Dormer windows

[Timmy35]

Just wondering if any of you lot have had a dormer fitted, if so how much did it cost?

I'm looking to get a 175cm Dormer popped on my roof.

Velux do a dormer ready made for £2100 these days, plus fitting ( I guess about another £1000 on top ).

So I'm just wondering if that's a good price, or if it can be done more cheaply. As I'm a skinflint at heart.

[herbialfa]

Thats pretty cheap!

Just make sure its an escape window thats fitted!

[Timmy35]

herbialfa said:

Thats pretty cheap!

Just make sure its an escape window thats fitted!

Ah, one thing what I want is a den/storage/office space just for me to use. So I'm thinking a loft ladder, have the floor strengthened, plasterboard / floor / insulate the attic and put in a dormer so I have a bit more room up there. Don't need to call it a bedroom or anything like that.

Here's a link to the dormer http://www.alarisavenue.co.uk/acatalog/Velux-Budge...

[Si 330]

Last couple I have had tendered are around the £3k mark. These are pitched roof with tiles.

[Timmy35]

Si 330 said:

Last couple I have had tendered are around the £3k mark. These are pitched roof with tiles.

Thanks. It's about right then. I'm off up into the loft tonight to do some more measuring up I think.

[Sam_68]

Timmy35 said:

herbialfa said:

Just make sure its an escape window thats fitted!

Don't need to call it a bedroom or anything like that.

Don't matter what you call it - Building Regulations will call it a habitable room if it has a window in it and no sanitary accommodation.

The usual problem with providing an 'escape window' (which has to have a minimum unobstructed opening size 450mm square, with bottom of opening not more than 1100mm from the floor) is that you'll often find there's a bloody great purlin in exactly the wrong place...

[Timmy35]

Sam_68 said:

Timmy35 said:

herbialfa said:

Just make sure its an escape window thats fitted!

Don't need to call it a bedroom or anything like that.

Don't matter what you call it - Building Regulations will call it a habitable room if it has a window in it and no sanitary accommodation.

The usual problem with providing an 'escape window' (which has to have a minimum unobstructed opening size 450mm square, with bottom of opening not more than 1100mm from the floor) is that you'll often find there's a bloody great purlin in exactly the wrong place...

Really?

So even if you just stick a velux window in your attic to get some light in there, it gets designated as habbitable? What are the consequences of this?

I wasn't going to call it a bedroom or try and sell the house on that basis, just wanted some storage and somewhere to go and watch porn the racing in peace and quiet.

[Sam_68]

Timmy35 said:

So even if you just stick a velux window in your attic to get some light in there, it gets designated as habitable?

Yup.

General rule we used to apply when I worked for Building Control (...admittedly back when wattle and daub was still in fashion) was that boarding out the loft for storage was ok, but adding a window and electrics = habitable room.

Timmy35 said:

What are the consequences of this?

You need to comply with the relevant building regulations; which can include things like fire escape, design of an appropriate access stair, structural strength of the floor, insulation, etc.

The precise implications are dependent on the arrangement and structure of the existing property, so you'd be well advised to take professional advice (from a Building Surveyor or Architectural Technologist - it doesn't warrant input from a 'proper' Architect).

If you don't ensure compliance with Building Regulations, it can cuase problems when you come to sell, if you get a purchaser with a smart-arse solicitor/surveyor and, as with undeclared modifications to your car, it can potentially invalidate your house insurance if the loss adjusters pick it up in the event of a major (and related) claim.