Covering Reading
We work in Reading (RG1, RG6, RG30) and the places around it, including Henley-on-Thames, Wokingham and Crowthorne.
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 is included in a dormer loft conversion in Reading?
Rear dormers on terraced and semi-detached houses are often permitted development in England. We size the dormer to fit the volume allowance, clad it to suit the house (tile-hanging, render, slate or zinc) and fit out the room and en-suite below.
- Lawful development certificate or planning drawings
- Dormer frame, roof covering and cladding
- Staircase, insulation and plasterboard
How much should I budget for a dormer loft conversion?
Use these ranges to budget for dormer loft conversions; the survey turns them into a fixed price for the agreed specification.
| 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 |
Planning and building rules in Reading
In England we deal with the council’s planning team for permission or a lawful development certificate, with building control (the council or a registered building control approver) for inspections, and with neighbours under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 where it 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.
- A flat dormer roof needs proper falls and a quality membrane.
How does the project run?
- 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.
Your questions answered
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.
Do you work in Reading?
Yes. Reading is within our coverage for dormer loft conversions, along with nearby Henley-on-Thames and Wokingham.
Dormer loft conversions near Reading
- Dormer loft conversions in Henley-on-Thames
- Dormer loft conversions in Wokingham
- Dormer loft conversions in Crowthorne
- Dormer loft conversions in Bracknell
Learn more about dormer loft conversions, or see every project we cover in Reading.

