Hello,
maybe someone can give me a rough idea.
We currently don’t plan to use the attic as living space, so there is only one window on the gable side and no roof windows (skylights).
However, it would be possible to gain about 35sqm (375 sq ft) of living space if we needed it later on.
Without roof windows, the back area is definitely too dark at the moment.
We are now considering whether it makes sense to install a roof window now (insulation, cladding, etc. are not finished yet, but the roof is already covered)
Or if it wouldn’t be much more expensive to simply add it later in 10 years if we definitely need it then?
Thanks in advance for your opinion 🙂
maybe someone can give me a rough idea.
We currently don’t plan to use the attic as living space, so there is only one window on the gable side and no roof windows (skylights).
However, it would be possible to gain about 35sqm (375 sq ft) of living space if we needed it later on.
Without roof windows, the back area is definitely too dark at the moment.
We are now considering whether it makes sense to install a roof window now (insulation, cladding, etc. are not finished yet, but the roof is already covered)
Or if it wouldn’t be much more expensive to simply add it later in 10 years if we definitely need it then?
Thanks in advance for your opinion 🙂
H
Hausbautraum202 Jan 2021 11:42Thank you all very much for the tips!
Regarding the emergency escape route, I happened to think about it yesterday as well.
Our window in the gable wall is over 60cm (24 inches) wide, and the sill height is also below 1.2m (4 feet), both of which are required in Bavaria.
However, we chose floor-to-ceiling windows with fixed glazing at the bottom, so the actual opening height of the window is below the required 1 meter (3.3 feet).
I’m not sure if it might be sufficient that the bottom glass would be easy for firefighters to break through.
On the other hand, that space would only be our bedroom in the case of three children, and we could easily get out ourselves through this window.
So I’m not sure if we could just disregard this requirement.
We have also had electricity and water installed upstairs, in case a family member wants to live there someday.
But that is so far in the uncertain future that we definitely don’t want to install a roof window there yet.
Regarding the emergency escape route, I happened to think about it yesterday as well.
Our window in the gable wall is over 60cm (24 inches) wide, and the sill height is also below 1.2m (4 feet), both of which are required in Bavaria.
However, we chose floor-to-ceiling windows with fixed glazing at the bottom, so the actual opening height of the window is below the required 1 meter (3.3 feet).
I’m not sure if it might be sufficient that the bottom glass would be easy for firefighters to break through.
On the other hand, that space would only be our bedroom in the case of three children, and we could easily get out ourselves through this window.
So I’m not sure if we could just disregard this requirement.
We have also had electricity and water installed upstairs, in case a family member wants to live there someday.
But that is so far in the uncertain future that we definitely don’t want to install a roof window there yet.
Winniefred2 Jan 2021 12:34Unfortunately, it does matter because it is specified in the building regulations and must be that way in order to convert the space above and legally live there. If there is a fire and the fire department cannot easily access the area with their equipment, it could also lead to insurance issues.
We have the same problem. We will retrofit the window as soon as we have the funds. In an emergency, we can get out through a large window facing the street. However, the requirements for the 1 meter (3.3 feet) distance, as well as the necessary size and opening angle, are not met.
Unfortunately, we only realized all of this after the roof conversion. The roofer didn’t consider it, we were unaware, and we were only informed too late by a structural engineer.
We have the same problem. We will retrofit the window as soon as we have the funds. In an emergency, we can get out through a large window facing the street. However, the requirements for the 1 meter (3.3 feet) distance, as well as the necessary size and opening angle, are not met.
Unfortunately, we only realized all of this after the roof conversion. The roofer didn’t consider it, we were unaware, and we were only informed too late by a structural engineer.
K
knalltüte2 Jan 2021 18:04Another offer (already installed and paid for as well)
This includes the shading and the emergency escape opening
The cost is almost exactly 3000€ (net)
Retrofitting will likely require more effort:
• Scaffolding (or similar) needed
• Tiles need to be covered
• Roof insulation must be cut and removed
• Support beam must be installed afterwards
and so on.
This includes the shading and the emergency escape opening
The cost is almost exactly 3000€ (net)
Retrofitting will likely require more effort:
• Scaffolding (or similar) needed
• Tiles need to be covered
• Roof insulation must be cut and removed
• Support beam must be installed afterwards
and so on.
We are also planning to install one or more roof windows after the construction is completed, if they are really needed then.
They are offered at prices between 1,800 and 2,000 depending on the size.
The builder said it’s not a problem and not very expensive to retrofit them, and if you want to save money, that’s exactly where he would cut costs.
I would also pay more attention to what @hanse987 mentioned: planning empty conduits and connections for the heating system in advance. Or a triangular window, which is difficult to retrofit.
They are offered at prices between 1,800 and 2,000 depending on the size.
The builder said it’s not a problem and not very expensive to retrofit them, and if you want to save money, that’s exactly where he would cut costs.
I would also pay more attention to what @hanse987 mentioned: planning empty conduits and connections for the heating system in advance. Or a triangular window, which is difficult to retrofit.
H
Hausbautraum202 Jan 2021 20:50Thank you!
The heating is taken care of.
But what exactly is a triangular window?
We have also been considering how much effort it would take to enlarge the gable window afterwards. Is it easier than enlarging the one below because there is less weight above, or is it more difficult because scaffolding is needed? Does anyone happen to know?
It’s not so simple when you have to be careful not to let costs get out of control, but on the other hand, you don’t want to block almost everything off just to save around 1000€ now.
The heating is taken care of.
But what exactly is a triangular window?
We have also been considering how much effort it would take to enlarge the gable window afterwards. Is it easier than enlarging the one below because there is less weight above, or is it more difficult because scaffolding is needed? Does anyone happen to know?
It’s not so simple when you have to be careful not to let costs get out of control, but on the other hand, you don’t want to block almost everything off just to save around 1000€ now.
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