Just when it seems as though the loft can take no more, we run out of space in the house as well. Oh yes, it is time to move. We carefully box up all the junk in the loft and move it to our new loft where it sits unboxed until we move again.

Sound familiar? It does for this writer but it doesn't have to be like that. How about an alternative view? Instead of piling up unwanted stuff in the attic, why not sell it or give it to a charity shop. Others benefit and you feel good about yourself for taking positive action. Now you have a great big empty space at the top of your house. This time when the house seems a little overcrowded, instead of moving, consider a loft conversion.

Loft conversion can have so many uses. Need an extra bathroom, room for dad's train set, an office, a guest room or a hideaway for the children? Loft conversions can be the answer. So what would be our top tips for converting your loft?

Firstly, make sure that you get the right permissions. Loft conversions generally only require building regulations but there are some circumstances where planning permission will be required. Your architect or builder should be able to help you with this.

Next, work out how you are going to use the space. Your house may have lots of tiny rooms but your loft doesn't have to. If you've always wanted one big room then now is your chance. Make sure you leave a small accessible space to store those oddments that you just couldn't part with Whatever the layout, include lots of natural light, either through windows or sky tunnels..

Finally, get the loft insulation right. There are so many alternatives nowadays and many of them carry green credentials. Good insulation in your attic conversion can make the rest of your house warmer. For all these, a competent loft conversion London service may need to be hired.

So, with a new government, the stock market up, confidence up and at the time of writing the pound on its way up, now may be the time to think up and look at your house again. However, we just couldn't leave you without sharing this one final fact. Apparently, due to the way their bodies are built, pigs can only look down or sideways. Their necks just don't allow them to look up. Everything looking up apart from pigs? No, that's a title we'll save for another time.