Out of the six main types of loft conversion, the most popular type of conversion is the rear dormer. Characterised by the vertical rear wall, which is typically sloped on mansard loft conversions, this type of loft conversion offers many benefits and is suitable for a range of properties. Simply Loft have completed hundreds, if not thousands of this type of loft conversion, as the leading loft conversion specialists of London and the West Midlands.
The rear dormer loft conversion can add up to 50 cubic metres of space to your home, providing ample head height and space for more than one room. This type of conversion is sympathetic to the shape of your loft and home, as it can be adapted to fit L-shaped properties and complex loft conversions. Typically, a rear dormer loft conversion does not need planning permission and will most often fit within permitted development restrictions. If you are wanting a simple, short design process for your conversion, this can save waiting eight weeks for planning approval from your local council.
For a rear dormer loft conversion, the majority of the building work can be completed from scaffolding outside of the property, with minimal disruption on the inside of the home. The construction phase of a dormer conversion can take between 8-10 weeks to complete, but this phase cannot begin before you have the necessary Party Wall Agreements with your neighbours. You will also need to have the architectural plans for your project, which have been translated into building regulations by a structural engineer.
There are several different types of rear dormer roof types that you can choose for your loft conversion project. The flat roof dormer is most common, with a flat roof that allows you to have roof lights or an eco-roof. You can choose a shed roof, which is sloped and can be better suited for homes with a gable roof. A hipped roof dormer is where all three sides slope downwards, creating the least amount of usable headspace, but can be seen as the most aesthetically pleasing roof type. To have a rear dormer loft conversion, your loft will need to have a minimum of 2.3m of height which can sometimes be achieved by lowering the ceiling of the floor below if your loft is slightly smaller.
The price of a rear dormer loft conversion varies depending on location and size of your property. You can expect your loft conversion to cost from £38,000 to £50,000 including VAT for a rear dormer, but we always advise budgeting an extra 10% for any last-minute design changes you may make. The exact cost of your project will depend on the type of glazing, number of rooms and fittings for your conversion. You will receive a free detailed quote from your surveyor following a free site survey of your home.
To arrange your free home site survey, call the Simply Loft team on 0800 917 7571 and we will be able to book you in to start the quotation process for your rear dormer loft conversion!
