Dormer Loft Conversions

Introduction

dormer loft conversion A dormer is an extension to the existing roof, allowing for additional floor space and headroom within the loft conversion. Dormers protrude from the roof slope, normally at the rear of the property and can be built in a variety of styles. Internally, a dormer will have a horizontal ceiling and vertical walls compared to the normal diagonal sides of a conversion. In lofts that have limited space or headroom a dormer will provide additional space that can make a conversion feasible.

Flat roof dorners tend to give the maximum amount of additional internal space although they do not look as attractive from outside the property. Gable fronted and hipped roof dormers look much more atractive but they often do not give as much internal space and will cost more to build due the extra complexity.

There are different types of dormer:

  • Gable fronted dormer - these are sometimes called a dog house dormer
  • Hipped roof dormer - a dormer with a hipped roof
  • Flat roof dormer - you guessed it - it has a flat roof!
  • Shed dormer - a single planed roof that is pitched at a shallower abgle to the main roof


Planning permission for dormers

You will need to be aware that in some areas you may not be allowed to have dormers in your loft conversion. You will need to check with your local planning department to get the rules for your area. Some planners will only allow dormers at the front of the property (so that next doors back garden is not overlooked), while others will only allow them at the rear so that the view from the street does not change. If your builder has worked in your area before he will probably be able to give an indication as to what may be allowed.