Dormer loft conversion
The space shortage in the UK has led many homeowners to add extensions and loft conversions to increase their living space. The possibilities for expanding up into your loft range from dormer conversions to mansard conversions to roof light conversions.
Dormer Loft Conversion – What is it?
Dormers extend vertically from a sloping roof and are structural extensions of a building. A dormer adds additional floor space and headroom to an attic while utilizing the natural light coming from dormer windows and making it an accessible and useable space.
Dormer extensions are extensions on a loft that sit at 90 degrees to the floor, therefore, converting a loft into a dormer. This L-shaped dormer stretches up the main walls of the house as well as over the slim rear addition.
Types of Dormer Loft Conversion
Gable fronted or doghouse dormer
A classic doghouse has a pitched roof with two sloping sides. While smaller gables are often built to provide light and visual appeal, larger ones can also offer extra space.
Hip roof dormer
A Hip roof Dormer is a fronted dormer with three slanting sides instead of two. With this dormer, you get more headspace than a shed dormer, as well as space above your head.
Shed dormer
A shed dormer has a shallower pitch, which slopes in the same direction as the main roof. Because it doesn’t have a peak or hip, it’s less expensive. The main reason for the large size is that they give more space.
Flat roof dormer
These typically feature box-like structures with flat roofs and are built in the back of a property. This design gives the most internal space and height because all the walls are vertical, however, it may appear unattractive like you’ve stuck a box on one side of the building.
Dormer loft conversion pros and cons
- In contrast to other types of loft conversions, dormer lofts offer more living space.
- When compared to mansards or hip-to-gable loft conversions, flat-roofed dormers offer the advantages of increased headroom, straight walls, and flat ceilings, as well as being relatively inexpensive to install.
- Dormer conversions can increase the light, ventilation, and versatility of your home. They are very efficient in terms of energy consumption.
- It is very possible to convert even lofts with limited headroom or square footage, and there are many different types of the dormer to suit the most diverse of houses – whether it is a typical Victorian terrace in London, a semi, or modern detached home.
- The flat-roofed dormer may not look as attractive as other types of loft conversion, but it offers the greatest increase in headroom and floor space. Gable dormers and hipped dormers can feature attractive exterior details, but they are costly to build and don’t provide nearly as much additional space.
Dormer Loft Conversion Requirements
Planning Permission
Most people are drawn to dormer loft conversions because they can be constructed within the Permitted Development (PD) guidelines. Permitted Development allows you to extend your terraced house by 40 cubic meters, and your semi-detached or detached house by 50 cubic meters. Flats and conservation areas are exempt from permitted development (find out if you live in a conservation area). PD stipulates that the dormer must be set back 200mm from the eaves. Anything bigger will require planning permission.
Building Regulation Approval
Creating a loft conversion in your home requires building regulations approval, regardless of whether you need planning permission. A compliant structure must meet building regulations that cover elements such as structural strength, stability, sound insulation, safety, and an emergency exit.
At BUILDIFY LTD, We assist you with the building notice application process through to the final inspections during your construction.
Dormer Loft Conversion Cost
Dormer extensions have a flat roof and a window and are the most common form of loft extension. Most dormer loft conversions cost between £30,000 and £40,000.
Dormers usually cost £2,000 to £7,000 for a small conversion and £10,000 to £30,000 for a mid-range conversion. Loft conversions on a larger scale may cost anywhere between £40,000 to £60,000, depending on the types of installations chosen, as well as customizations (e.g. design of the roof and en-suites). These additions require more time/labor than originally planned due to the materials and the time/labor it takes to complete them. Dormers are also subject to varying costs depending on the type you select.
Dormer Loft Conversion Ideas
Here are some dormer loft conversion ideas to get you started:
Dormer bedroom.
An ideal way to make use of a dormer conversion is by creating a dormer loft bedroom. Your family can have more space if you upgrade your sleep space, especially if you have to share a room with the kids now.
Dormer ensuite.
The standard floor plan of your property sometimes does not allow enough room for en-suites. However, a dormer extension gives you the flexibility to add a bathroom to the bedroom itself.
Living space:
Last but not least, you might want a place in your house where you can retreat from the world. With an L-shaped dormer loft conversion, you can create a beautiful living area full of furniture, ottomans, rugs, and other pieces.
Contact us Now
The smooth conduct of your project will be enhanced if you consult with professionals such as an architect and architectural technologist, as well as a surveyor and structural engineer. The team at BUILDIFY LTD can help you design your dormer conversion based on scale drawings and calculations that demonstrate compliance with the latest regulations as well as ensure all necessary approvals are obtained. A dormer conversion may give you additional floor space and headroom in your loft.
Get a free, no-obligation quote online or, call us to talk about your dormer loft conversion ideas and plans. CALL US NOW!
Follow us on Instagram for more ideas and designs.