Case Studies...
Below are our articles on the subject of Case Studies. If you can't see what you are looking for our other categories are displayed on the left under 'Our Quick Links'...
A Basement Into a Treatment Centre? Interview With Shiatsu Practitioner
The basement in a beautiful period building is being turned into a treatment centre for Shiatsu, aromatherapy and reflexology....
A to Z for Using Your Basement for Storage
Having a basement is a great bonus when it comes to storage but to make the most of it follow this A to Z of suggestions and top tips....
A to Z for Using Your Loft for Storage
The temptation is to just shove things up into your loft and then forget about them - but what happens when you have to brave the mess to find something? Follow this A to Z for some top tips on using ...
Boarding & Plastering the Loft
A look at how best to board and plaster your loft ready to transfer your loft conversion into your dream room....
Building a Staircase to Your Loft Conversion
Your loft staircase will act as the gateway to your loft conversion, so it is important you get it right, this article offers some advice and help....
Create a Home Cinema in Your Basement
Basements can be transformed for all sorts of wonderful uses - but what could be better than a home cinema? If you have adequate space, a basement area can be perfect for movie-lovers....
Creating a Balcony for Your Loft
Loft terraces and balconies are rare but can really add something extra to your space. They can open up your loft room and greatly add to its lifestyle element...
Creating a 'Green' Loft
Going green doesn't have to always have to be costly, this article looks at how saving the planet can also save you money....
Creating a Gym in your Basement
A gym basement can be a great place to work out in private and cut down on gym membership, this article looks at the benefits of a gym basement....
Creating a Kitchen in your Loft
A loft kitchen can be a great place to put your culinary skills to the test, but you will have to consult the building regulations before you start....
Creating a Living Space in a Basement
Creating a living room in your basement is a great way to add more space to your home, this article weighs up the pros and cons....
Decorating Your New Loft Conversion
Some tips about how to best decorate your loft and what you should consider when deciding what furniture to put in your loft....
Different Types of Loft Conversion
A look at what different loft conversions are available and which one will best match the loft space that you have....
Digging Out a Basement to Give Extra Head Height
Basements often have very little head height but this can be rectified by lifting a ceiling or lowering a floor. If you choose to lower the floor, you do need to make the right preparations....
Electricity Access to Your Loft
There's no need to blow a fuse when it comes to getting electricity in your loft, this article gives a few pointers about how best to get loft electricity....
Electrics in Your Basement
A look at why getting an electricity supply into your basement does not need to be hard work as long as you employ a qualified electrician to do the job....
Erecting Scaffolding for Your Loft Project
A look at why it is important to have scaffolding put up when getting your loft conversion and why you should insist your builder does....
Excavating Your Own Basement
Basement excavation can be hard work, you will need a good spade and some professional advice, this article offers some tips for your basement excavation....
Fitting a Shower or Bath into Your Loft
A bath or shower can be a great addition to your loft conversion, this article looks at what issues you will need to consider such as plumbing and the location of your shower....
Getting Funding for Your Loft Conversion
Trying to find funding for your loft conversion could be a bit more tricky thanks to the credit crunch, this article examines your options....
Getting Planning Permission for Basement Use
Getting planning permission for your basement conversion does not have to be an uphill struggle, this article looks at why you may and may not need to get planning permission....
Guidelines for Basement Regulations
Building regulations exist to protect you and your property, this article looks at what regulations you will need to consider for your basement conversion....
Having a Toilet in Your Loft
A toilet is a great addition to any loft, but also one of the most complex things you can install, this article looks at some things you will need to consider....
How Long Will a Basement Conversion Take?
A look at why a basement conversion can take anything from a few weeks to a few months to complete, depending on your chosen design....
How Much Value Will a Loft Conversion Add? Interview With an Estate Agent
Homeowners usually convert lofts to give themselves extra space at home - but does carrying out the work also add value to the home? An expert gives his verdict....
