Covering Plymouth
Alongside Plymouth, we also cover Launceston (21 miles to the north-west), Paignton and Newton Abbot.
Homes in the South West
The South West mixes stone and render cottages, Victorian terraces in the larger towns and modern estates, and many historic centres are conservation areas where materials and roof shapes are closely controlled.
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
- Extended ridge and roof structure
- En-suite and fire-protected escape route
How much should I budget for a hip-to-gable loft conversion?
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 Plymouth
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 can affect a hip-to-gable loft conversion?
- Hip-to-gable volume counts towards the permitted development allowance.
- Matching old clay tiles can be difficult; reclaimed tiles are often used.
From first call to completion
- Tell us about the project. Call, use the guide price tool or send the form with a few photos and a postcode.
- We visit and measure. A surveyor checks the house, the boundaries and the ground, and discusses what is realistic.
- Drawings, approvals, written quote. We prepare the design, apply for the approvals it needs, and give you a fixed price in writing.
- Build and hand over. Our teams build to the programme, building control inspects, and you get the completion paperwork at the end.
Questions about a hip-to-gable loft conversion in Plymouth
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.
Will the roof tiles match?
We match the tiles as closely as possible, using reclaimed tiles where the originals are no longer made.
Who deals with the council for a project in Plymouth?
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 Launceston
- Hip-to-gable loft conversions in Paignton
- Hip-to-gable loft conversions in Newton Abbot
- Hip-to-gable loft conversions in Bodmin
Learn more about hip-to-gable loft conversions, or see every project we cover in Plymouth.

