More floor space without an extension: mezzanine, basement, and attic conversion

Home extensions are projects costing hundreds of thousands of pounds — and most of the time you already have square footage that you aren't using. Here are 3 ways to reclaim it.## 1. Attic conversion- Conversion cost: £400–£800/m²- Gain: 30–60 m² of new space- What to watch out for: ridge height (min. 2.2–2.5 m in the middle) and roof insulation.## 2. Basement conversion- Cost: £300–£700/m²- Gain: home office, laundry room, workshop, or utility room- What to watch out for: waterproofing and ventilation — without these, you will gain damp, not floor space.## 3. Mezzanine in a high living room- Cost: £4,000–£12,000- Gain: bedroom, home office, or library- What to watch out for: the structure must be anchored to the ceiling — this is a job for a structural engineer, not a carpenter.## Return on investmentNew floor space costs a fraction of an extension price and increases the value of the house by 5–15%. These are the cheapest square meters you can buy.Find a team with experience in conversions — post your job on LocalTrader.