Loft conversions in East Sussex

Covering East Sussex

We cover East Sussex, including Brighton, Eastbourne, Hastings and Hove, and the towns around them.

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 does a loft conversion involve?

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.

New floor joists, steels and staircase
Dormer or rooflights, insulation and plasterboard
En-suite, electrics, heating and fire safety upgrades

How much should I budget for a loft conversion?

Guide prices for loft conversions, including VAT where it applies. Your fixed price is confirmed in writing after the survey.

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

Do you need permission for a loft conversion in East Sussex?

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 should I think about before starting?

Head height under the ridge decides whether a conversion is practical.
Fire safety rules can mean new fire doors on the floors below.

How does the project run?

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.
Construction and completion. One site lead co-ordinates every trade through to the building control certificate.

Your questions answered

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.

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.

How do I get a price for loft conversions in East Sussex?

Use the guide price tool for a ballpark figure, then book a visit for a fixed written price for the agreed specification.

Other towns nearby

Learn more about loft conversions, or see every project we cover in East Sussex.