Loft conversion advice

[newbestfriend]

Folks,

I am seeking some advice. We are looking to get a loft conversion on our Victorian semi and have been looking at the LShape Dormer option. What i have been shown by a number of loft companies is brilliant in terms of the space it provides but I really don't like the way it looks from the outside/looking at it from the garden - a tiled box stuck on the top of the roof.

i realise that these designs are everywhere (and sorry if I am offending anyone with an LShape dormer) and very reasonably priced but wonder if anyone knows an alternative way of extending to get the same space which doesn't involve the ugly box stuck on the back? Does building upwards in brick need planning permission for instance? Is that why the LShape dormer/box on the back is now so commonplace - because everything else needs planning permission.

also if any one has a picture of a pretty L shape dormer (ie exterior image) I would really love to see it because I just can't find anything.

With kind regards

[northlondoner]

Just a question rather than an answer I'm afraid ....

What price range are you being quoted ?

[newbestfriend]

Around ?45k including vat

[northlondoner]

Ok thanks NBF. Good luck with it all

[Nick B]

Hi, we just had a dormer added (the tile type you don't particulary like) but we were given the option to do it in brick. I can't remember the exact extra cost, but think it was around ?3k.

We used Loftlife for the work and they were excellent, so maybe give them a call and discuss the look you are after.

[Jeremy]

Were you concerned that brick construction would have been too heavy for the foundations? There's also the problem of matching the existing bricks.

[Nick B]

Was not concerned about the weight, just what the final look would be. As you mention, matching the bricks exactly would be tough, and also you would be left with a very big "wall" on the main length of the property as you are restricted to the amount/type of windows you can use. Thought the tile effect split this up a bit.

I agree with the original post, that they are not the most beautiful looking thing in the world, but the additional internal space has more than made up for that.

[nictao]

Hi there,

Given the limited constraints for designing a loft or roof extension it is natural to plonk a box on the rear, full width and height up to ridge line.

Typically constructed from a timber frame to keep weight down (Victorian properties tend to have either no foundations or shallow step), plus it keeps construction times down and costs.

From an aesthetic point, you could clad the extension in timber as opposed to tiles, which would give you a very different look, could also go for a different roof covering for the flat part of the dormer, such as zinc. All changes the look and feel of the extension.

Hope this helps?

Nic

[newbestfriend]

Nic and Nick B thanks so much for your replies. So so helpful. I will enquire with companies on the brick option and on timber clad/zinc top options too. With many thanks

[Dun]

I've been looking at lofts as have the same concerns and here are two photos I took in Ruskin Park which I thought were better then the average lofts. Dont know who did them tho.

[Dun]

and here is the second one