How To Plasterboard Around A Window

Guide to Dormer Window Design

Inserting a dormer window into the gradient of the roof could be the all-time way to maximise infinite in your home, but it's got to look good outside. Emily Smith investigates the options

What type of dormer window should I apply?

Deciding what style of dormer is right for your projection will largely depend on the outside advent of your home.

The trick is to be consistent, both with shape and materials – for instance, if you lot've got gable ends on your property then go with a gable dormer.

Read more than: xv ways to add together value & kerb entreatment

Some other thing to annotation is the pitch of the chief roof – flat-topped dormers tend to work best on shallow coverings because they don't need every bit much meridian as some other designs, for case.

Diagram showing types of dormer window

While dormer windows at the front end of the house volition need formal planning permission, rear additions normally fall under permitted development (PD) rights. Only remember that rules change depending on where you alive, so it's always advisable to seek guidance from your local authorization.

Read more than: Fourth dimension is running out on permitted development rights

There are also regulations about how much space tin be added inside the house – 40m3 for terrace backdrop and 50m3 for a semi or detached house.

Most dormers will fit into these brackets, simply you may need to re-retrieve if yous're planning to add a full-width style.

Browse the gallery for more dormer window designs:

An Skilful View

Architect Kieran Gaffney from Konishi Gaffney answers your questions well-nigh dormers:

How tin I determine what size dormer is right for my firm?

These windows jut out of the roof shape to create more headroom, but the bigger they get, the uglier they tend to look – the trick is to make sure they do the job while looking aesthetically pleasing exterior. Details like this need some expert input, so work with an architect to get it right.

Try to go along dormers small and sparse and be consistent with way – stick to a sleek advent if the business firm is gimmicky and use proper traditional details to remain in keeping with a menstruum look. It'south all-time to avoid using too many materials, and so go on it simple.

This cottage-mode dormer provides a low-cal source and actress headroom

How much headroom can a dormer window bring to a loft conversion?

Often more than yous think. Modern box dormers can add together lots of room and look wonderful inside, but tin sometimes await out of place externally.

The size required actually depends on the meridian of the roof. If you're converting a loft that has a very depression ceiling then you'll need a bigger dormer, but go smaller if you lot take a deep pitch and can stand up easily inside.

Read more: 6 vital considerations for your loft conversion

Exist enlightened that traditionally congenital roofs are oft cocky-supporting, so you may need to bring in additional structural support (usually a ridge beam). Your structural engineer and architect volition exist able to offer advice on what'south needed.

Information technology is possible to bring a contemporary twist to a dormer window?

Quirky designs can work, only it depends on the roof shape and space needed inside. Consider extending the glass effectually the edges into the haffitt (the triangular sides) for more views out and daylight in.

Sometimes it works to break the rules by putting a modern-looking style into a menstruum property – we did this on the house pictured below left – only information technology's harder to become this correct.

When might a dormer window be more suitable than calculation another full floor on a new build?

While a complete storey is oftentimes preferable, there may be reasons why you're limited. You lot could confront planning restrictions on how tall your house tin be, for example.

Some planners also take limitations on how big the dormer can be, so information technology'southward always worth talking to your local authority prior to submitting an application for something similar this.

The positive matter about putting a dormer window into a new property is that it's easier to go far feel well-integrated into the design than if you lot're retrofitting.

Ensuite in Dormer Loft Conversion

When Gary and Linda wanted to provide plenty room for an elderly relative to move in, they were keen to maximise the potential for extra habitable space in their home's loft.

The idea was to transform the unused cranium into a big new bedroom suite for their teenage daughter, freeing up infinite downstairs for the extra family member.

The couple received planning permission for the scheme, but waited a twelvemonth and a one-half before starting works in social club to go finances in place.

read their story

What rules and regulations are in that location for dormer windows?

While you lot can use most any window, remember that information technology's more exposed to the elements because it's positioned high. Think about protection against driving rain; setting the structure slightly dorsum from the edifice edge or incorporating an overhang are good solutions.

You'll also need to make sure it's safe – there are guidelines to ensure nobody can fall out of loftier windows, so you might need a barrier of some sort.

Also, you'll probably need to show that the glass can be cleaned without someone leaning out and risking their safety. That could hateful having the unit opening inwards or demonstrating at that place'due south a rubber mode of cleaning information technology.

Image (top): Gabled dormer window from an affordable straw bale eco home

Source: https://www.self-build.co.uk/guide-dormer-window-design/

Posted by: merrywasee1983.blogspot.com

Share this post