Do you need more space, but like where you live? Are you struggling to fit your growing family in your existing house? Maybe moving home isn't a viable solution, financially or practically. Or maybe you just love the area as it's close to friends, family, schools, work and local amenities.
So, why not expand and extend your home with a dormer loft conversion?
There are so many advantages to having an extension built, and at Loft Crew, we specialise in making this a reality for people who want additional space.
While there's a range of options, the L-shaped dormer loft conversion is a popular solution that can create multiple rooms with ample head height.
An L-shaped dormer loft conversion (also known as a dog-leg dormer) is a unique and efficient way to transform your loft space into a luxurious living area.
This unusual extension is made of two dormers:
This larger dormer sits atop your main pitched roof, typically offering generous headroom and occupying a significant portion of the roof's footprint.
This smaller dormer sits on your rear outrigger roof, a smaller rear roof extension often found in Victorian and Edwardian houses. The rear dormer is positioned at a lower level than the main dormer and connected at a right angle, forming the distinctive "L" shape.
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This type of loft conversion is ideal for a detached or mid-terrace house, and Edwardian or Victorian properties that have been extended towards the rear at some point.
While it may be possible to fit this type of dormer loft conversion on other properties, period properties of this style (with a rear extension in place) really lend themselves to the task.
We are happy to examine your property to assess its suitability for an L-shaped dormer loft conversion. If we determine that the L-shape is not a good fit, we will advise you on the best type of dormer conversion to give you the extra space you need.
An L-shaped dormer loft conversion from Loft Crew isn't just a fancy roof extension; it's a potential game-changer for your home! By cleverly combining two separate dormers, it unlocks a treasure trove of benefits, making it a popular choice for homeowners seeking spacious and light-filled living areas.
Some of the advantages include:
Forget those tiny attic conversions! The L-shape, with its main and rear dormers, delivers significantly more floor space compared to single dormers. You can create a large bedroom, en suite bathroom, home office, or even a sprawling open-plan living area – the possibilities are endless.
The angled connection creates usable corners and eliminates awkward spaces, ensuring every inch of your new loft gets used more effectively.
Both dormers bathe your loft in abundant natural light via Velux windows or French doors, creating a bright and airy feel. Say goodbye to cramped, dimly lit loft spaces! This abundance of light not only enhances the aesthetics but also improves your well-being.
You can also make the most of the sunshine by positioning windows and skylights thoughtfully to harness natural light throughout the day. Getting more sunlight boosts your mood and creates a healthier atmosphere in the home.
The L-shaped structure opens up a world of design possibilities. You can create distinct, generous-sized rooms and open-plan living areas or incorporate built-in storage – the choice is yours! Adapt the space to perfectly suit your needs and lifestyle.
The L-shape itself adds a distinctive architectural element to your home, enhancing its kerb appeal and potentially increasing its value. This makes it more attractive to potential buyers and boosts the chances of a quick sale. You'll also be very likely to recoup your investment in the sale price.
We have more details in our post “how much value does a loft conversion add”.
While requiring a larger investment than simpler conversions, due to its size and complexity, the L-shaped dormer's space gain and potential property value increase make it a worthwhile investment in the long run.
To get the most from this investment, consider incorporating energy-efficient materials and design features to minimise heating and cooling costs, making your loft a sustainable haven.
The secret to a successful L-shape dormer conversion is to consult an experienced company that involves architects, structural engineers, and builders, which is why Loft Crew should be your first option.
We will handle every aspect, from navigating potential planning permission issues to assessing structural integrity, to help you achieve your dream loft space.
We'll also help you choose materials and design elements that complement your home's architectural style, creating a cohesive and aesthetically pleasing new space.
In all honesty, they tend to need a slightly larger investment than some other types of dormer loft conversion, for example, the mansard loft conversion (with a flat roof and 72º sloping back wall).
Here's a breakdown to illustrate the main influencing factors in relation to L shaped dormer loft conversion cost:
Prices vary, with a typical range between £30,000 and £80,000 and potentially more (especially for a London loft conversion). This wider range reflects the inherent differences in complexity and size compared to simpler dormer conversions.
Don't worry - we'll all discuss this with you in detail and help you maximise your budget! We also cover this in more detail in our post “how much does a loft conversion cost”.
It's best to allow between six and twelve weeks for the actual construction, although the actual length of time will vary according to the size and complexity of the project. Features like balconies and intricate or complex roof structures will add more time to the schedule.
While we understand that you want your extension built as quickly as possible, it's our duty to ensure that every component is installed safely and meets our usual high standards.
You can help us by clearly defining your desired finishes, materials, and features upfront to avoid delays due to last-minute changes. In turn, we will communicate with you throughout the process and address any potential problems and concerns in a timely manner.
We will also include a reasonable 'buffer zone' to account for any contingency plans or unforeseen delays, although we always endeavour to meet the agreed deadlines.
Everyone wants to avoid the hassle of planning permission if possible!
When it comes to getting local authority consent for your L-shaped conversion, it's mostly good news, as the majority of L-shaped dormer conversion projects fall within the Permitted Development rights. This means that you shouldn't need formal planning permission, although there are several restrictions to be aware of:
Each local council has its own policies on loft conversions, so understanding their stance on L-shaped dormers is crucial. They will want to assess the visual impact of the work. That is, how the dormer will affect the appearance of your house and surrounding properties. They will also consider potential concerns about overshadowing or overlooking your neighbours.
If your L-shaped dormer doesn't meet all PDR criteria, you'll require planning permission. This involves submitting detailed plans and facing potential delays and costs.
We cover this in more detail in our post “do you need planning permission for loft conversions”.
*Every L-shaped loft conversion requires building regulations approval, regardless of size.
It's no exaggeration to say that extra space can change your life. When you're pushed for room, it can impact your routine, your outlook and even your health.
Don't struggle on with limited space - let Loft Crew improve the space you love by installing a stunning loft conversion. We'll do the hard work, and all you need to do is imagine what to do with that large space!
Call us now to get the ball rolling - we'll dramatically transform your living space, and leave you to enjoy it your way.
An L-shaped dormer loft conversion extends the rear and side of a property's roof, creating a substantial increase in living space, typically used for bedrooms or bathrooms.
Costs for an L-shaped dormer loft conversion in the UK start from approximately £35,000, varying with the project's size, design, and specifications.
Most L-shaped dormer loft conversions fall under permitted development, not requiring planning permission. However, always confirm with local planning authorities.
Completion times for L-shaped dormer loft conversions vary, generally ranging from 8 to 12 weeks, depending on complexity and design choices.
Yes, an L-shaped dormer loft conversion can significantly enhance your home's value by adding versatile living space and improving overall functionality.
The L-shaped dormer loft conversion offers unparalleled space, flexibility in design, potential for multiple rooms, and enhanced natural light, making it ideal for larger families or those seeking additional amenities like en-suite bathrooms.
