Dormer Loft Conversions – All you need to know

Many people will have come across the term “dormer” when looking into loft conversions, but if you’ve never had a conversion before then it’s unlikely that you’ll have come across such a construction. It’s long been popular for homes of all ages and sizes, so if you’re considering having a conversion for your home then it’s worth investigating what a dormer loft conversion can offer.

In this article, we’ll explain to you exactly what a dormer conversion involves and how it can benefit you, whether you’re seeking to increase the value of your property or simply looking to create more space in your home.

Firstly, a dormer can be created from any side of your roof – front, back or side – as it involves building outwards from the existing roof slope. While a standard conversion can be performed on the inside, some people find that they need more headspace as well as more light for their room. With this in mind, it’s easy to see why the dormer is so popular.

A dormer projecting from the roof of a home can be flat roofed or it can have pitched roof, depending on preference and size. A flat dormer might not look as nice as a sloping one, but you’ll get more headroom so it simply depends how big a factor the need for space plays in your plans.

When it comes to planning permission – something which puts many people off having a conversion – a dormer can often fall under the permitted developments for a property. This change in the law was introduced to make it easy to carry out a conversion on your home without all the hassle. Of course, if you intend to make large alterations then you could need permission from your local authorities so it’s best to check first.

There are many benefits to a dormer conversion, whether you have a flat, shed, hip or gable conversion, here are just a few:

• Extra headroom means that you can make the most of all your floorspace
• A dormer lends itself to any kind of room whether it’s a bedroom or an office
• Better ventilation for the very top of your home with a dormer will help to avoid mould and damp
• They’re suitable for almost any style of home
• A dormer conversion can be cheaper than a ground floor extension
• You don’t have to ruin your garden or driveway to get more space if you choose a dormer conversion
• With more light coming into the room through a dormer you will be able to get much more use out of the space than you once did

If you’d like to learn more about dormer conversions and how they can benefit your home, then contact us at AKB Loft Conversions today. We’ll be happy to discuss your requirements and advise you on the best type of conversion for your home.