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DORMER CONVERSION
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Dormer Conversion
A Dormer loft conversion is one of the most popular, this is an extension to the existing roof area of your home allowing for additional floor space and headroom in the loft to perhaps incorporate a bedroom(s), bathroom, and or an office workspace.
A Dormer conversion, likened to a box shaped structure built into the original pitched roof of your property, therefore creating a generous size room, giving you plenty of headroom with ample internal dimensions. With a flat rather than sloped roof, the main dormer windows face directly outwards letting in plenty of natural light whilst boasting great views.
In attics with limited space or head height a dormer conversion will provide additional space that can make a conversion easier. Internally a dormer will have a horizontal ceiling and vertical walls compared to the normal diagonal sides of a conventional loft, thus restricting its use. Spaces of up to 50 cubic meters can be obtained as new living area under permitted development rights.
Different types of Dormer conversions
Flat Roof Dormer conversions are typically built at the rear of your home, with front-facing examples sometimes seen in older properties. These types of conversions have flat, horizontal roofs offering great internal spaces.
Side Dormer conversions are built into the side-facing roof slope of your property. These are typically used where the roof ridge runs from the front to the back of your home.
Front Pitched Dormer conversions, sometimes referred to as Gable Dormers, are generally smaller examples topped with a mini gable pitched roof. These conversions, if designed with respect to the original character of the property can really fit in well. Typically, these Dormers need planning permission as they are facing the front of your home.
How high does my loft area need to be for a conversion?
A loft conversion requires there to be approximately at least 2.2 meters in height from the top of the floor joists to the bottom of the ridge board. If not, your property might be eligible for several different types of loft conversion. Depending on the property’s structure, we could lower your existing ceiling joists to enable sufficient height required to construct a loft conversion.
WILL MY HOME SUITABLE FOR A DORMER CONVERSION AND WILL IT BE A WORTHWHILE INVESTMENT?
One thing we pride ourselves on at Loft Care is providing sound, professional and experienced advice. There are lots of things to consider when looking at converting your loft space. We are happy to visit, and advise, and can include our architects in any preliminary visits to steer you on the best style of conversion for your home. Typically, most homes, whether terraced, semi-detached or detached all have pitched roofs which would be ideal for a Dormer conversion.
Dormer conversions add a significant amount of additional living area, whether for a bedroom(s) / bathroom or office space. Usually, with sloped walls, Dormers create a traditionally shaped interior with horizontal ceilings and vertical walls. Not forgetting the increase in square footage, this kind of conversion allows a full-size staircase to flow upwards from your existing stairwell. It must also be noted that by adding a loft conversion there is real potential of increasing your property’s value.
DO I NEED PLANNING PERMISSION FOR MY LOFT CONVERSION?
Planning laws changed in 2008, meaning most loft conversions could be possible without the need for planning permission thus making the process a lot simpler for many homeowners.
This law change means that homeowners can extend their roof space by adding 50 cubic meters for a detached or semi-detached property and by 40 meters for a terraced house. This is called the permitted development allowance. However, there are several exceptions to the permitted development allowance rule, namely, flats and maisonettes will always need planning permission. If the property is located or listed within a conservation area, or if the roof height is being increased then these will require full planning permission and meet the policy design guidelines of your local council.
Using Velux Windows
Blackout blinds are also available on Velux windows, whether you’re using them for bedrooms or bathrooms this option provides you with additional privacy required in those areas. When the summer months do eventually arrive in this country, this option can stop your highly insulated room from becoming too warm.
Further factors that increase this type of conversion cost are the required work needed for the shared party wall agreement.
LOFT CONVERSION
Loft Care can provide a complete design and planning service package, ensuring you maximize your loft space at your property, whilst working to a budget and taking into consideration the latest building regulations and strict planning guidelines from your local authority.
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PROCESS
If you are considering getting a loft conversion constructed at your property, and are interested in finding out the process, let us take you through step-by-step as to what the typical loft conversion schedule looks like, so you can get an insight as to what to expect.
