A Dormer Conversion is whereby the pitched roof is converted into a box-like structure that projects from the property's existing roofline. A Dormer conversion is one of the most popular types of Loft Conversion which helps in adding more living space and increases the value of your property too. By altering the angle of the eaves or removing them altogether, you can create an extra standing space in your home, without an extension or alteration to the floor plan. Dormer Conversions are suitable for almost any type of house, including terraced, semi-detached, or detached.
In nearly all cases, Rear Dormer Conversions come under Permitted Development (PD) which means they do not need planning permission. This is because the front slope of your property does not change and your house is largely unchanged from the street. If you have a dormer at the front of your house then planning permission is needed. Loft Conversions has specific rules in terms of size and style. For instance, Permitted development allows you to convert up to 40 cubic meters for a terraced house and 50 cubic meters for a semi-detached house. You cannot build your dormer from materials that do not match your existing home's character. If you want anything larger or a unique look, you will need to apply for planning permission. If you reside in a flat, maisonette, or listed building or live in a conservation area, these permitted development rights will not apply so we suggest always checking with your local planning authority.
There are several factors that determine if your loft is suitable for conversion or not. Our surveyor will visit your property and inspect your loft space and advise you if your loft can be converted or not. The minimum head height required for a loft conversion is 2.2 meters.
If your roof's head height is not enough, there are two options but quite costly in our honest opinion. The first one is to raise the roof, while this is structurally feasible but the major issue is the cost and the difficulty in getting planning permission more so if your property is a terraced or semi-detached house. The second option is lowering the ceilings on your 1st floor. This will add head height to your loft. Again this is a very disruptive process and very costly for the little space gained.
Your property will have either rafter or roof trusses depending on what year it was built. By looking into the loft you should be able to tell what you have. The rafters run along the edge of the roof and leave most of the triangle space below it empty. Truss framed roofs with W-shaped trusses will take a lot of roofs inside the loft. You can convert your loft with trusses but extra structural support will be needed before the trusses can be taken out. It's important to consult a structural engineer before making any changes to your loft. All in all, any property with a pitched roof and head height can add a dormer to it.
Building Regulations are an essential part of any Loft Conversion and you must take out time to ensure you get your local building control's approval before construction can start. These regulations are there to ensure your safety for example, if the new floor strength is sufficient or if the stairs are properly installed. These drawings will show the headroom, insulation, fire safety, electrical, and stairs design to name a few.
If your property is semi-detached or terraced, then Party Wall Act 1996 will come into play if the dormer conversion requires structural changes to the shared wall. At Loft Conversions Company we have experienced architects, surveyors, and structural engineers who will help you with the drawings and submissions to the local authority. They will ensure your dormer meets all the necessary approvals before work starts.
Apart from having an extra room that you can design for whatever purpose you have, a dormer loft can also add value to your house. If it’s a well-built and perfectly appointed dormer loft, expect that your current property value will increase by up to 25%. This is the very main reason why many homeowners opt for a loft conversion. Moreover, you won’t find it difficult to sell your house in the future as having a charming dormer loft can easily persuade any potential buyers.
Yes, you will. And that is because of the dormer windows that will be installed in your loft. As these windows will be huge in size, natural lighting can easily come through your room. With this, you won’t need to use the lamps in the room as often. Aside from the natural lighting that you can enjoy in the morning, you’ll also be granted a lovely view of the night sky through these dormer windows.
You will not be required to leave your house while the loft conversion continues. This is because the construction mainly happens at the top of your property. Choosing to stay in your home will also be convenient for you because you can quickly check the progress of the dormer loft conversion. If you employ the team we have at Loft Conversions Company, rest assured that we’ll build you your dream loft with minimal disruption to your daily activities. We will put your and your family’s safety as our priority.
A dormer loft conversion is a bit more expensive than a Velux loft conversion because it will be able to provide you with more floor area compared to the other type. Also, a dormer loft will also grant you more head height so you can feel at ease and cozier in the room. If you’ll employ the team we have at Loft Conversions Company, we will make sure that the loft we will build is within your taste and budget.
There are several types of dormer loft conversions. These include:
1. Flat Roof Dormer - This one is a dormer with a flat roof that sits horizontally.
2. Shed Dormer - This is a flat roof dormer with the sides of the roof sloping downwards slightly.
3. Hipped Roof Dormer - This one has sloping roofs on three sides. It is similar to a Dog-house Dormer.
4. Dog House Dormer - This dormer has a roof that has two pitched sides like a classic dog house.
5. Bungalow Dormer - Here a Loft is converted above a single-storied abode.
6. L-shaped Dormer - This dormer has two parts that form an L shape, mostly suited to Victorian properties.
If you would like to discuss the ways in which a Loft Conversion could enhance your home, call us on 0208 1020 675 or email to ask us any questions. For a free site survey and design consultation please fill out the form on the right and our team will get back to you as quickly as possible.