Lofting a house has always been a popular way of expanding a home and adding another floor level. The space created is often used for an additional bedroom or live-in accommodation, but there are other reasons to add a loft. Some people have added lofts for purely aesthetic reasons, for example, to make the property look bigger. Whether building your first house or remodeling an existing home, here are five things to mull over when adding a loft.

The loft is an area of your house that can store things and make them more functional. It's also an area often overlooked by homeowners until they realize how much extra space it adds to their homes.

There are a few things you need to consider before adding a loft, though, so here are five things to mull over when adding a Toronto loft:

#1 Location

Loft rooms should be located in the center of the house or at least close to the center. If you have houses on both sides of your property, consider building either side with a loft room. This will allow for more privacy and usable space and make your backyard look larger than it is. If you have one side of your house open towards the street, consider adding a second floor so that guests can access their rooms without walking on the lawn or upstairs.

#2 Size

The size of your loft room depends on how many people will live in it and how high you want them up off the ground (or not). If you add only one or two people with pets, then any size will work. However, if you plan on having more than one person living there, you will have to pay attention to the available space. You also must consider how much money you want to spend on this project.

#3 Your Budget

You may want a large loft room with lots of storage space and a big bed, or a small room with an extra bed so that there are two places to sleep when one person wants to stay up late watching movies. Some people like their loft rooms open and airy, while others prefer full privacy by closing off the area with doors or curtains. The choice is yours. Consult Toronto loft experts; they will further guide you on your budget.

#4 Your Local Building Permit Requirements

When adding a loft, you need to determine if your home is zoned for the addition. If you need more clarification, check with your local building department. If you live in an older home, adding a loft without getting a permit may be difficult. The process can take weeks and cost hundreds of dollars in fees. Some cities require adding insulation to the attic before adding a loft, so check the local code requirements before starting any project.

#5 Your Home's Structure

Your home's structure will affect how much work it takes to add a loft. For example, whether or not your home has existing beams or joists will help determine how much room there is for an opening in the ceiling above your new loft area. If no beams or joists are available, you may need to look into other solutions, like floating floors or supporting walls, to make room for the new space below your new loft area.

#6 Your Home's Foundation

Your home's foundation is the most important part of your home; it holds up your floor and keeps it from sagging or collapsing. The foundation is also the foundation for a good-quality loft installation. Here are six things to mull over when adding a loft:

The foundation has been designed for a certain type of home construction. If you have an older home, it may have yet to be designed to support a loft addition. Your home may need to be bigger or lighter for a loft addition, so check with an architect before you start building.

Where you plan to put your loft is known as a crawl space. If this area is prone to moisture problems, like dampness and rot, you should ensure the crawl space is well-ventilated and dry. You can do this by installing raised paneling on the walls above the crawl space or installing rigid insulation in the walls above it instead of using less expensive vapour-retarder sheets that can be damaged by moisture.

If there are any spaces between studs in your attic, such as around electrical outlets or plumbing pipes, these spaces will need special attention before adding a loft.

To Wrap Up

And that's our advice for anyone considering adding a loft to their home—keep these six things in mind, prepare for the work to come, and you're sure to be happy with your decision. To know more contact us at Toronto’s Condo Authority.