When gaining planning permission to convert from a bungalow to a house be sure to understand the drawings and conditions of approval. Some planning authorities do not accept the conversion to look like a house and prefer the property to look like a bungalow with a loft conversion. This can reduce the size of the first floor and the bedrooms and bathroom on the first floor will often have reduced head height due to the sloped eaves. If financial gain is your main objective this should be considered, because a converted bungalow with reduced head height would not always achieve the same value as a house.
Here are a few key points to consider:
- Understand the architect’s drawings.
- Assess the foundations. Your foundations will need to be adequate to take the extra load, which could affect the cost significantly if you require underpinning.
- Consider timber frame. Timber frame will be cheaper and faster but this can limit you as to what style finish you can choose. If you want to continue the brick design from the ground floor, then maybe masonry would be best for you.
- If you want to compare your project’s value to another, make sure you are comparing similar properties, especially if the first floor has sloped eaves and reduced head height. It can be deceiving to compare the price of a property like this to a house.
- Ensure everything is covered when obtaining quotes.
- Be sure to instruct a good builder with experience in converting bungalows.
Why not contact Caudle Developments Ltd today and we can help you with an estimate? CDL have experience in all sorts of projects including bungalow conversions.
