Covering Brighton
Alongside Brighton, we also cover Hove (1 miles to the west), Rottingdean and Burgess Hill.
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 goes into 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.
- Design drawings and structural calculations
- New floor joists, steels and staircase
- En-suite, electrics, heating and fire safety upgrades
What is the guide price for a loft conversion in Brighton?
Indicative costs for loft conversions. London and the South East usually sit towards the top of each range.
| 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 Brighton
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 affect a loft conversion?
- Head height under the ridge decides whether a conversion is practical.
- Party wall notices are often needed for steels bearing on a shared wall.
What are the steps?
- Start with a conversation. A short call or the online form is enough for us to understand what you want to build.
- We visit and measure. A surveyor checks the house, the boundaries and the ground, and discusses what is realistic.
- Design and fixed price. You get drawings and a written price for the agreed specification before anything is ordered.
- Construction and completion. One site lead co-ordinates every trade through to the building control certificate.
What people ask before starting
Does a loft conversion need planning permission?
In England many are permitted development, within 40 m³ of extra volume on a terrace or 50 m³ on a semi or detached house. Conservation areas and flats need permission.
How long does a loft conversion take?
Usually 6 to 14 weeks on site depending on the type.
Can you visit a house in Brighton 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 in nearby towns
- Loft conversions in Hove
- Loft conversions in Rottingdean
- Loft conversions in Burgess Hill
- Loft conversions in Worthing
Learn more about loft conversions, or see every project we cover in Brighton.