Covering Bow
Alongside Bow, we also cover Stratford, Canning Town (2 miles to the south-east) and Leytonstone.
Homes in London
Much of London’s housing is Victorian and Edwardian terraces, which is why side return extensions, rear dormers and mansards are so common. Many streets are in conservation areas, and several boroughs use Article 4 directions that remove some permitted development rights.
What is a loft conversion?
A loft conversion turns an unused roof space into habitable rooms, usually a bedroom with an en-suite, by strengthening the floor, adding a staircase, insulating the roof and putting in windows. The type you need depends on the roof: rooflight, dormer, hip-to-gable or mansard.
- Planning or lawful development certificate
- New floor joists, steels and staircase
- Dormer or rooflights, insulation and plasterboard
How much does a loft conversion cost in Bow?
What loft conversions typically cost. These are guide ranges; the written quote for your house replaces them.
| Loft conversions | Guide price incl. VAT |
|---|---|
| Rooflight conversion | £30,000 to £45,000 |
| Dormer conversion | £50,000 to £90,000 |
| Hip-to-gable with dormer | £60,000 to £95,000 |
| Mansard conversion | £65,000 to £110,000 |
Planning and building rules in Bow
English projects need planning clearance from the local council, building regulations sign-off from building control, and party wall notices where the work is on or near a shared boundary. We prepare and manage all three.
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?
- Head height under the ridge decides whether a conversion is practical.
- The new staircase usually takes space from the landing or a bedroom below.
What happens after I enquire?
- Start with a conversation. A short call or the online form is enough for us to understand what you want to build.
- Free site visit. We measure up, look at access, drains and the structure, and talk through options and budget.
- 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.
Loft conversions: common questions
How much does a loft conversion cost?
Roughly £30,000 to £45,000 for a rooflight conversion, £50,000 to £90,000 for a dormer, £60,000 to £95,000 for a hip-to-gable and £65,000 to £110,000 for a mansard, including VAT.
Do I need fire doors?
Often yes. Building regulations require a protected escape route from the new floor, which usually means fire doors on to the stairs and linked smoke alarms.
Can you visit a house in Bow to quote?
Yes. After a short call we arrange a site visit to measure up and agree what the design needs to do, then send a written price.
Loft conversions near Bow
- Loft conversions in Stratford
- Loft conversions in Canning Town
- Loft conversions in Leytonstone
- Loft conversions in Greenwich
Learn more about loft conversions, or see every project we cover in Bow.