Covering Berkshire
We cover Berkshire, including Reading, Slough, Bracknell and Maidenhead, and the towns around them.
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 included in a hip-to-gable loft conversion in Berkshire?
A hip-to-gable loft conversion rebuilds the sloping side (the hip) of a semi-detached or detached house roof as a vertical gable wall, extending the ridge and creating enough space for a staircase and rooms. It is usually combined with a rear dormer.
- Extended ridge and roof structure
- Rear dormer and roof coverings to match
- En-suite and fire-protected escape route
How much should I budget for a hip-to-gable loft conversion?
Use these ranges to budget for hip-to-gable loft conversions; the survey turns them into a fixed price for the agreed specification.
| Hip-to-gable loft conversions | Guide price incl. VAT |
|---|---|
| Hip-to-gable with rear dormer | £60,000 to £80,000 |
| Double hip-to-gable (detached house) | £70,000 to £95,000 |
Planning and building rules in Berkshire
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. 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 Berkshire homeowners check first?
- Hip-to-gable volume counts towards the permitted development allowance.
- Matching old clay tiles can be difficult; reclaimed tiles are often used.
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.
- Design and fixed price. You get drawings and a written price for the agreed specification before anything is ordered.
- Construction and completion. One site lead co-ordinates every trade through to the building control certificate.
Hip-to-gable loft conversions: common questions
Does a hip-to-gable need planning permission?
In England it is often permitted development if the total extra volume stays within 50 m³ for a semi or detached house.
How long does it take?
About 9 to 13 weeks on site.
Can you visit a house in Berkshire 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.
Hip-to-gable loft conversions near Berkshire
- Hip-to-gable loft conversions in Reading
- Hip-to-gable loft conversions in Slough
- Hip-to-gable loft conversions in Bracknell
- Hip-to-gable loft conversions in Maidenhead
- Hip-to-gable loft conversions in Wokingham
- Hip-to-gable loft conversions in Newbury
- Hip-to-gable loft conversions in Windsor
- Hip-to-gable loft conversions in Crowthorne
- Hip-to-gable loft conversions in Thatcham
Learn more about hip-to-gable loft conversions, or see every project we cover in Berkshire.