Pre fab Dormers

[rufusgti]

Does anyone have any experience with pre fab dormer boxes for attic conversions. I’m planning (well I’m pricing and trying to convince the wife) an attic conversion and have a few queries. I’ll need to take the hip off and build a gable and I would want a full width dormer. Someone suggested the pre fab ones that you literally crane on with the windows in place and some fancy zinc sheet coating. The ones I’ve seen are from Germany which I’m guessing would be too expensive to send over. The reason I’m considering it would be to speed the process of getting the house water tight as obviously I’m living here with the kids etc. But if the cost is prohibitive I’d have to shelve the idea.
Just wondering if anyone has any experiences.

[herbialfa]

I don't have any experience of them but my first question would be........... Would I get PP to change a hip to a gable.

If thats a non starter then you've saved yourself some grey hairs etc.

[andy43]

I'll bet it'd be cheaper to stick build the thing under a big waterproof scaffolding canopy than hire a crane.
We had our dormers partially built on the grass, then lifted up piecemeal - did it in the 'summer' and got away with decent weather.

[rufusgti]

Thanks. I think I would get it because there's two other properties on my street that have done the same. It's not ideal from an aesthetic view as Its a semi with a hip on each end so won't match. How much that matters is a personal thing but to me, I reckon I can convert the attic for the same price as the cost to move (stamp, legals, Ea fees etc) so I'm keen to make some compromises.

[herbialfa]

Good call from Andy!

I would still speak to the planners first though.

[V8RX7]

IIRC converting a hip to a gable is ok under PD Rights

(please check)

[bazjude2998]

Google fibre glass dormers.We had two fitted to a pair of semi,s.
You will need a crane but we’ll worth the expense as the units are maintenance free

[rufusgti]

bazjude2998 said:

Google fibre glass dormers.We had two fitted to a pair of semi,s.
You will need a crane but we’ll worth the expense as the units are maintenance free

Thanks, the grp type seem to be the smaller dormers where's I'm looking for pretty much full length. I've not seen any fiberglass ones that are that size.

[Eddieslofart]

We did quite a few for Newham Council a few years back.

Pod units could be bolted together, just had to do the structural. If you are going full length, you’ll need a re design of your roof frame.

[Little Lofty]

A decent squad can construct a full width dormer in one day and get it protected from the elements, your roof wouldn't be left open.