Covering Chatham
Chatham is about 8 miles north of Maidstone. We also cover Gillingham (1 miles to the north-east), Rochester and Strood.
Homes in the South East
The South East has a lot of 1930s and post-war semi-detached housing, well suited to rear extensions and hip-to-gable loft conversions, alongside period properties in conservation areas that need a more careful design.
What is 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.
- Volume calculation and planning check
- Gable wall build in brick, block or render
- Staircase, insulation, plastering and electrics
How much should I budget for a hip-to-gable loft conversion?
Indicative costs for hip-to-gable loft conversions. London and the South East usually sit towards the top of each range.
| 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 |
What approvals does a hip-to-gable loft conversion need in England?
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?
- Hip-to-gable volume counts towards the permitted development allowance.
- Matching old clay tiles can be difficult; reclaimed tiles are often used.
What happens after I enquire?
- 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.
- 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
How much does a hip-to-gable loft conversion cost?
Usually £60,000 to £80,000 including VAT with a rear dormer, more on a detached house with two hips.
Can a bungalow have a hip-to-gable conversion?
Yes, often combined with dormers to create a chalet-style first floor.
Who deals with the council for a project in Chatham?
We do. We prepare the drawings, submit planning or permitted development paperwork if needed, and arrange building control inspections.
Other towns nearby
- Hip-to-gable loft conversions in Gillingham
- Hip-to-gable loft conversions in Rochester
- Hip-to-gable loft conversions in Strood
- Hip-to-gable loft conversions in Maidstone
Learn more about hip-to-gable loft conversions, or see every project we cover in Chatham.