Covering Chelmsford
We work in Chelmsford (CM1, CM99) and the places around it, including Billericay, Witham and Maldon.
Homes in the East of England
The East of England has a large stock of post-war and modern estate housing alongside period homes in market towns, which makes garage conversions, single-storey extensions and loft conversions popular.
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.
- Gable wall build in brick, block or render
- Rear dormer and roof coverings to match
- Staircase, insulation, plastering and electrics
How much should I budget for a hip-to-gable loft conversion?
What hip-to-gable loft conversions typically cost. These are guide ranges; the written quote for your house replaces them.
| 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 |
How is a hip-to-gable loft conversion approved in Chelmsford?
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 I think about before starting?
- Hip-to-gable volume counts towards the permitted development allowance.
- Scaffolding goes up on the side of the house, which may need a neighbour’s agreement.
How does the project run?
- Start with a conversation. A short call or the online form is enough for us to understand what you want to build.
- Survey at your house. We look at the existing structure, services and access, and agree what the design needs to achieve.
- Drawings, approvals, written quote. We prepare the design, apply for the approvals it needs, and give you a fixed price in writing.
- 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.
Do you work in Chelmsford?
Yes. Chelmsford is within our coverage for hip-to-gable loft conversions, along with nearby Billericay and Witham.
Hip-to-gable loft conversions in nearby towns
- Hip-to-gable loft conversions in Billericay
- Hip-to-gable loft conversions in Witham
- Hip-to-gable loft conversions in Maldon
- Hip-to-gable loft conversions in Wickford
Learn more about hip-to-gable loft conversions, or see every project we cover in Chelmsford.