Dormer loft conversions in Kent

Covering Kent

Our coverage across Kent includes Maidstone, Gillingham, Chatham and Tunbridge Wells.

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 is 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.

Lawful development certificate or planning drawings
Dormer frame, roof covering and cladding
En-suite, electrics and fire-protected escape route

How much does a dormer loft conversion cost in Kent?

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 Kent?

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 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 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.
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.
Construction and completion. One site lead co-ordinates every trade through to the building control certificate.

What people ask before starting

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.

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.

Do you work in Kent?

Yes. Kent is within our coverage for dormer loft conversions, along with nearby Maidstone and Gillingham.

Also covering

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