But there's another reason why loft conversions are consistently voted the Number One home improvement project. According to the RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) creating extra rooms in your roof can boost your home's value by as much as 20%. The trouble is, converting lofts into living accommodation can be complex.

So should you employ a specialist contractor or save money by managing individual trades? And how realistic is it to tackle some of the work yourself? Where do you start?

Expert advice is now at hand with the new 2023 edition of the ever popular Loft Conversion Manual. Comprehensively updated, this latest edition includes key changes to Building Regulations with new heat loss targets and revised rules for ventilation and heating systems.

The 2023 edition also features a detailed step-by-step roof window installation guide and covers recent technical developments that can make it easier to convert complex roof structures. Perhaps most importantly of all, the Loft Conversion Manual explains how to schedule building work to keep noise, dust and dirt at bay and minimise disruption.

At 224 pages this unique manual is illustrated with hundreds of photos and diagrams, making it the UK's most comprehensive guide to designing, building and managing a loft project.

Professional advice on selecting and managing building contractors
How to make big savings directly employing individual trades
Clear guidance on compliance with the Party Wall Act, Planning and Building Regulations
How to select the right dormers and roof windows for a bright attractive living space – from the multiple available styles and design options
How to correctly design and install loft stairs and make the necessary structural alterations
Step-By-Step photo features show how to install different types of insulation, how to fit roof windows, and how to make the most of limited space with 'dropped ceiling' conversions