Turning a dormer into a full second storey, is it doable (or wise?!)

[RoseGoldEagle]

We have a dormer, but would like more room upstairs as the slopey rooves limit what you can fit in there. We were wondering if it’s feasible to convert it into a full two storeys at least at the back of the property. But maybe there was a reason it was made into a dormer in the first place, I don’t know!! We’re going to speak to an architect as have other work we want to do downstairs, but thought I’d see if anyone had any advice! Thanks

Sorry I don’t have any advice but I’m also wondering this so following!

I had a consultation with an architect about doing this very thing. He suggested installing an ugly glass box on top of a period property. I had thought to do something in keeping with the original building but he wouldn't hear of it and said the local planers would never approve it.
I gave up on the idea but I did learn that you have to have a structural survey done to see if the building will support the weight of an extra storey. You also need planning permission. Another option is to install larger dormers— some types give a lot more space , e.g. a "shed dormer" or a "wall dormer". Planning permission is required for those also.

LadyinRead thanks, that’s really useful! That’s so odd they said the planners wouldn’t go for your suggestion- I’d have thought keeping it similar to the original would actually be more what they’d want! Never heard of shed/wall dormers so going to look into that! Did you find a solution that worked for you in the end?

Fretfulmum We have an architect coming round next week so I will update with their thoughts!

Planning permission may not be required if it falls with permitted development rights but you will need structural calculations for the roof for Building Regulations Approval as removing rafters compromises the integrity of the roof and so most likely will require the addition of steel beams to compensate. Your architect will know all this (hopefully).

I've experienced something a bit like this where an architect wants to put their personnel stamp on a building rather than producing a sympathetic solution but perhaps I'm just old fashioned. (but I don't care!)

RoseGoldEagle The architect said they wouldn't approve a 'pastiche' and that an extension should be in the style of the time it is built. As pp said though, he might have just been trying to impose his opinions on me.

I gave up on the whole idea because I realised the cost would be prohibitive: architect fees, planning application fes, builders' fees, payment to the freeholder (I live in a leasehold property), moving out while the work was done… the extra space gained wouldn't have been worth it (for me).

Shed dormer and wall dormer