Tag: dormerloftconversion

Loft Conversion

Dormer Loft Conversions Made Easy

16th December 20210

Types of Dormers

  • Flat roof – This is a dormer with aa flat roof that’s sitz horizontally. 

  • Shed – A flat roof that slopes down. 

  • Dog house – A dormer with a roof that has two pitched sides like your classic dog house. 

  • L shaped – Touched on above, this dormer has two parts that form an L shape. 

  • Hipped roof – Similar to a dog house dormer, but with three sides instead of two. 

Pros And Cons Of Dormer 

Pros  

  • Brings more natural light into the room. 
  • Better ventilation 
  • Adds head room and floorspace. 
  • Versatile – has many different options to choose from. 

Cons  

  • More structural work needed. 
  • More labour intensive  
  • You may need planning permission if It doesn’t fall under permitted development. 
  • Extra costs  

Building Regulations and the Party Wall Act For A Dormer 

While planning permission for a dormer may not be required, building regulations are mandatory. Regulations are there to ensure the safety of the structure you’re building. For example, ensuring that the structural strength of the new floor that would be installed is sufficient. Also making sure the roof is stable or even to make sure the new stairs up to your new loft is safe. The party wall act is there to prevent any disputes with neighbours due to building your structure. 

What is the party wall act? 

The party wall act prevents building works by one neighbour that can undermine the structural integrity of shared walls or neighbouring properties. 

Do Dormers Need Planning Permission? 

Yes and No. One benefit of dormers is that it can be constructed under permitted development. However, depending on your home’s circumstances you will need planning permission. Here are two examples: 

  • You live in a listed building or conservation area. 
  • Your neighbours are affected by the structure through overlooking or overshadowing.

And there’s more reasons to why you’ll need planning permission. 

Is my home suitable for a dormer loft conversion? 

Any room with a pitched roof and loft space can have a dormer. 

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Conversions, Extensions

Things To Know Before Getting A Dormer Extension

15th October 20210

A dormer is a staple to a lot of people when it comes to a loft conversion however, it isn’t to everyone’s taste. Although, they play a really important role in creating more space on the inside, and add a little more character to the outside. 

What is a dormer? 

A dormer is a roofed structure, often containing a window, that projects vertically beyond the plane of a pitched roof. There are many various types and shapes of roof dormers. It can be large or small, have a pitched or flat roof depending on the planning permission.  

The function of a loft dormer is to create daylight and headroom in a sloping roof space. Once you have one installed the space below the pitched roof can be used. This means that the space can be transformed into a new bedroom, bathroom, or living area.  

Many people are not a fan of dormers because they don’t always look as good on the outside as they do on the inside. But if they are designed well, and by a good architect then they are a great contribution to the roof.  

Some of the different types are:  

  • Gable fronted – The most common type. It has a pitched roof of two sloping planes, supported by an outward face. 
  • Hip roof dormer – It has a roof composed of three sloping planes that rise from each side of the frame. 
  • Flat roof dormer – The roof of this is a single flat plane approximately horizontal.  
  • Shed dormer – This also has a flat plane roof, but it is sloped in the same direction as the principal roof.  
  • Lucarne – A dormer on the slope of a gothic spire, usually slender and gable fronted.  
Dormer Windows 101: All You Need to Know - Bob Vila

Will you need planning permission for a dormer extension? 

Planning permission is often not required however, whether or not you need planning permission will depend on these factors: 

  • The size 
  • What type of house you live in 
  • Where you live in the UK 

If you are within the permitted development rights, you can go ahead without planning permission.  

History of dormers –  

The word dormer comes from the middle French, meaning “sleeping room”, as dormers provided light and space to attic-level bedrooms. Dormer windows were popularised by French architect Francois Mansart (1598 – 1666), who used dormers extensively in the mansard roofs he designed for 17th century Paris. Although, the first dormer window appeared in residential roofs in 16th century Britain.  

17th-century French dormers

The Prices –  

Dormer window prices can vary massively per specialist. The average price is between £2250 – £3600. Whereas, a dormer loft conversion in the UK can cost anything upwards of £20,000 or around £500 – £600-meter square. And depending on what you would like to include the prices will increase. For example, the cost for a master bedroom with an ensuite will sit around £35,000 – £45,000. Dormers have an average return on investment value of 60 –70%.  

How long do they take to build? 

Determined by the overall size and roof work requirements, a dormer loft conversion may take four to six weeks to complete. A hip to gable end conversion may also take up to 6 weeks.  

Depending on the workmanship and degree of weathering the roof gets the average longevity of one is 25 years.  

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