Chalet/dormer bungalow

Contessa

I've seen a house advertised which looks as if it may have been a bungalow extended up into the roof. It has "dormer" windows. I've been told to avoid this style as it will be very cold upstairs and need extra maintenance. Any experience please?

papermoney

We've recently bought a dormer bungalow, it has 3 beds upstairs and bathroom and 3 beds downstairs, we've only had the boiler in a week (bought it then found out the boiler wasn't working) and so far it doesn't seem a problem. If anything we are finding the upstairs is getting warmer quicker and staying warm through out the day. We've not really seen any other problems with it (although admittedly we do not actually live there yet).

papermoney

It was built in 1920 as well if that makes a difference? I would say (in my non expert opinion) that it would depend on how the upstairs was constructed.

sonastin

It depends on many factors - was it built like that originally or is it a conversion? When was it done? How much insulation was put in when it was done? What sort of heating system is in the property and how well has it been put in? North or south facing windows, double glazing, etc etc.

I don't think the "colder up there than in other types of houses" rule holds much water. Dormers are heavy compared to normal roofs so the structure beneath them needs to be stronger. I don't know if that means that they need more maintenance but it certainly wouldn't be enough to put me off buying the property if everything else about it suited me. There are compromises to be made with every house and I don't think chalet bungalows are any worse than any other style in terms of design flaws.

Contessa

Thanks for all the replies. I won't rule it out without even viewing.

jsh99

I bought and lived in a dorma bungalow for 16 years. No problems, it was added after it was built but before I bought it - I made sure it had planning permission before going through with purchase!

Had to have the flat roofs re done at one point but that has to expected for that length of time.

I did used to find when it was a really hot day upstairs got very hot, but strangely not the other way when it was cold.

JSH