Covering Smethwick
Our coverage around Smethwick (B66) also includes West Bromwich (2 miles to the north-west) and Birmingham.
Homes in the West Midlands
The West Midlands has a large stock of 1930s semis and Victorian terraces in red brick, so matching brick and roof tiles is often the key to an extension that looks original.
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
- Gable wall build in brick, block or render
- Staircase, insulation, plastering and electrics
What will a hip-to-gable loft conversion cost?
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 Smethwick 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.
From first call to completion
- 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.
- 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.
What people ask before starting
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.
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 Smethwick?
We do. We prepare the drawings, submit planning or permitted development paperwork if needed, and arrange building control inspections.
Hip-to-gable loft conversions near Smethwick
- Hip-to-gable loft conversions in West Bromwich
- Hip-to-gable loft conversions in Birmingham
- Hip-to-gable loft conversions in Aston
- Hip-to-gable loft conversions in Bartley Green
Learn more about hip-to-gable loft conversions, or see every project we cover in Smethwick.