garage or loft

[winkywinkola]

So which do you think would be better in adding value?

I can either build a new garage that is separate to the house but has two small double bedrooms, galley kitchen and small sitting room in it or I can convert our loft to create two small double beds and one bathroom.

Which do you think would be better for adding value?

Questions im afraid:

What will each cost to build/convert?

The s/c annex, are you in an area where it could be used as a holiday let? or will it just appeal to buyers wanting an annex for a nanny or elderly relative?

How many bedrooms in total will you have with the 2 extra in the loft?

It depends how many bedrooms the house already has and whether adding any more in the loft, for example, would be necessary. Building an annex in the garage could be much more valuable (although also much more expensive) as people often want them for grannies/nannies/older children but, again, it depends whether more accommodation is needed in the main house and how much the garage/granny flat wi impinge on the rest of the plot. If it's a large house with large grounds, I'd go for garage provided I could get planning.

Loft. A separate annex is limiting the people who will want the house on resale.

Five bed house.

Need extra rooms for granny flat.

Not investigated costs yet.

Loft could be one big play room eventually.

I think the loft conversion would cost alot more (£70k?) and is a 7 bed house going to appeal to many people? The extra space may be nice, but I suspect as a playroom, or office rather than 7 actual bedrooms, so you may not get as large a return as say going from a 3 bed to a 5 bed.

If you needed space for more people, like a granny, nanny then I would have thought it was preferable to have the s/c unit. (£40k?) As long as its not taking up all the parking space or all the garden. There will be a limited market willing to pay extra for this though.

I'm not keen on loft conversions. To me they are small houses with a lump stuck on. A house that was designed and built one size larger is always preferable.

A large detached garage with a flat for the help is preferable, if you're at that end of the market. Be aware that grannies will probably have trouble with stairs in time. If you are lucky enough to be on sloping ground you may be able to have ground level entry at two levels.

If you put teens in their own flat they will never go.

If you need the space for granny, she may get arthritis and be unable to climb the stairs.

Depends where you are. Where we are, in London, lift conversions abound, garages are like gold dust. You will be limiting your market but, providing your area is worth it, ie location is critical, you may find better value. I'd go and ask around the local estate agents.

X post with PigletJohn..