Covering Christchurch
We work in Christchurch (BH23) and the places around it, including Bournemouth, New Milton and Poole.
Homes in the South West
The South West mixes stone and render cottages, Victorian terraces in the larger towns and modern estates, and many historic centres are conservation areas where materials and roof shapes are closely controlled.
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.
- Loft survey and head-height check
- Planning or lawful development certificate
- New floor joists, steels and staircase
What will a loft conversion cost?
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 Christchurch
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 affect a loft conversion?
- 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?
- Send us the details. Give us a postcode, a rough idea of size and some photos, by phone, form or the guide price tool.
- 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.
- Build and hand over. Our teams build to the programme, building control inspects, and you get the completion paperwork at the end.
What people ask before starting
Is my loft suitable for conversion?
If there is about 2.2 m or more from the top of the ceiling joists to the underside of the ridge, it usually is. We check this at the free site visit.
How long does a loft conversion take?
Usually 6 to 14 weeks on site depending on the type.
How do I get a price for loft conversions in Christchurch?
Use the guide price tool for a ballpark figure, then book a visit for a fixed written price for the agreed specification.
Loft conversions in nearby towns
- Loft conversions in Bournemouth
- Loft conversions in New Milton
- Loft conversions in Poole
- Loft conversions in Wimborne Minster
Learn more about loft conversions, or see every project we cover in Christchurch.