Loft Conversion Dormers
There are a few types of dormer windows you can have in your Loft conversion.
A dormer window will increase headroom in your Loft. The flat roof dormer is the most common dormer and will give you the greatest room as shown in the pic below.
A pitched roof dormer or commonly known “dog kennel dormer” look attractive and are the preferred design in conservation areas.
A mansard dormer, very common in London, provide a very large roof extension.
Dormers are commonly tile hung, the tiles are matched to your existing roof. Dormers can also be leaded, or covered in Zinc which look very attractive.
How long will a Loft Conversion take
Depending on the complexity of your Loft conversion, the project will take from 4 to 8 weeks for completion.
The first process is the erection of the scaffold, this will ensure all the work and materials go in to the roof and not your front door.
The floor structure is built first, followed by the internal walls.
If a dormer is included, this it built next. Once the insulation has been started, the loft floor slot for staircase is cut ready for the stairs. The electrical and plumbing first fixes are done.
The loft team leave to be followed by a plastering team. The final fixing for your Loft conversion is the last stage before completion.
Loft Conversions – A Cost Effective Solution?
In this current economic climate the limited number of houses on the market is holding prices but moving house is not easy for a number of reasons.
There are a number of reasons why house prices will not rise this year-
-Learn from history, there have never been a immediate recovery as in previous slumps, prices may blip up but may also go down
-Oil price remains high and will be higher as a recovery sets in
-The level of house sales remains very very low
-Quantitive easing is coming to an end, this keep the economy artificially buoyant
-Interest rated will go up, so mortgage payments will go up
-Inflation will rise, already showing some signs of rising last month
-As public sector borrowing rises, the government was even forced to borrow money in the lucrative January month, when the government is usually swimming in money
-Public sector job cuts, these job cuts are everywhere
-Downward pressure on wages due to cheap labour abroad either from our European cousins coming to work or outsourcing to reduce costs, e.g. India.
If you don’t want to go buy a bigger house, try a Loft Conversion for that extra room. Need more convincing – see our “Wise to Invest” page
Loft conversion Planning
Planning permission for buildings consent was introduced in 1947, prior to then planning was not required.
generally do not require planning provided that the building in not in a conservation area and is not listed.
Rear and side dormers do not require planning, but front dormers, or those forming front elevations require planning.
Full details about your loft conversion are available from our fully trained consultants who can offer you a free feasibility study
Loft Conversions and plumbing
Loft Conversions involve some serious re-thinking on your homes plumbing. Not only if you are considering an En-Suite Conversion.
It’s likely your loft is full of tanks, especially large tanks in newer trussed lofts.
The tanks are there to provide pressure for your hot water and heating in your home. The problem is that they are not really desirable in your new loft conversion. They need to be gone altogether. The good news is that there are solutions to overcome this. If you are serious about a loft conversion, make sure you talk to us before you make any rash decisions, like replacing your boiler. Most Plumbers don’t understand the impact on plumbing when your loft conversion is involved and will simply replace your boiler without considering the whole system in your home. We make sure we consider the whole system-plumbing and heating.
A Loft conversion will reduce your energy costs
The process of a Loft conversion will add significant amount of insulation to your home.
The insulation added to your loft floor and to the loft roof will be like putting a thermal hat on your house.
All our customers have agreed, when asked if their house is warmer after a loft conversion.
The insulation we use has many qualities apart from heat retention. The floor insulation is a good soundproofing which means your loft room is well sound proofed.
The insulation in the loft walls will reflect heat from the sun in the summer months, thus preventing overheating in the loft.
Value Added : Loft Conversions
LOFT conversion makes real sense. Nationwide, Halifax, RICS stated that house prices could stay flat despite the recent rises, adding to growing fears of a continued downward spiral in the property market. As a result many homeowners are considering home improvement, extension or loft conversion which will make an even bigger difference if you are looking to sell in 2012/2013.
The article link attached gives a good summary on why one should consider a loft conversion.
Any questions, please contact us
Loft Conversions without planning permission
Planning permission is rarely required for a loft conversion, even if you want a rear dormer, new permitted development changes in 2007 allows most loft conversions to proceed without any Planning requirements.
Oxford Loft conversions
Oxford has some of the highest property prices in the UK. With prices so high, Loft conversions are very popular. A loft conversion can add significant value to your home without the need to move house.
Repossessions at all time high
Repossessions are at an all time high, 46,000 people had there home repossessed in 2009. These are the highest figures since 1995. A Loft conversion will add significant value to your home and provide you with the additional room you require without the need to sell your home in this very difficult housing market.