Ready to hire?

Post your job in minutes, browse real reviews and choose who to speak to.Post a job

Need some tips or advice?

Loft Conversion

A little advice about roof windows

Anonymous user 01/03/2024 - 2.50 PM

Hi there! I am thinking about making a small office in my loft. It wouldn't be an official extra room, I would just like to make us of the roof space. I am going to add a new floor above what is the ceiling in the bedroom, and I am thinking some natural light would be a good idea, seeing as I would be in there most days! Any advice would be appreciated, but in particular roof windows. Here are my general thoughts so far: I understand I don't need any planning permission? Is that correct? Will the roof tiles be ok? How common are leaks?!! What's the average price for a flat window? Say 6ft x 3ft? (Do they do that size!?) Nothing started yet, just trying to gather facts. Really appreciate your time on this. I take time to post on a forum helping people in my profession, so I'll pay it forward and be sure to help someone this evening :) --- Update: The new floor is not being laid on top of existing joints, and a professional will be employed for the window. At the time I posted this question, I wanted to understand the job a little more, so as to prepare me for when the professionals came to price up. As a woman, I can be told all sorts, so I like to prepare myself first. the job has since been posted on here and I am awaiting quotes.

Are you a tradesperson and able to answer this question?

1 Answer

Apple Carpentry

Rating: 4.6 out of 5

Bristol

The council planning department gives advice about this and other building matters on their 'Planning Portal' page. Recommended reading. Firstly I would advise against making holes in youre roof unless you're competent and confident that you know what you're doing.... If you don't change the roofline then you won't need planning permission - this work is considered permitted developement. Roof windows shouldnt leak if they're fitted with common sense in mind and fitting instructions adhered to- they're well designed. If you want to understand their costs then enquire at BnQ or any big builders merchants - different sizes = different costs. Add on the cost of the flashing kit - sold seperately. Really you should have the window fitted professionally unless you're a competent builder as there are many more issues to consider- mainly --a roof full of tiles is very heavy indeed and if you're cutting wood out then you must make sure that your work wont weaken the roof !! Loading a floor on existing ceiling timbers isnt a good idea either - the structure isn't designed for that use. Do your research.

Answered17 October 2014