Covering Reading
Our coverage around Reading (RG1, RG6, RG30) also includes Henley-on-Thames, Wokingham and Crowthorne.
Homes in the South East
Many South East homes are inter-war or post-war semis and detached houses with room for rear and side extensions, while historic town centres and villages bring conservation area and listed building controls.
What do you get with a hip-to-gable loft conversion?
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
- Rear dormer and roof coverings to match
- En-suite and fire-protected escape route
How much does a hip-to-gable loft conversion cost in Reading?
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 |
Planning and building rules in Reading
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 change the price or programme?
- Hip-to-gable volume counts towards the permitted development allowance.
- Matching old clay tiles can be difficult; reclaimed tiles are often used.
What are the steps?
- Tell us about the project. Call, use the guide price tool or send the form with a few photos and a postcode.
- 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.
Hip-to-gable loft conversions: common questions
Will the roof tiles match?
We match the tiles as closely as possible, using reclaimed tiles where the originals are no longer made.
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 Reading?
Yes. Reading is within our coverage for hip-to-gable loft conversions, along with nearby Henley-on-Thames and Wokingham.
Hip-to-gable loft conversions in nearby towns
- Hip-to-gable loft conversions in Henley-on-Thames
- Hip-to-gable loft conversions in Wokingham
- Hip-to-gable loft conversions in Crowthorne
- Hip-to-gable loft conversions in Bracknell
Learn more about hip-to-gable loft conversions, or see every project we cover in Reading.