Anyone added a dormer to existing room?

[sianyb83]

We are looking at buying a dorma bungalow, master bedroom has large dormer at the back but not at the front - we would like to add onto create extra space and make the front of the house symmetrical.

Anyone added a dormer and know rough costs?

I think about 8k?

I’m not sure they allow a dorma at the front. Do any of the neighbours have this done?

I live amongst bungalows and have never seen it.

Hi @BluebellsGreenbells
Yes the house next door has just had front one added, and the house we are offering on has one on the front right - but not the front left.
These aren't really bungalows, as built 2 story but chalet style so could benefit from extra light and space from dormer.

Yes - many councils 'don't like' front facing dormers so investigate yours and do not buy assuming that you will get permission for this.

Cost depends on where you are and size. If you are in the SE and want a smallish (2-2.5m) dormer and have sufficient support in place to support it and the remaining sloped roof then yes, 8k sounds about right.
Bear in mind that you will need support at floor level to take its weight (the support for the current sloped roof is not necessarily sufficient, so you may need to add the cost of a steel and inserting it. Depending on the width of the dormer in relation to the width of the roof you may need a steel at the top as well. The wider it is in relation to the width of the roof the more likely you are to need one.

You would also need architectural drawings for planning and structural engineers drawings and building control sign off which will add a couple of thousand

Sorry cross post - seems like planning would be granted then 👍

Planning will not be automatic even if next door have a dormer. Check to see if the proposed dormer will overlook any one such as look into another bedroom. Check on the houses planning record and see if it has previously been applied for. If one side is done chances are the other side was refused as usually both sides ( left and right) are done together.

On the street, all have one done (right side), as this is only window in smaller bedroom. Left side is master bedroom, which has window to the back, so dormer not needed as such.
I don't think there'd be an issue as its a 0.5 acre plot, no overlooking anyone front or back.
Also, as I said planning was granted for house 2 doors away to do exactly the same

You should be aware that precedent is no longer a thing with planning - it's all about the local plan, so next door being granted does not mean yours will be. But having said that, if theirs has just been done then your application would be judged against the same local plan theirs was, so it seems likely, in absence of any prohibiting factors that would apply to you and not them, that you would get planning.

If you're buying because you want this dormer to make it liveable for you then it would be prudent to check with you LA prior to completing.