Making an Attic Bigger.. dormer window problem?

dickibobboy

Evening!

In this house i am in the attic bedroom is of average size but could be easily made bigger.

Now i'm not sure for the reasoning behind the way it is at the minute but when the ceiling starts to come low around 5ft8 height a false wall has been put in across the room and a small (very small, im skin and bone and have to go in sideways to get access) door to access the roof space. In this roof space is nothing but years and years of dust and rubbish in storage. Granted i can't stand up in here but its such a waste of space.

Along the other side of the room is the same, however there is a dormer window that makes the room a little bigger as it extends out a little however, either side of this dormer window is another wall with a door on one side with access to the roof space. In this side is two pipes that lead down to the bathroom underneath and that is it. There is so much space in this one too, probably nearly 3m of floor space to be gained and similar to the other one.

I would like to make use of this space in the bedroom and open it up. The room needs a new ceiling putting in so that could come down in process.

I would simply like to remove the fake walls and extend the room into it, its not a problem that the ceiling goes low, it can be still part of the room and would make it so much bigger than it is.

My problem was the thought of the dormer window on one side. I have not had a chance to properly look yet but how are they generally supported? I was thinking that it is all the way around so would need to box around it still but maybe i can get an idea of here and can tell when i do go into look.

Anyway here is a picture of some ideas, obvously number 1 is the room currently.

Number 2 is how i could do half easily but i probably wouldn't be satisfied with it like that.

Number 3 is how i may have to have it for the support, i could box in around the edges and get it all plastered too and have open either side.

Number 4 is depending on how it is supported, if its from the front only where the window actually is i could either make it a flat wall and make a small storage part or i could box around again so its more like 4 and 3 pushed together.



Thanks

southcoastrgi

the walls are normally there for a reason to support the roof, take them out & you could have an open plan room, great for star watching but might get a bit wet if it rains

dickibobboy

The roof would be okay. The walls are pretty much thin timber frame and old style plaster / slat wall on one side and is a full sheet of wood on the other side that's papered.

There are four beams running the length of the room. Two are currently on show in the room and there is one in each of the roof spaces