Covering Esher
We work in Esher (KT10) and the places around it, including Walton-on-Thames, Sunbury-on-Thames and Surbiton.
Homes in the South East
Housing across the South East mixes inter-war semis, post-war estates and older cottages in villages and market towns, so rear and side extensions, hip-to-gable lofts and garage conversions all come up regularly.
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.
- Steelwork and new floor structure
- Staircase, insulation and plasterboard
- En-suite, electrics and fire-protected escape route
How much should I budget for a dormer loft conversion?
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 |
How is a dormer loft conversion approved in Esher?
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 should Esher homeowners check first?
- 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?
- Tell us about the project. Call, use the guide price tool or send the form with a few photos and a postcode.
- Free site visit. We measure up, look at access, drains and the structure, and talk through options and budget.
- Price and paperwork. The design is priced line by line, and we submit the planning and building control applications.
- We build it. Work follows an agreed programme, with inspections at each stage and a final sign-off.
Your questions answered
How long does a dormer conversion take?
Around 8 to 12 weeks on site.
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 Esher 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 Walton-on-Thames
- Dormer loft conversions in Sunbury-on-Thames
- Dormer loft conversions in Surbiton
- Dormer loft conversions in Hanworth
Learn more about dormer loft conversions, or see every project we cover in Esher.