How Much Will a Conversion Cost?
A look at how much the average loft conversion costs and all the different parts of your loft conversion you will have to pay for....
How to Bring Light Into Your Basement: Interview With Interior Designer
One of the key issues when designing the interior of a basement is light. Interior designer Amanda Cox looks at ways of bringing natural and artificial lighting into a basement area....
How to Convince Building Control that Loft is Not Living Space?
Building Regulations have been established to ensure the safety of those living in a property and the building's stability. But what if you are only using your loft area for storage?...
How to Maintain a Vaulted Loft Room Ceiling
Vaulted ceilings can be eye-catching features in loft rooms but they can be hard to maintain due to their height and sometimes unusual design. Using the right equipment to dust, clean and repaint or r...
How We Use Our Basement for Parties: Case Study
If your basement is large enough, it might be worth considering using it as an additional entertaining space instead of simply somewhere to store items. One family have made good use of their basement...
How Will A Basement Conversion Affect the Neighbours?
Neighbour disputes can be ugly so you will need to make sure you tell your neighbours about your basement conversion and draw up a Party Wall agreement....
How your Loft Conversion is Helping the Environment
Loft conversions are a great way to help save the environment while creating a bit more living space in your house....
I Made a Music Studio in My Basement: A Case Study
Kevin Brown was passionate about his DJing hobby but playing music in the house was not ideal. Then he decided to convert his basement....
I Made My Loft Into an Artist's Studio: Case Study
Artists often find it hard to create a space at home that they can dedicate to their work. One painter who decided to focus on her work full-time decided to convert her loft to make an attic studio....
I Put in a Basement Bathroom With a Macerator Loo: A Case Study
Putting a bathroom into a basement when you carry out a conversion requires careful thought and expert advice - and if you want to put a toilet down there a macerator might be the best option....
Inserting Solar Panels on your Loft
Solar panels are a great way to make your loft more environmentally friendly, but are they worth it? this article looks at the pros and cons of solar panels....
Installing a Swimming Pool in a Basement
Basement swimming pools are becoming increasingly popular as more people choose to keep fit at home, this article looks at the good and bad points of a basement pool....
Insulating Your Loft
A look at why it is important to insulate your loft and what type of insulation you should put down for your loft conversion....
Interior Designer Interview: Stylish Uses for a Basement
A basement can be a stylish as well as a practical space. Interior designer Deby Kidd offers expert advice...
Interview: Converting Servants' Quarters into Bedrooms
When Bipin Shah bought a row of Georgian houses he was unaware the basements would be ideal for conversion. Today they are being used by the homeowners as bedrooms....
Interview: How We Created a Basement Restaurant
A former shoe factory in Norwich was already been used as as restaurant but when new owners took over, they set to work on the basement area....
Interview: Why My Loft Makes a Great Teenage Den
A converted loft can be the ideal place for teenagers to escape to. One teenager tells us why her attic room makes such a great den....
Is Your Loft Conversion Worth It?
Converting your loft is a great way to increase your property’s value, but you need be wary of overpricing your house for its location....
Is Your Loft Convertible?
Not all lofts can be converted, this article looks at which lofts are the easiest ones to convert and how you can test for yourself whether you can convert....
Kitchen for a Small Basement Space: Interview With a Designer
Small basements can make wonderful places to install kitchens - we interview a director of a kitchen company for some useful tips....
Letting Light into your Basement
Lighting can be one of the most important features of your basement conversion, this article looks at the best way to make the most of the light available....
Loft Conversion, How Can I Rid Damp and Mould?
A look at what the causes of mould and damp are and how you can prevent against mould and damp in your loft....
Making a Children's Playroom in the Basement
A basement is a fantastic extra space - why not maximise its use by creating a playroom down there where children can spread out and enjoy themselves?...
Making a Loft Conversion Easy
Converting a loft is never an easy task, here are some guideline on how to make your loft conversion as easy as possible....
