Natural light is one of the most important factors when designing a new home or performing a renovation. Much research has been carried out investigating its positive effects on the human body and mind. In addition to this, it makes our homes brighter and increases the idea of open space. By incorporating loft conversion windows, you can enhance the overall aesthetic of your loft, making it feel more welcoming and visually appealing. The right loft conversion windows can transform a dim space into an inviting area filled with light and energy.
When planning a loft conversion, natural light is even more important as lofts are often without windows and can be dark and closed in places. So it is important to make sure that you know all of your loft conversion window options. Installing windows in a loft conversion enables you to maximise the natural light within the room. It will also transform the interior design and give the room a light and airy feel. If you’re looking for an open and spacious design, consider adding multiple loft conversion windows or skylights to create a striking impact. All types of loft conversions benefit from a window installation or skylights, from dormer conversions to hip-to-gable loft conversions. The natural light influx opens up the spaces, making them seem larger and more spacious. In addition to the benefits of natural light, having a skylight or roof window is much better for how the conversion aesthetics compared to a plain ceiling or wall. Furthermore, loft conversion windows come in various styles that suit different tastes and architectural designs, so you can easily find a solution that matches your vision.
Ideas For Loft Conversions
So, you’ve decided upon a loft conversion, and you know you want windows so which loft conversion should you choose? There are many loft conversion window ideas, all with different pros and cons. Choosing the right loft conversion windows can have a significant impact on the look and feel of your space. One of the most common and popular ideas for loft conversions is that of a dormer loft conversion.
Ideas For Loft Conversions With Dormer
Dormer conversions are suitable for almost any type of house, whether semi-detached, terraced or detached. A dormer is a box-like structure set upon the property’s roofline. The vertical walls and windows that are installed within them give a spacious area with plenty of headroom and light. Dormer loft conversions transform dark and dingy lofts into bright spacious areas. Installing loft conversion windows in a dormer helps create an open and lively atmosphere, making the space feel comfortable and functional. This type of loft conversion comes in a range of shapes, sizes and styles. They add significant value to your home and boost its kerb appeal with their appealing aesthetic. The addition of well-placed loft conversion windows can also make a statement piece that draws attention to the uniqueness of your home.
Types of Dormer Loft Conversions
-
Gable-fronted or Doghouse dormer
These have a pitched roof with 2 sloping sides that form a triangle below the roofing (like a doghouse). Opting for loft conversion windows with a gable-fronted dormer gives a classic and timeless look, adding elegance to your property.
-
Hip roof dormer
These have 3 sloping sides, which gives more horizontal area and headspace. Choosing loft conversion windows for hip roof dormers can help distribute natural light evenly, making the loft feel more expansive and airy.
-
Shed dormer
The roof slopes are at a much more shallow pitch, with no peak or hip. This has the benefit of reducing costs. Loft conversion windows for shed dormers can provide a sleek and modern finish, enhancing the overall design of the structure.
-
Flat roof dormer
These are typically found at the rear of the property, they consist of a box- structure with a flat roof. These give the most internal space and headroom as all the walls are vertical. Installing loft conversion windows in flat roof dormers ensures maximum natural light flow, making the loft a perfect area for relaxation or work.
-
Mansard dormer
These are again typically built at the rear of the property, vertical sides are angled at 70 degrees. These conversions deliver significant internal space. With loft conversion windows in mansard dormers, you can create a bright and luxurious feel that enhances the overall living space.
-
L-shaped dormer
This loft conversion involves the construction of 2 dormers, 1 over the main house and the second above a rear extension. They meet to form an L shape. These are very common on Victorian terraced properties. By adding loft conversion windows strategically, L-shaped dormers can capture more light and create a sense of flow between the two sections.
Pros and Cons of Dormer Loft Conversions
The Pros:
- Dormers add light to your loft, and the vertical walls of the dormer enable window installation into your attic conversion. Adding loft conversion windows not only brightens the space but also adds to the overall aesthetic appeal of the dormer.
- Dormers add significant headroom and floor space, the conversion will increase the usable space within the loft.
- Dormers give a different view to the loft compared to roof windows or skylights.
- Dormers add architectural features and make your property have interesting features, the installation of windows can improve the external appearance of your property thereby increasing kerb appeal. Loft conversion windows enhance these architectural features, making your home stand out even more.
- Dormers have better ventilation. The windows can deliver more fresh air into your home and improve the airflow throughout the interior.
- Dormer windows can provide an emergency fire escape onto the roof.
- Dormers are versatile; they come in a range of styles. This versatility allows you to choose loft conversion windows that best match the dormer style and overall character of your home.
The Cons:
- Dormer conversions involve structural work as the roof of your home has to be altered. A structural engineer is needed to make sure that the dormer windows are safe to be installed.
- Dormer conversions are more labour-intensive and require additional materials and more time to build.
- Planning permission may be required for a dormer loft conversion.
- Due to the extra labour, materials and time, dormer loft conversions are more expensive compared to a basic loft conversion with a skylight. The costs vary depending upon the type of dormer3 you have and the size of the conversion. However, the right loft conversion windows can maximize the return on investment by increasing the overall appeal and functionality of the space.
By considering the different types of dormers and incorporating appropriate loft conversion windows, you can create a well-lit and functional space that enhances your home’s value and usability.