Covering Bournemouth
Bournemouth sits 24 miles east of Dorchester, with Christchurch 4 miles to the east and Poole 5 miles to the west.
Homes in the South West
The South West mixes stone and render cottages, Victorian terraces in the larger towns and modern estates, and many historic centres are conservation areas where materials and roof shapes are closely controlled.
What goes into a dormer loft conversion?
A dormer loft conversion builds a box-shaped extension out from the rear slope of the roof, creating vertical walls and full head height across most of the new floor. It is the most popular type of loft conversion because it gives the most usable space for the cost.
- Steelwork and new floor structure
- Dormer frame, roof covering and cladding
- Staircase, insulation and plasterboard
What will a dormer loft conversion cost?
Guide prices for dormer loft conversions, including VAT where it applies. Your fixed price is confirmed in writing after the survey.
| 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 |
Do you need permission for a dormer loft conversion in Bournemouth?
Projects in England go through two separate checks. Planning (or confirmation that the work is permitted development) comes from the district, borough or unitary council, and building regulations approval comes from the council’s building control team or a registered building control approver. Where work touches a shared wall or digs near a neighbour’s foundations, the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 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.
What should Bournemouth homeowners check first?
- Dormers on the front of the house facing a road are not permitted development in England.
- A flat dormer roof needs proper falls and a quality membrane.
What happens after I enquire?
- Send us the details. Give us a postcode, a rough idea of size and some photos, by phone, form or the guide price tool.
- We visit and measure. A surveyor checks the house, the boundaries and the ground, and discusses what is realistic.
- 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.
Dormer loft conversions: common questions
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 Bournemouth 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.
Other towns nearby
- Dormer loft conversions in Christchurch
- Dormer loft conversions in Poole
- Dormer loft conversions in Wimborne Minster
- Dormer loft conversions in Swanage
Learn more about dormer loft conversions, or see every project we cover in Bournemouth.

