Dormer loft conversions in East Sussex

Covering East Sussex

Our coverage across East Sussex includes Brighton, Eastbourne, Hastings and Hove.

Homes in the South East

Many South East homes are inter-war or post-war semis and detached houses with room for rear and side extensions, while historic town centres and villages bring conservation area and listed building controls.

What does a dormer loft conversion involve?

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.

Volume calculation and permitted development check
Steelwork and new floor structure
Dormer frame, roof covering and cladding

What is the guide price for a dormer loft conversion in East Sussex?

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 East Sussex?

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. 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 affect a dormer loft conversion?

Dormers on the front of the house facing a road are not permitted development in England.
Dormer cheeks close to a shared wall can trigger the Party Wall Act.

What are the steps?

Start with a conversation. A short call or the online form is enough for us to understand what you want to build.
Free site visit. We measure up, look at access, drains and the structure, and talk through options and budget.
Drawings, approvals, written quote. We prepare the design, apply for the approvals it needs, and give you a fixed price in writing.
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.

How long does a dormer conversion take?

Around 8 to 12 weeks on site.

Who deals with the council for a project in East Sussex?

We do. We prepare the drawings, submit planning or permitted development paperwork if needed, and arrange building control inspections.

Dormer loft conversions near East Sussex

Learn more about dormer loft conversions, or see every project we cover in East Sussex.