A Rear Dormer conversion is when the back roof slope is removed, and is built up into a box shape from the rear elevation. Dormers are normally built right off of the back wall and up on both the sides, and finished in tiles or slates depending on the styles and characteristic’s of the surrounding streets and houses.

Dormers are usually built to the full width of the existing property to maximise the usable head height inside the loft space.Sometimes people find dormers unattractive and too top heavy compared to the rest of the house. They can be stepped in from both sides so it looks a bit softer, but the further you step it in the more head height and floor space you lose in your new proposed bedroom.

In some urban cities like London the loft bedroom is so valuable it’s really not worth stepping in the dormer unless this is required by the local authority due to planning permission.

Appearance from the back should still be a high priority, if your chosen company use cheap materials to finish your loft it will age very quickly and may even de-value your property. (You should ask when getting quotes from the loft companies where the materials come from just to be safe) The design is also very important too e.g. where the windows have been placed and the size of the fascia boards.

Make sure the architect that either you or your company are using only design loft conversions. Some may say they do however you may be there first client so ask to see an example or a set of plans prior to giving them the go ahead. Once you’ve seen a previous customer or a set of plans you can make your own mind up deciding weather the designs they have drawn previously will be good enough for your property.

The reason it’s VITAL to use a loft Architect and not a general Architect or “friend of a friend” is because they don’t know everything there is to know about lofts. The design is completely different compared to an extension or conservatory architect. A couple of reasons are, making the stairs work so it feels completely in keeping with the rest of the house is a major part of the design, maximising the bedroom space to its full potential is again very important and the way the room works i.e. where the beds going to go, where you can walk and can you walk around the bed.

A Party wall agreement is a document you need to have signed by your adjoining neighbour/s before starting your Loft Conversion.

When building works (even putting a nail into the wall!!!) are being undertaken, a party wall notice needs to be served on the neighbour along with a copy of the drawings. They will need to sign the document saying they are content for the works to commence. If the neighbour signs the notice saying they are not content you will need to instruct a party wall surveyor.

The neighbour/s will also need a surveyor, this will be at your cost, we recomend using the same surveyor as this will be more cost effective and shorten the time the surveyor takes to draw up the party wall agreement, in order to do this you will need your neighbour/s to agree to use the same surveyor, they do have the right to object and instruct an independant surveyor.

There are ways around using a surveyor, some companies will have employees who can discuss technical questions the neighbours may have, or presenting insurance certifcates and taking photographs of the party wall may be enough comfort for the neighbour to sign the party wall notice, you can ask your chosen Loft company if this is something they are happy to do. It is a good idea to ask your neighbours to sign the document as soon as possible, not only could this delay your job if the neighbour decents, but your neighbours could also be approached by surveyors who search the planning records on the councils websites to look for people who are having work done, they then approach the neighbours inplanting insecurities about the proposed works or the company you have chosen to do the work to the party wall, which you will end up paying for and this could be at an extortionate rate.

You can view the Party Wall Act 1996 for more information by clicking the following link :

Party Wall Act 1996

If you are interested in Loft conversions then you have come to the right place. This blog aims to show you everything you could ever want to know and more about the Loft Conversion industry such as what companies to choose from, quality of materials, how to spot a bullshit builder and many more points and facts about the industry. Please enjoy reading my blogs and i really hope it helps people to have the best loft conversion money can buy.