Making an Access Hole to Your Loft
A look at how you can make an access hole into your loft and what the best way of going about it....
Making Our Basement into an Extra Bathroom: Case Study
When looking for space to install a new bathroom, one man decided to consider the possibility of using his basement....
Making the Most of the Views from Your Attic
Before carrying out a loft conversion why not consider the view outside? Think about which windows you can install in your attic - and where - to really bring the outside in....
Making the Most of Your Loft
The decision to convert the loft has been taken, and the work has been done. Now you have to step in and make the most of your new room....
Making your Loft a Bathroom
A look at what you will need to consider if you want to transform your loft into a bathroom and what practicalities you will have to think about....
Moving the Staircase to Our Loft: A Case Study
The staircase from one daughter's loft bedroom came down into our other daughter's bedroom. It wasn't ideal so we decided to move the staircase on to the landing....
My Attic Makes a Great Work Space: Interview With Music Producer
An attic can make a great workspace if there is enough space and there is the potential to create the layout you need. A music producer discusses his why the top storey of his home is an ideal place t...
Our Bedroom & Bathroom Loft Conversion: A Case Study
"When my husband and I got together we realised we needed to extend his home to accommodate our now larger family. The solution was to put a bedroom in the loft - and we discovered there was room up t...
Our Space Saving Stairs Have Been Excellent: A Case Study
Converting a loft does mean having to find space for a new staircase. For one family, a space saving design proved to be the best option...
Plumbing in your Basement
Plumbing in your basement is one of the most vital parts of a basement conversion so it is important to get it right, this article offers a few tips....
Preparing for a Loft Conversion: Interview With a Builder
Going ahead with a loft conversion is a big step for any homeowner, so what can you do to ensure you are as prepared as possible for when the building work takes place?...
Protecting a Basement Against Flooding
Protecting your basement against flooding is one of the most vital parts of your basement conversion....
Putting a Utility & Drying Room in a Basement
What better place could there be than the basement for a utility and drying room? But before you go ahead with the project do consider vetnilation, drainage, water supply and layout....
Putting a Wet Room in a Basement
A basement can be a perfect place for an extra bathroom - and if want something simple yet stylish why not consider the option of a wet room?...
Putting Windows in Your Loft
A window can open up your loft and not only make your loft look bigger but give you more natural light, this article looks at what window options you have....
Questionnaire: How to Re-Design You Basement
Are you considering giving your basement a new look? Try our questionnaire to help you decide what you want from your space...
Questionnaire: Is My Basement Suitable for Conversion?
You have a basement space but you are not sure whether it is suitable for conversion. Take this questionnaire for an idea of whether it is worth pursuing the project....
Questionnaire: Is My Loft Suitable for Conversion?
Going ahead with a loft conversion is a big move - and also costly. Before you decide to ask the experts for their opinion have a go at this questionnaire to ascertain just how suitable your loft migh...
Safety Guidelines for Lofts
A look at why your safety should always come first when you are converting your loft and how best to make sure you don't harm yourself....
Sharing your Basement Conversion
Sharing your basement with a relative or a lodger can be a great way to make extra money, this article looks at what consideration you will need to factor in....
Should you Fit a Kitchen in your Basement?
Basement kitchens are a great use of your basement space, what are the practicalities of a basement kitchen?...
Soundproofing a Loft
If you want to create a private hideaway in your loft you may want to consider soundproofing it, this article looks at how you can achieve this....
Step by Step Guide to Basement Conversion
This article takes you on a step-to-step guide through your basement conversion and looks at what you should expect when converting....
Supporting the Ceiling in a Loft Conversion
It is important that you your loft ceiling and roof can support what you intend for your loft conversion, this article looks at what changes you might have to make....
The Increasing Demand for Loft Conversions
A look at why converting lofts has grown in popularity over the past few years with increasing house prices and the growing cost of moving property....
