Don’t let it put you off though!!! A neighbour had a similar conversion to us and opted for 3 traditional windows instead of a triangular one like ours. Ours blends in more from the outside because the glass kind of fades into the roof tile (not explaining that very well - but ultimately when looking from the garden, you notice their windows more than ours). Also - theirs looks more normal inside too, whereas ours is quite a feature.

Depending on the size of the bungalow and how easy it is to extend upwards, and where you are in the country your budget sounds like it should be possible to go up and create the additional space you need. Something that will help you is my free 5 Day Get Ready To Redesign Your Home Challenge that I'm running in the first week of December. You can join in using the link below. This will help you start to design your vision for your home, which will help you figure out how to extend. It's helped many previous participants in the week save tens of thousands on their house extension project and is the best way to start your house extension project in a way that will avoid you making an expensive mistake or regretting a missed opportunity. You also get access to me daily for Q&As so I can help you with further questions during the week. Here is the link to join the 5 day challenge: https://www.i-architect.co.uk/readytoredesign.html

Silver birch are lovely. They do get very tall and the roots spread so make sure there are no buildings or paths nearby. Otherwise good choice. Other trees you could try are Mountain Ash (Sorbus), Crab Apple or even an Apple tree.

Hi Twamleyk, Theoretically, the loft conversion that you have described could fall within permitted development rights, subject to some design limits and any local restrictions. Therefore you might not need to go through a planning application process. But this is an unusual case with the rooms below needing altering as well, so a pre-application enquiry with your local planning authority would be highly recommended. Inspections and calculations from a structural engineer would also be needed, but timber frame construction could be used to keep the additional load (weight) to levels which should be acceptable for the existing structure. Have you considered just adding 1 or more velux rooflights and a fixed loft ladder/space saver stairs, or does this not add enough space for your requirements? I wish you all the best with your loft conversion project!! Phill