only way to increase usable square footage in or around your home. However, it is the method that requires the least planning–and the lowest costs.
Most loft boarding projects do not require approval from the city or county. This, alone, cuts down on the cost and planning time necessary for this project.
Plus, loft boarding is not a new-build project. It requires far fewer materials than, say, building an add-on or an accessory dwelling unit. Fewer materials and less labor keep the loft boarding cost low and affordable.
Improve Property Value
Property value is affected by a number of factors ranging from size to location to condition. Some things, like location, are out of your control. However, size is something you can play with to improve your property value.
Oftentimes, appraisers don’t look at square footage, alone. They are more interested in usable square footage. As we mentioned earlier, loft boarding can increase your usable square footage by a substantial amount.
Plus, just like you, buyers are looking for the most space they can afford. In addition to improving your property value, loft boarding often increases saleability. In other words, creating this additional storage space now can get your house off the market faster in the future.
Loft Boarding May Be the Space Solution You Need
If you, like nearly half of homeowners, are seeking out more space, loft boarding may be the perfect solution. Even if you aren’t in dire need of more storage space, the benefits of loft boarding are so varied that every homeowner can enjoy them. Talk to a professional about loft boarding today!
Looking for more ways to maximize your home? Take a look at our real estate and home section for tips and guides that will inspire your next project.