Covering Shirley
Shirley is about 6 miles south-east of Birmingham. We also cover Solihull (2 miles to the east), Acocks Green and Birmingham.
Homes in the West Midlands
Red-brick terraces and inter-war semis make up much of the housing in the West Midlands, which suits rear extensions, dormer lofts and hip-to-gable conversions, with more modern estates on the edges of the towns.
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
- Dormer frame, roof covering and cladding
- Staircase, insulation and plasterboard
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 |
Planning and building rules in Shirley
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.
From first call to completion
- Send us the details. Give us a postcode, a rough idea of size and some photos, by phone, form or the guide price tool.
- We visit and measure. A surveyor checks the house, the boundaries and the ground, and discusses what is realistic.
- 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.
Questions about a dormer loft conversion in Shirley
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.
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.
Do you work in Shirley?
Yes. Shirley is within our coverage for dormer loft conversions, along with nearby Solihull and Acocks Green.
Other towns nearby
- Dormer loft conversions in Solihull
- Dormer loft conversions in Acocks Green
- Dormer loft conversions in Birmingham
- Dormer loft conversions in Aston
Learn more about dormer loft conversions, or see every project we cover in Shirley.