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DESIGN & PLANNING
Depending on which tailored service you decide to use our architects and structural surveyors will attend your property to complete a full site survey for building regulation drawings that you will require to fully understand the layout and potential your property has.
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CONSIDERATIONS
Your existing roof is designed to keep out the elements and is used for internal storage. Following a loft conversion, your roof will have to cope with significant loadings, for example, new RSJ supports, a new floor structure, and some form of Dormer or Hip to Gable conversion style. Roofs can generally be divided into two types.
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FAQ
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. How high does my loft area need to be for a conversion?
A loft conversion requires there to be approximately at least 2.2 meters in height from the top of the floor joists to the bottom of the ridge board. If not, your property might be eligible for several different types of loft conversion. Depending on the property’s structure, we could lower your existing ceiling joists to enable sufficient height required to construct a loft conversion.
2. Do I need planning permission for my loft conversion?
Planning laws changed in 2008, meaning most loft conversions could be possible without the need for planning permission thus making the process a lot simpler for many homeowners.
This law change means that homeowners can extend their roof space by adding a dormer or hip-to-gable conversion by 50 cubic meters for a detached or semi-detached property and by 40 meters for a terraced house. This is called the permitted development allowance. However, there are several exceptions to the permitted development allowance rule, namely, flats and maisonettes will always need planning permission. If the property is located or listed within a conservation area, or if the roof height is being increased then these will require full planning permission and meet the policy design guidelines of your local council.
3. What is building control?
The building control office located within a local authority is in place to ensure any building work undertaken conforms to building regulations, this includes, design, construction methods, and approved materials.
Internal loft alterations (even non-structural ones) may affect fire safety, so prudent to contact the local authority.
4. If we are required to submit a full planning application, how long will it take for a decision?
Normally the council will advise of their decision within eight weeks.
5. What if my neighbours object?
6. What is a party wall agreement, and will I need one?
A party wall is an existing wall or structure shared with an adjoining property, for example, the wall between two terrace houses. As most loft conversions may affect the structure of a party wall you will need to notify all adjoining neighbours. Typical works:
- Changing the height of a party wall.
- Breaking into a wall to insert a structural beam.
- Underpinning a party wall where needed.
The above is covered by the Party Wall etc. Act 1996
7. What is a party wall agreement, and will I need one?
A party wall is an existing wall or structure shared with an adjoining property, for example, the wall between two terrace houses. As most loft conversions may affect the structure of a party wall you will need to notify all adjoining neighbours. Typical works:
- Changing the height of a party wall.
- Breaking into a wall to insert a structural beam.
- Underpinning a party wall where needed.
The above is covered by the Party Wall etc. Act 1996
8. How do I serve a party wall agreement?
Next steps - give notice in writing to all owners of when you plan to do it, and how it will impact them. Served at least two months before the work on the party wall is due to start. Your neighbour may agree to work starting earlier but is not obliged to, they have 14 days to respond. Any agreement from other owners must be gained in writing.
If agreement on the work is not reached, an "agreed surveyor" can be appointed to draw up an "award". This award will typically set out the work to be done, how and when it will be carried out, and will include a report on the existing condition of the adjoining property. These costs are typically covered by the owner of the property converting their loft.
9. Is there disruption when constructing a loft conversion?
Throughout any building works there will always be some sort of disruption. With the process of converting a loft, most of these works (85/90%) are carried out in the loft area, therefore minimizing the risk of disorder. The only time you will potentially experience any disruption will be when the team breakthrough your existing ceiling for the new staircase to service the new loft area, this will be no longer than 2 days.
10. Health and Safety & Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM 2015)
At Loft Care, we are continuously committed to ensuring the health & safety along with the welfare of our employees, contractors, clients, and the public. We are fully aware of our legal duties under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.
Separately, we ensure the implementation of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM 2015) in the domestic construction sector, guaranteeing these duties are passed on to the contractor.
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