If you are looking for a way to add extra space to your home, a dormer loft conversion is ideal. Used to transform unused attic space into a bright living area, roof dormers are popular because they are suitable for most types of houses. They are a structure that projects from the property’s existing roofline in a box shape, bringing extra headroom and light into your loft space.
Types of dormer
A variety of dormer sizes, shapes, and styles enable property owners to maximise their internal space while ensuring the extension is in proportion.
The most common type of dormer is the gable-fronted/doghouse, so called because it has two sloping sides like a dog kennel. Other types include the flat roof dormer, hip roof dormer, shed dormer, mansard dormer, and L-shaped dormer. The latter is popular on Victorian terraced properties.
Do you need planning permission?
Under current rules, you can only build a new floor if your house has a mansard roof; however, the government wants to make it easier for property owners to add an extra storey, which could see a boom in dormer loft conversions.
Many lofts are extended under permitted development, as long as they are less than 40 cubic metres on terraced property or 50 on semi-detached or detached properties. Using a professional building company is the best way to understand what will be permitted without having to apply for planning permission; for example, if you are thinking about home extensions Painswick, companies such as https://precisionbuildersltd.co.uk/services/home-extentions/painswick/ can advise.
Pros and cons of dormers
Dormers are a cost-effective way of adding internal space to a home, whether for an extra bedroom with en-suite or a home office. They also add natural light and can give you a view, unlike roof windows.
They do, however, require a degree of structural work and should always be designed by a qualified building professional or engineer. This also means they are more expensive than a basic loft conversion, but they should add more value to your home overall.
