Skip to navigation. Dormer loft conversions: a beginner's guide. Transform a dark and dusty attic into a bright and spacious living area.
What is a dormer loft conversion? Image supplied by Thorms Young Architectural Roof dormers are a popular type of loft conversion that can add valuable extra living space to your home. Types of dormer loft conversion Image supplied by Thorns Young Architectural Dormers come in a variety of shapes, styles and sizes. The main dormer types are: Gable fronted or doghouse dormer These feature a pitched roof with two sloping sides to form a triangle below the roofline, like a classic doghouse.
Hip roof dormer These are similar to a gable-fronted dormer but with three sloping sides instead of two. Shed dormer On these, the roof slopes in the same direction as the main roof but at much shallower pitch. Flat roof dormer These have a box-like structure with a flat roof that is normally constructed to the rear of a property.
Mansard dormer Named after French architect Francoise Mansard. L-shaped This involves constructing two dormers - one over the roof of the main house and a second above a rear extension. Pros and cons of a dormer loft conversion Image supplied by Mainpride Loft Conversions The Pros: Dormers add head room and floorspace : A dormer can significantly increase usable floor space. Roof dormers add light: The vertical walls of a dormer enable the installation of standard windows in a converted attic, providing more natural light.
Room with a view: Dormer windows offer a different view to the outside compared to Velux or roof windows. In rear dormers, it may be possible to have full height picture windows and balconies. Dormers add architectural interest and detail : The addition of one or two dormer windows can improve the external appearance of a property that might otherwise look a bit bland.
A well-designed roof dormer can boost the kerb appeal of a home. Dormers enhance the interior: In addition to improving the external appearance of a home, a dormer enhances the inside space.
A dormer window recess is the perfect spot for a window seat or desk where added light is required. Here is what you can expect. You will need to have plans for your dormer loft conversion drawn up either by an architect, or by an architectural technician, or surveyor, laying out the design for the project. Most dormer loft conversions will not require planning permission as they are considered permitted developments. However, depending on the scale of the work, and other factors such as its impact on the street scene, planning permission may be required.
Regardless of your planning status, your dormer loft conversion will have to be inspected by the building regulations department of your local authority to ensure it is being constructed in accordance with the rules, making sure it complies with things like fire safety, access, floor strength and so on. You may also need a Party Wall Agreement if your work will impact any adjoining properties, for example if you live in a terraced house or a semi-detached home.
This requires your neighbours to agree to the work taking place. You are liable for costs such as their surveyor and any damage to their home which may occur as part of the works - it can cost several thousand pounds depending on how complex the agreement is.
When work begins, the initial construction will be carried out externally, with the use of scaffolding and in some cases a roof cover to allow work to continue effectively even with bad weather. At some point, access will be created into the loft from the interior and the floor will be strengthened. The dormers will be constructed and the roof altered. Interior walls will be then be fitted along with insulation, and features such as the staircase will be installed, followed by windows.
Share this post:. Related articles. From stately homes to classic red pillar boxes, our historical heritage is all around. And for many property owners, that Is your house looking a little outdated? Could it be time to try something new? Sometimes a pop of colour may be Knocking through internal walls is a popular way to create a spacious, open-plan living area.
How to Find a Builder and What to Ask. Many of us have spent more time at home recently, using extra gas and electricity as we work or self-isolate Need a dedicated space to work from home? Our intuitive architects take your idea and dreams for your loft and turn it into a gorgeous space that takes your breath away. You benefit from our local knowledge of the Brighton area, weather, local contacts and expertise of what works best.
We take time to understand your vision for your loft and include all your specifications in our designs, right down to the last detail. In lofts with limited space, a dormer loft conversion allows for additional head and floor room by extending the existing roof. If you want the maximum internal space for your Brighton loft, flat roof dormers are the best choice.
Hipped-roof and Gable-fronted look more aesthetically pleasing but they cost more without giving much internal space due to the complexity of construction. Many of our Brighton clients who love their homes are opting for loft conversion instead of moving homes.
It is a great way to maximise space in your current home and keep everyone happy. Not all styles of dormer windows or loft conversions are allowed. This is the most common type of dormer window used in Brighton. It is a simple pitched roof of sloping planes supported by frames rising vertically to form a triangular section.
It is also the best option if you have a terraced house. The vertical windows ensure lots of space and sunlight. You can maximise storage space by turning nooks and crannies into shelves. Similar to the gabled dormer in terms of structure, the difference is in the details. The architectural design was inspired by ancient Rome and Greek culture.
Moulding is used to create the triangular shape on top of the window. Vertical moulding on both sides of the window holds the triangle up. A square with a flat room extending out of the room and parallel to the ground. It could either have a long width with several windows or be small with a single window. Sometimes, shed dormers blur the lines between a dormer and a second story.
It is also similar to the Flat dormer. The roof is flat and the dormer itself is either rectangular or square shaped with one or more windows extending downward from the slope of the roof.
As it rises, the roof slants back. It occurs on the sides and front and found on houses with a hipped roof. In the UK, they are synonymous with properties built in the Victorian era. The advantage is for those who want a loft with more natural light or who want to add a decorative fanlight.
To mimic the look of a thatch, they are used on properties with curved roofing shingles around the eaves. It is surprisingly common to hear people settling for the first contractor who approaches them.
These companies rope you in by offering a far cheaper price than other loft conversion companies. If you ever plan to put your home on the market, there is no increase in home value.
The major challenge with loft conversion is drawing up a plan that maximises natural light and space. Our experienced architects can design a loft that is strong, aesthetic and spacious. A poorly designed loft is dangerous.
Is your loft suitable for conversion? What is the best use of the loft? What type of loft conversion would suit your home depending on your area and purpose for the room? These are all questions that you might not consider. Energy efficiency has attracted attention in recent times. Soundproofing keeps outside noise out, and a well-insulated loft ensures that your loft is warm during cold weather and cool in the summer. It is important that you only work with a loft conversion specialist who ensures proper insulation of your loft.
Consider double-glazing windows and heating units that keep the roof warm on cold nights. Bad connections lead to leaking radiators or do not work at all. This could affect the water flow and hot water pressure in your home. Most of the time, this happens when the previous homeowners carried out a loft conversion without getting the proper planning permits.
In relation to dormer loft conversion, this means that any work which alters the roofline requires special consent. Failure to obtain the consent means your loft conversion is illegal and you could be fined or imprisoned in extreme cases. Go online and research the company. Do they have a website that inspires trust? Where is their office located? Who answers the phone when you call their contact number?
Who have they worked for in the past? These are ways to verify that the company is legitimate. Ask them if they have worked on dormer windows and dormer loft conversions. If you have savings, you can leverage that to expend some of the cost of a home renovation.
0コメント