Covering Blackheath
Blackheath sits 7 miles south-east of London, with Greenwich 1 miles to the north-west and Catford 2 miles to the south-west.
Homes in London
Much of London’s housing is Victorian and Edwardian terraces, which is why side return extensions, rear dormers and mansards are so common. Many streets are in conservation areas, and several boroughs use Article 4 directions that remove some permitted development rights.
What does a dormer loft conversion involve?
Rear dormers on terraced and semi-detached houses are often permitted development in England. We size the dormer to fit the volume allowance, clad it to suit the house (tile-hanging, render, slate or zinc) and fit out the room and en-suite below.
- Volume calculation and permitted development check
- Steelwork and new floor structure
- Dormer frame, roof covering and cladding
How much does a dormer loft conversion cost in Blackheath?
Use these ranges to budget for dormer loft conversions; the survey turns them into a fixed price for the agreed specification.
| Dormer loft conversions | Guide price incl. VAT |
|---|---|
| Rear dormer, bedroom only | £50,000 to £65,000 |
| Full-width dormer with en-suite | £60,000 to £80,000 |
| L-shaped dormer (over rear outrigger) | £65,000 to £90,000 |
What approvals does a dormer loft conversion need in England?
In England we deal with the council’s planning team for permission or a lawful development certificate, with building control (the council or a registered building control approver) for inspections, and with neighbours under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 where it applies.
In England many loft conversions are permitted development: the extra roof volume must stay within 40 m³ on a terraced house or 50 m³ on a semi or detached house, nothing can sit higher than the existing ridge, no dormer can face a road on the main elevation, and side windows must be obscure-glazed and non-opening below 1.7 m. Houses in conservation areas, National Parks and National Landscapes cannot use these roof-extension rights, so dormers there need planning permission (a rooflight-only conversion can still be permitted development), and flats always need permission.
What can change the price or programme?
- Dormers on the front of the house facing a road are not permitted development in England.
- L-shaped dormers are common on Victorian terraces with a rear outrigger.
What are the steps?
- Tell us about the project. Call, use the guide price tool or send the form with a few photos and a postcode.
- Survey at your house. We look at the existing structure, services and access, and agree what the design needs to achieve.
- Price and paperwork. The design is priced line by line, and we submit the planning and building control applications.
- Construction and completion. One site lead co-ordinates every trade through to the building control certificate.
Questions about a dormer loft conversion in Blackheath
How much does a dormer loft conversion cost?
Typically £50,000 to £80,000 including VAT, and up to around £90,000 for an L-shaped dormer.
Can a dormer include a bathroom?
Yes. The full head height in a dormer makes it the best place for a shower room or en-suite.
Can you visit a house in Blackheath to quote?
Yes. After a short call we arrange a site visit to measure up and agree what the design needs to do, then send a written price.
Also covering
- Dormer loft conversions in Greenwich
- Dormer loft conversions in Catford
- Dormer loft conversions in Eltham
- Dormer loft conversions in Peckham
Learn more about dormer loft conversions, or see every project we cover in Blackheath.

