Covering Hove
Our coverage around Hove (BN3) also includes Brighton, Rottingdean and Burgess Hill.
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 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.
- Volume calculation and permitted development check
- Lawful development certificate or planning drawings
- Dormer frame, roof covering and cladding
How much should I budget for a dormer loft conversion?
Indicative costs for dormer loft conversions. London and the South East usually sit towards the top of each range.
| 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 Hove?
English projects need planning clearance from the local council, building regulations sign-off from building control, and party wall notices where the work is on or near a shared boundary. We prepare and manage all three.
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.
- 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.
Dormer loft conversions: common questions
Is a dormer permitted development?
Rear dormers in England often are, within the 40 m³ (terrace) or 50 m³ (semi or detached) volume allowance. Front dormers facing a road are not.
How long does a dormer conversion take?
Around 8 to 12 weeks on site.
How do I get a price for dormer loft conversions in Hove?
Use the guide price tool for a ballpark figure, then book a visit for a fixed written price for the agreed specification.
Dormer loft conversions near Hove
- Dormer loft conversions in Brighton
- Dormer loft conversions in Rottingdean
- Dormer loft conversions in Burgess Hill
- Dormer loft conversions in Worthing
Learn more about dormer loft conversions, or see every project we cover in Hove.

