House figures boost confidence in loft improvements in the West Midlands

Posted by Stu's Loft Ladders editorial team on

It’s a great time to invest in your home through loft boarding or fixed ladder fitting

Our homes are our castles, or so the saying goes, and during the past two years our homes have felt like fortresses at times.  Over 2021, the housing market reflected the renewed status of our homes by defying predictions and remaining buoyant.

According to figures from the Office for National Statistics, the average house price in the UK increased by 10% in the 12 months leading up to November 2021.

With properties in high demand, people are feeling confident about making improvements that they can enjoy and which will also add value to their homes.

Our own experience backs up this picture of confidence amongst customers investing in their home. Since lockdowns ended, we are as busy, if not busier, than in pre-pandemic times.

Creating storage in the loft is a relatively low-cost option. For an average cost of £35 per square metre, you can organise your home by decluttering the areas you use most or clearing space to create new zones for work or leisure. Add in a fixed ladder, and the storage becomes conveniently and safely accessed.

Whilst we are yet to see what the trend for property prices will be during 2022, investing in the home you love still looks like a sensible option. We might not face more lockdowns, but the way we use our homes has changed with many people looking a balance between home and office working. The widespread use of virtual platforms now means that we can participate in many activities without leaving our own living room.

To find out more take a look at our services page.

Does boarding your loft add value to your home in Worcestershire and Warwickshire?

Posted by Stu's Loft Ladders editorial team on

When planning any home improvement, most of us want to know if the outlay will be worth it in terms of property value.

The important thing to point out is that loft improvements, such as boarding and fitting a fixed ladder, are not the same as a loft conversion. By boarding you are not creating habitable space, even if you install lighting or a window. Loft conversions have to abide by building regulations and therefore are in a different category.

Loft boarding = useable space

However, whilst boarding the loft might not count towards the overall floorspace of the property in estate agent terms, it does give you useable space and makes your home more attractive to potential buyers.

Additional selling point

Boarding the loft is a job most people like to have done and is an additional selling point, particularly over a similar property which does not offer it.

Showcase features

Furthermore, boarding the loft enables you to declutter living areas, creating the illusion of more space when showcasing rooms in marketing materials. If a house looks too busy with belongings, estate agents will often advise the seller to move some items to storage to better showcase their property. Desirable features such as fireplaces and windows stand out more when there is not so much clutter detracting from them.

Perhaps the greatest bonus of loft boarding is that you will have the benefit of it whilst you live in the property. It is very common for homeowners to prepare their home to sell by decluttering and decorating only to fall in love with it all over again. Having storage space creates room to rethink and play with how you use the living areas. 

Loft boarding might be cheaper than you think

As with most things in life, the answer to whether improving the loft adds value is multifaceted. It is unlikely to be a job that you will regret having done as it might be better value than you think.  Contact us now for a quotation.