Considering a loft conversion? Perhaps someone's recommended a dormer type loft conversion and you're not entirely sure what that is. If a dormer conversion has been suggested to you, but you don't really know what a dormer is, then let us enlighten you and hopefully, you'll begin to realise why a dormer was suggested to you as a potential loft conversion.
What is a Dormer Loft Conversion?
There are around 4 different types of dormer loft conversion, and it consists of a construction which extends vertically from the plane of a roof that slopes. It's structured as an extension to the sloping roof and its useful for turning a small cramped attic into a more spacious area with floor space and headroom.
The Four Types of Dormer Loft Conversion
The four types are flat roof, shed dormer, gable fronted and hipped roof. Which one you have depends on what's suitable for your type of property. A flat dormer loft conversion is one of the most popular and is one of the most reasonably priced. You'll get a fair bit of internal space for your money with a flat roof dormer, so you might consider it a good investment. A shed dormer will give you a single planed roof that's flat but will slope down at an angle. This angle will be shallower than your main roof. Shed dormers are popular with gable roofs, and if you decide to have one, you'll need different types of roof sheeting to the one your main roof has.
A gable fronted dormer has a gable wall extension which goes up to the existing ridge line, and then there's a new roof section that is built outwards towards the new gable end. The final dormer is the hipped roof and this is another attractive type of dormer conversion which consists of three sloping planes which will converge at the ridge of the dormer.
The Advantages and Disadvantages of a Dormer Loft Conversion
Dormer loft conversions, as you will have already seen, offer terrific value for money and as well as offering you more space, it makes your house look an attractive option for would be buyers if you're thinking of selling in the future. Dormer loft conversions offer lots of space, straight walls and flat ceilings, and not all of them are expensive. It will give you plenty of light and lots of ventilation and provides all the space you'll need. Regardless of what type of house you have, whether it's terraced or semi detached, there'll be a dormer conversion to suit.
However, a flat roofed loft conversion provided by a dormer style may not be to everyone's tastes as they don't always look as attractive, however they are much cheaper than a gable fronted or hipped roof dormer.
Planning Permission and Building Regulations
You'll find that most of the time, a dormer loft conversion will fall under, what's known as, 'permitted development,' which means that you do not need to seek planning permission.
There will be circumstances where planning permission is needed, however it's best to speak to your builder, an architect or your local planning department, who will be more than happy to help.
You will need approval however, from the Building Regulations and this applies irrespective of whether or not you need planning permission. They'll need to be certain that the structure is safe, stable, that there's sufficient insulation, and that you've created easy exits should there be an emergency.
JG Joiners & Builders For Dormer Loft Conversions
If you've made your mind up that you definitely want a dormer loft conversion then why not get in touch with us here at JG Joiners & Builders and we'll be more than happy to talk it through with you. Think of all that extra space and the value you'll be adding to your property, it'll definitely be worth it.
