Covering Dorchester
Alongside Dorchester, we also cover Weymouth (7 miles to the south), Bridport and Yeovil.
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 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.
- New floor joists, steels and staircase
- Dormer or rooflights, insulation and plasterboard
- En-suite, electrics, heating and fire safety upgrades
What is the guide price for a loft conversion in Dorchester?
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 |
How is a loft conversion approved in Dorchester?
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.
What can affect a loft conversion?
- The new staircase usually takes space from the landing or a bedroom below.
- Party wall notices are often needed for steels bearing on a shared wall.
What happens after I enquire?
- Tell us about the project. Call, use the guide price tool or send the form with a few photos and a postcode.
- Free site visit. We measure up, look at access, drains and the structure, and talk through options and budget.
- 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.
Loft conversions: common questions
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.
Who deals with the council for a project in Dorchester?
We do. We prepare the drawings, submit planning or permitted development paperwork if needed, and arrange building control inspections.
Loft conversions in nearby towns
- Loft conversions in Weymouth
- Loft conversions in Bridport
- Loft conversions in Yeovil
- Loft conversions in Poole
Learn more about loft conversions, or see every project we cover in Dorchester.

