Covering Blackheath
Blackheath sits 7 miles south-east of London, with Greenwich 1 miles to the north-west and Catford 2 miles to the south-west.
Homes in London
Terraced houses dominate many London neighbourhoods, so most projects involve shared walls, narrow access and a party wall process. Conservation areas are widespread, and some boroughs have their own mansard and basement guidance.
What goes into a hip-to-gable loft conversion?
Hipped roofs are common on 1930s semis and have little usable volume until the hip is squared off. We rebuild the gable in brick or block, extend the roof structure, form the rear dormer and finish the new floor, keeping the front roof slope looking as close to the original as possible.
- Rear dormer and roof coverings to match
- Staircase, insulation, plastering and electrics
- En-suite and fire-protected escape route
What will a hip-to-gable loft conversion cost?
Guide prices for hip-to-gable loft conversions, including VAT where it applies. Your fixed price is confirmed in writing after the survey.
| 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 Blackheath
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 should I think about before starting?
- Matching old clay tiles can be difficult; reclaimed tiles are often used.
- The new gable is usually rendered or built in matching brick.
From first call to completion
- Start with a conversation. A short call or the online form is enough for us to understand what you want to build.
- We visit and measure. A surveyor checks the house, the boundaries and the ground, and discusses what is realistic.
- 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.
What people ask before starting
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.
Will the roof tiles match?
We match the tiles as closely as possible, using reclaimed tiles where the originals are no longer made.
Can you visit a house in Blackheath 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 in nearby towns
- Hip-to-gable loft conversions in Greenwich
- Hip-to-gable loft conversions in Catford
- Hip-to-gable loft conversions in Eltham
- Hip-to-gable loft conversions in Peckham
Learn more about hip-to-gable loft conversions, or see every project we cover in Blackheath.

