Covering Harrow
We work in Harrow (HA2) and the places around it, including Brent, Wembley and Northolt.
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 does a hip-to-gable loft conversion involve?
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.
- Volume calculation and planning check
- Staircase, insulation, plastering and electrics
- En-suite and fire-protected escape route
How much should I budget for a hip-to-gable loft conversion?
Typical ranges for hip-to-gable loft conversions. Ground conditions, access and specification move the final figure, which we fix in writing before work starts.
| 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?
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. 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 Harrow homeowners check first?
- 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.
- We build it. Work follows an agreed programme, with inspections at each stage and a final sign-off.
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.
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 Harrow?
Yes. Harrow is within our coverage for hip-to-gable loft conversions, along with nearby Brent and Wembley.
Also covering
- Hip-to-gable loft conversions in Brent
- Hip-to-gable loft conversions in Wembley
- Hip-to-gable loft conversions in Northolt
- Hip-to-gable loft conversions in Greenford
Learn more about hip-to-gable loft conversions, or see every project we cover in Harrow.