DORMER LOFT CONVERSIONS

There are a number of styles of dormer conversions that can utilise your space in different ways. A dormer conversion is where the existing roof slope is removed and built up vertically to create more head height and transform your slanted attic space into a usable room. It is one of the most popular styles in the UK due to its versatility and because it doesn’t usually need planning permission:

Rear Dormer

A hugely popular option, the rear dormer conversion is constructed by removing the rear roof slope. They can be built up in two ways; either directly from the rear wall of the house or stepped in slightly if the conversion needs to adhere to specific local council regulations. We can always provide you with the details of your local regulations during your free consultation.

Side Dormer

Much the same style and shape as the rear dormer but positioned on the side of the house. Just like the rear style they can be built up directly from the side wall or stepped in to comply with local council regulations.

L-Shape Dormer

This is a more complex dormer structure where two dormers are built and connected together in an L-shaped formation. It is typical to build one dormer on the main roof while the other is built on the rear roof to create the distinctive shape. This style of conversion is usually suited to Edwardian and Victorian houses and are a really good option for extending these types of properties.

Pitched Dormer

Though this style can be designed to suit all houses, it is a popular option when looking to create more space in a bungalow or hipped roof as it allows you to generate a lot more space in the loft. The pitched dormer style installs individual windows to create a pleasing aesthetic on a smaller house and creates a lot more natural light.

MANSARD

One of the most popular choices in terms of aesthetics, the Mansard loft conversion, named after the 17th century French architect, Francois Mansard, alters the structure of a sloping roof converting it to a sloped angle of 72 degrees. These types of conversions are most commonly built at the rear of a property. If other houses in the area have front facing ones, there is also an option to apply for permission with your local council for the same. In nearly all cases planning permission is required for this style of loft conversion.

VELUX/SKYLIGHT

This is one of the simplest loft conversions to build as well as the most cost-efficient. This is due to the fact that the roof remains unaltered in the conversion. If you find you already have plentiful head height in your attic, then you may not need to extend the height and simply installing skylight windows will be enough to create natural light and open up the space to convert into a usable room. It is more restrictive in terms of how you can utilise the space inside, so if you do find that sloping ceilings are causing an issue to your floorspace design plans then it may not be suitable for you.

There are a number of innovative designs to make the most of the inside space on this type of conversion so if you are on a budget make sure you avail of a free consultation so we can advise you and show you examples of other successful loft conversions in this style. Planning permission is not required.

PIGGYBACK

This is achieved by removing the entirety of the existing roof and raising the perimeter of the current walls. A new pitched roof is then built on these raised walls to create full head height and maximise usable living space. Planning permission is required for this type of loft conversion due to the extending and altering of the roof space.

HIP TO GABLE

This is a conversion that is popular for detached and semi-detached homes that have a hip roof. This means building the bottom of the sloping roof up vertically and replacing the sloping roof with a vertical “gable” wall. This creates much more space in your attic area that can be converted into a fully usable room. Planning permission may be required depending on your local council.

Our team are on hand to help you design and plan your loft conversion. We are experienced and respected project managers who can do everything from helping you with your initial concept through to the full renovation works, decoration and completion of your conversion. If you would like to book a free, no obligation consultation please don’t hesitate to contact one of the team to make your loft conversion dreams come true.