Hip to gable rear dormer
Hip to gable loft conversion is mostly found on semi-detached properties with an existing hipped roof. The hip is extended up vertically from the ridgeline to create a gable and a Rear Dormer is formed to the rear of the property. This type of loft conversion maximises floor space and head height and is one of the most common types of loft conversion.
Side dormer
A Side Dormer is the same shape as a Rear Dormer but is situated on the side of the property. If your house is detached, you may have the option of having two side dormers. Side Dormers usually have flat roofs but, dependent on the local planning policies, may have pitched or crown roofs.
Rear dormer
A Rear Dormer loft conversion is an extension to the existing roof creating additional floor space and head height. A Rear Dormer has square, vertical sides and most commonly a flat roof. Dependent on the size and type of the property and the planning constraints attached to it, a Rear Dormer can either be built stepped in from each side by approximately 300mm or built to the full width of the building.
Piggyback
A Piggyback loft conversion is formed by raising the existing perimeter walls in brickwork and pitching a new roof, which is stepped back from the front elevation of the property. By raising the brickwork and pitching a new roof a vast amount of head height is gained, as well as more living space. Typically, these kind of loft conversions can facilitate two bedrooms and a bathroom.
Mansard
Mansard loft conversions are of a similar external shape to the Rear Dormer as they have a flat roof but the face of the Mansard is sloped by 70 degrees. The sides of the Mansard are typically built up in brickwork but can be tile hung. Although a Mansard is often more aesthetically pleasing, internally they have slightly restricted head height and floor space in comparison to a Dormer loft conversion as the face is sloped by 70 degrees. Mansard loft conversions are often found on terraced properties within the Central London area, this is due to their local planning policies.
L-Shape dormer
An L-Shape Dormer is of similar construction to a Rear Dormer with an additional back addition outrigger at the rear of the property. This usually extends over an existing first floor bathroom or bedroom. This type of loft conversion is not possible on all types of properties but is commonly found on those of the Victorian and Edwardian era. The back addition outrigger adds a vast amount of living space to the loft conversion with either the same head height as the main dormer or a slightly reduced head height due to local planning policies.
Velux
A velux conversion is built within the existing roof slope with only the addition of velux roof lights externally. This type of loft conversion is typically found on detached properties with a large existing head height such as Bungalows.
Pitched dormers
Pitched dormers are very aesthetically pleasing and are often found on properties with a large existing roof space. Pitched dormers can be used to provide additional head room within certain parts of the loft in order to accommodate features such as the new loft stairs.
