Covering St Helens
We work in St Helens (WA10) and the places around it, including Prescot, Ashton-in-Makerfield and Huyton.
Homes in the North West
The North West has long rows of Victorian terraced houses in its towns and cities, alongside inter-war semis and post-war estates, so rear extensions, dormer lofts and kitchen extensions are common projects.
What is 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
- Extended ridge and roof structure
What is the guide price for a hip-to-gable loft conversion in St Helens?
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 |
Do you need permission for a hip-to-gable loft conversion in St Helens?
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.
How does the project run?
- 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.
- Construction and completion. One site lead co-ordinates every trade through to the building control certificate.
What people ask before starting
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.
How long does it take?
About 9 to 13 weeks on site.
How do I get a price for hip-to-gable loft conversions in St Helens?
Use the guide price tool for a ballpark figure, then book a visit for a fixed written price for the agreed specification.
Other towns nearby
- Hip-to-gable loft conversions in Prescot
- Hip-to-gable loft conversions in Ashton-in-Makerfield
- Hip-to-gable loft conversions in Huyton
- Hip-to-gable loft conversions in Newton-le-Willows
Learn more about hip-to-gable loft conversions, or see every project we cover in St Helens.

