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Is a Side Dormer Right for your Loft Conversion?

Dormer windows are a great way of gaining head height and extra space within a loft conversion. More often than not, a dormer window is sited at the back or front of houses in Chingford. Occasionally, however, they suit the side of a property. Loft conversions in Chingford houses can benefit from a side dormer, so have you considered one for your home?


Will a Side Dormer work for my Property?


Side dormers are a great option for properties which have a hipped roof rather than a flat gable end. They can be built with either a flat or a pitched roof, although the decision on which type of roof normally comes down to the height of the loft conversion. If your property has a side facing slope, it can be a great way of utilising space and gaining extra head height.


All dormer windows need to be built to be in-keeping with the local surroundings, not only to make the most of the look and feel of your property, but also to keep the local planning authority happy.


As with all loft conversions, you will need to check with your local authority whether planning permission is required for your side dormer, and whether there are any design stipulations or other restrictions that you will need to bear in mind. For example, if your side dormer faces a public highway or overlooks a neighbour’s garden, you may need to install the likes of obscure windows.

Can I have two Dormers?


Sometimes it’s possible to have two dormers built as part of a loft conversion, which will really maximise the space in your loft. This can work particularly well if you have one dormer to the front or rear of the property, and one to the side. It’s important to work with a specialist loft conversion company and architect, however, to ensure that your loft conversion does not end up looking top heavy.


Side Dormer or a Hip to Gable?


An alternative to a side dormer is a hip to gable loft conversion. For properties with a sloping side roof, creating a hip to gable conversion essentially means that the gable end is ‘flattened’ by having a wall built from the original second story ceiling straight up to the meet the roof line.


Some people opt for a hip to gable as they feel that a side dormer is not necessarily in keeping with the rest of their property. All companies specialising in loft conversions will advise you of the pros and cons of both options and may be able to draw up plans to show you how both will look, to enable you to make your decision.


If you’re interested in a side dormer window for your house in Chingford, get in contact with Bespoke Lofts. As experienced contractors of loft conversions across Chingford and Greater London, we are happy to talk you through all of your options for the side of your property.

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