Covering Deal
We work in Deal (CT14) and the places around it, including Dover, Ramsgate and Broadstairs.
Homes in the South East
Housing across the South East mixes inter-war semis, post-war estates and older cottages in villages and market towns, so rear and side extensions, hip-to-gable lofts and garage conversions all come up regularly.
What do you get with a loft conversion?
We start with the head height. You need roughly 2.2 m or more from the top of the ceiling joists to the underside of the ridge for a conversion to work without raising the roof. From there we design the staircase position, the type of conversion and the en-suite, and manage the whole build including fire safety and building control.
- Design drawings and structural calculations
- Dormer or rooflights, insulation and plasterboard
- En-suite, electrics, heating and fire safety upgrades
What will a loft conversion cost?
Use these ranges to budget for loft conversions; the survey turns them into a fixed price for the agreed specification.
| 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 |
What approvals does a loft conversion need in England?
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 should Deal homeowners check first?
- Head height under the ridge decides whether a conversion is practical.
- Fire safety rules can mean new fire doors on the floors below.
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.
- 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
How long does a loft conversion take?
Usually 6 to 14 weeks on site depending on the type.
Can we live at home during a loft conversion?
Yes. Most of the work is done from scaffolding until the staircase goes in near the end.
Can you visit a house in Deal 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 Dover
- Loft conversions in Ramsgate
- Loft conversions in Broadstairs
- Loft conversions in Margate
Learn more about loft conversions, or see every project we cover in Deal.