Covering Formby
Our coverage around Formby (L37) also includes Maghull (6 miles to the south-east) and Southport.
Homes in the North West
Terraced housing is a defining feature of many North West towns, which brings party walls and narrow access into most projects, with more space to extend on suburban semis.
What does a loft conversion involve?
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.
- Planning or lawful development certificate
- Dormer or rooflights, insulation and plasterboard
- En-suite, electrics, heating and fire safety upgrades
What will a loft conversion cost?
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 Formby
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 change the price or programme?
- The new staircase usually takes space from the landing or a bedroom below.
- Fire safety rules can mean new fire doors on the floors below.
How does the project run?
- 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.
- Price and paperwork. The design is priced line by line, and we submit the planning and building control applications.
- 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
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.
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.
Who deals with the council for a project in Formby?
We do. We prepare the drawings, submit planning or permitted development paperwork if needed, and arrange building control inspections.
Loft conversions near Formby
- Loft conversions in Maghull
- Loft conversions in Southport
- Loft conversions in Bootle
- Loft conversions in Litherland
Learn more about loft conversions, or see every project we cover in Formby.