How do you get extra living space, work space or storage space without moving to a larger home?
Use your loft/attic to gain extra living space
If your loft is empty or your loft space is just a storage area for items you no longer use then you may be able to gain 1 or 2 extra bedrooms, en-suite shower room, office space or a play area and use a section of the loft for built in storage, after all, a pitched roof will mean there are areas where the head height is just too low to be useful as a walk in space but could be maximised as low level storage cupboards.
What do you do when loft access is restricted by trussed rafters?
By replacing trussed rafters and adding dormer windows it is possible to gain a huge amount of additional living space as a loft room or attic office without actually extending your property.
Rear flat roof dormer
A rear dormer creates a square end to the back of your house and has a flat roof. This creates a substantial amount of extra floor space and height. It is possible on most terraced and semi detached properties, and allows a greater choice of rooms within the loft space. It is often possible to construct a dormer without gaining planning permission.
A traditional pitched roof dormer
Pitched roof dormers give much more space to a conversion where the height of the existing roof is sufficient to accommodate them. A pitched roof dormer makes an attractive feature and is very weather proof.
Hip end dormer
Hip end dormers give much more space to a conversion in a semi-detached or detached home. A hip end dormer means that the stairs leading into the new conversion do not encroach onto the living space.