Contemporary Dormer Windows for Home Extensions and Conversions

Dormer windows are a fantastic way to add natural light and character to your home, and they're particularly well-suited for home extensions and conversions.

Dormer windows can be installed on any type of roof, including pitched, flat, and even curved roofs. They're a versatile solution for homeowners looking to brighten up their space.

A well-designed dormer window can increase the value of your home by up to 10%, making it a worthwhile investment for homeowners looking to sell or rent out their property.

In terms of style, dormer windows come in a wide range of designs, from simple and modern to ornate and traditional.

You can use the space for a cozy reading nook or a small workspace, or simply as a beautiful decorative element. The possibilities for your dormer window interior are endless.

Dormer windows can be a stunning focal point that reflects your personal style. Let your creativity flourish and create a space that you’ll truly enjoy!

Built-in seating, floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, or a sleek desk can maximize the space. Don’t forget about the window treatments – sheer curtains or bold patterned drapes can make a statement.

Arched dormer windows or clean contemporary designs can make your home more attractive. Our article will inspire you to transform your dormer windows into stunning architectural features.

Dormer windows offer several benefits, including increased natural light, improved ventilation, and aesthetic appeal. They can be utilized in various parts of a building, such as bedrooms, bathrooms, home offices, living rooms, and even garages.

Roof and glazing options for dormer extensions are not limited to standard concrete tiles and uPVC glazing. Hiring an architect can open up a world of design possibilities.

Consider the wider context of the site when designing the glazing elements. If your home backs onto an open view, a large picture window or Juliet balcony can frame the view beautifully.

Installing blinds or curtains with a recessed track can control privacy and preserve the view when the curtains or blinds are drawn. A blind or curtain can be a great way to balance functionality with aesthetics.

Loft glazing can be difficult to clean and maintain due to its height, so consider installing reversible opening windows and rooflights for safe cleaning from the inside. Fixed glazing should only be considered where good external access can be provided.

Dark grey Eternit concrete tiles can be a good choice for converting a Victorian or Edwardian roof space, especially if natural slate is too expensive.

A flat roof dormer window is a great way to add some extra space and natural light to your home. This type of dormer window has a flat roof jutting out from the sloped red gabled roof, as we see in example 11.

Flat roofs can be a bit tricky to design for, but they can also be very stylish and modern. The example of a flat roof dormer window shows how it can be incorporated into a traditional gabled roof design.

In example 11, we see that the flat roof of the dormer window is a simple and clean design that doesn't obstruct the view.

For a roof that's both functional and aesthetically pleasing, consider using Low-E glass. This type of glass reduces heat transfer and minimizes energy loss.

Tinted glass is another option to consider, as it can block out UV rays and reduce glare. It's perfect for rooms that receive direct sunlight.

Laminated glass is a great choice for safety reasons, as it holds shattered glass together in the event of an impact. This type of glass is often used in skylights and glass doors.

Tempered glass is also a popular choice for its strength and durability. It's often used in glass railings and glass walls.

Safety glass is a must-have for some areas, like bathrooms and kitchens, where water and heat are present. It's designed to withstand thermal stress and prevent shattering.

You don't have to stick to standard plain concrete tiles and uPVC glazing for your dormer extension. Hiring an architect opens up a world of design possibilities.

Consider the wider context of the site when designing the glazing elements. If your home backs onto an open view, a large picture window or Juliet balcony can frame the view beautifully.

A blind or curtain with a recessed track hidden away in the ceiling will allow you to control privacy and preserve the view when the curtains or blinds are drawn.

In urban areas where houses closely back onto each other, it's best to minimise the amount of glazing at the rear to ensure good levels of privacy. Installing larger rooflights can offset any reduction in natural light.

Loft glazing can be a bit of a maintenance headache, especially when it's hard to reach from ground level. Installing reversible opening windows and rooflights allows safe cleaning from the inside.

Fixed glazing should only be considered where good external access can be provided, as it can be difficult to clean and maintain.

Heat reflective glass can help keep your loft cool in the summer. Minimising the amount of south-facing glazing will also reduce solar gain.

Installing blinds, and even external shading devices, can help keep the heat out and inside temperatures cool. Opening windows in the loft and floors below at night will create a stack effect and help expel hot air rising through the building.

A good quality roof tile is always a safe bet for external materials. Dark grey Eternit concrete tiles can be a good option for converting a Victorian or Edwardian roof space, especially if natural slate is too expensive.

Metal sheet cladding, timber, or fibre cement board can give a more contemporary appearance. All three materials can be specified to match the colouration of your existing roof materials, which is a requirement if you're building under permitted development.

The cost of installing dormer windows can vary significantly depending on several factors. The type of window, whether it's a gable, shed, or hip dormer, influences the cost.

The cost of the glass used in the dormer window also plays a crucial role in determining the overall cost. Quality glass, such as tempered, insulated, or laminated, can increase the cost.

Installation complexity is another factor that can elevate the cost of a dormer window. The roof structure and design intricacies can make the installation complex, leading to higher costs.

To give you a better idea, here are some estimated costs for dormer loft conversions:

Additionally, you'll need to consider professional fees and statutory approvals, which can add up quickly. A measured building survey can cost from £700, while architect fees can start from £2,000 plus VAT.

Conversion Costs can be a significant part of a dormer loft conversion project. The cost of a full width, flat roof dormer loft conversion can start from around £35,000 plus VAT.

Professional fees and statutory approvals can add to the overall cost. A measured building survey will cost from £700, while architect fees can start from £2,000 plus VAT for design work, planning advice, and submitting a planning application.

The cost of a dormer loft conversion can vary depending on the design complexity and specification. A full width mansard style dormer extension can cost around £45,000, while an L-shaped version can cost up to £65,000.

Adding an ensuite bathroom can increase the cost by £5,000-£7,000 if built to a simple specification. L-shaped dormers to terraced housing can start from around £50,000.

If you require planning permission, application fees can range from £206 in England to £300 in Scotland. Building control fees can cost around £700 plus VAT, payable to the local authority or a government-approved private building control company.

Here's a rough guide to the costs involved in a dormer loft conversion:

If you're planning to build a roof dormer under permitted development, you'll need to know the size limits. Up to 40 cubic metres of additional roof volume is allowed for a terraced house.

The height of the dormer must not exceed the existing ridge height of the house. This is a crucial consideration to avoid any potential issues.

For semi-detached or detached houses, the allowed additional roof volume is 50 cubic metres. This is a significant difference from the terraced house limit.

The rear wall of the dormer must be inset 0.2 metres for the roof eaves. This will help maintain the overall aesthetic of the house.

Proposed materials for the dormer must be similar in appearance to the existing house. This will ensure a seamless integration with the rest of the building.