The Key to Getting Building Approval
A look at what to expect from a visit from the building inspector and how you can prepare for a building inspector visit....
The Pro's and Cons of Basement Conversion
Basement conversions are a great way to increase the value of your property but they also have their downsides, this article weighs up the pros and cons of basement conversions....
Top Ten Uses for a Basement
Thinking of making use of the space below your property? Take a look at our top ten ways to make the best of your basement....
Top Tips for Flooring Your Loft
Before you begin your loft conversion think about how you might wish to floor your new space. Here are some top tips to consider...
Turning your Basement into a Games Room
Games rooms in basement conversions are a great idea for the young and old, this article explores some of the benefits of a games room in your basement....
Typical Problems with Basement Conversions
Basement conversions are not always as straightforward as they seem, this article looks at what problems you may encounter with damp, lighting and isolation....
Underground Crypt is Great Venue: Interview With Bar Manager
The Crypt in the heart of one of Norwich's oldest quarters still retains many of its original features and is a popular venue....
Understanding Building Regulations
A look at what building regulations you will need to follow when converting your loft and whether you will need planning permission....
Understanding the Building Jargon
Builder's jargon can sometimes seem like a different language, this article gives a few examples of some phrases you might come across when your loft is being converted....
Useful Tips for Converting a Loft
Converting your loft can be a tricky business, this article has some useful tips on how best to convert your loft....
Uses for Your Loft Conversion
The world is your oyster when it comes to converting your loft into anything you dream, this article looks at some of your options....
Using Recyclable Materials for Home Renovation
Using recyclable materials for your loft conversion can be a great way to help yourself and the environment and cut down costs....
Using Your Loft for Storage
Converting your loft to create more room in your house is a great idea, this article looks at how best to convert your loft for storage space....
Using Your Loft Space to Create a Mezzanine
Mezzanine floors can be superb additions to any home, employing previously unused loft space to give extra room while also helping to create a bright and stylish interior...
Visits from the Building Inspector
A look at what to expect from a visit by the building inspector and how you should prepare for this....
We Converted Our Basement to Let to Students: A Case Study
Deciding to let part of your home out for financial reasons is not always the easiest option to take - but converting the basement to let to students was the only option for one family....
We Converted Our Loft Into an Office: A Case Study
"We needed an office and creating one in the loft seemed to offer an answer. It was initially problematic but we are pleased we stuck with it as it has worked very well."...
We Made a Basement Bedroom for Students: Case Study
By renovating their basement, one couple was able to create extra bedroom space in their home, to let out to foreign students in order to generate an income...
We Suspended a Bedroom in Barn Loft: Case Study
One family decided to convert an old barn to give them extra space at home - then they decided to take it further and to use former loft space as an area in which to suspend a bedroom....
What Can an Un-Converted Loft be Used For?
You don’t necessarily need to convert your loft to put it to good use, this article looks at what changes you can make to your loft without fully converting it....
Where to Find a Builder for a Loft Conversion
A look at where the best place is to go to find a qualified loft builder to carry out your loft conversion....
Why Basement Conversion is the Latest Craze
Basement conversions are the latest craze to hit the home conversion market, with growing house prices basement conversions are the way to create space without moving home....
Why Convert Your Basement?
People convert their basements for many reasons, be creative with your basement and don’t hold back, whether you are converting to add more space or value to your property....
Why Convert Your Loft?
Loft conversions are quickly becoming the alternative to moving house, this article looks at why moving up is the new moving out....
Why do Building Regulations Exist?
This article looks at why building regulations exist not only to protect yourself but others around you and why it is important to allows stick to them....
Will a Loft Conversion Add Value to Your Property?
Loft conversions can add thousands of pounds to your property’s value if they are done correctly, this article looks at how a loft conversion can increase your property value....
Wine Storage in a Basement: Interview With a Wine Expert
If you have a basement in your home, why not think about storing your wine down there? One expert in the business offers his advice....