Loft Conversions- D is for dormer.
Dormers are very common when a loft conversions is built. A dormer is normally built without the need for planning permission as it is usually a permitted development.
The best thing about dormers is that you are gaining extra living space for free, that is you are not having to pay for the extra airspace that you are claiming into your loft conversion. The other advantage is that you are not having to give up any valuable garden space for this extension, that could be used for a variety of different uses.
The above dormer is a flat roof dormer and a hip to gable conversion. The rear roof is extended horizontally from the ridge and the side hip roof is converted to a gable. The volume increase in the roof structure was around 25 metres cubed. This is well within the required 50 cubic meterage for permitted development. This loft conversion created two bedrooms and a bathroom.
A dormer is a major roof conversions and requires expert planning. It is paramount that permitted development guidelines are followed otherwise the local planning department has the legitimate powers to remove the dormer. These includes the size of the dormer and the position of the dormer base from the eaves. Flat roof dormers are the most common type of dormers as the create the most added room to your loft space.
You can see from this internal view the amount of room created by a flat roof dormer. The bigger your house foot print and the higher the ridge height, the bigger your loft conversion.
The other most common type of dormer is the pitched roof dormer, these are required in certain areas like conservation or listed buildings. They are also preferred by some as they are less imposing.
This dormer is a pitched roof dormer with Juliet balcony, this does not normally require planning permission. These dormers look great but do not provide the same internal roof size.
This dormer looks great as the existing rear stair window is continued into the dormer window maintaining the symmetry of the rear windows.
Touchstone lofts can provide you a choice of dormer designs to suit your individual tastes. Whatever your needs, space or designs and asthetics, we can provide the best design to make the loft conversion of your dreams.
Loft conversions London, Loft conversions north London.
