Loft conversions in Greater Manchester

Covering Greater Manchester

Our coverage across Greater Manchester includes Manchester, Oldham, Wigan and Bolton.

Homes in the North West

The North West has long rows of Victorian terraced houses in its towns and cities, alongside inter-war semis and post-war estates, so rear extensions, dormer lofts and kitchen extensions are common projects.

What is included in a loft conversion in Greater Manchester?

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.

Loft survey and head-height check
Design drawings and structural calculations
Planning or lawful development certificate

How much does a loft conversion cost in Greater Manchester?

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 Greater Manchester

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.

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.

From first call to completion

Tell us about the project. Call, use the guide price tool or send the form with a few photos and a postcode.
We visit and measure. A surveyor checks the house, the boundaries and the ground, and discusses what is realistic.
Drawings, approvals, written quote. We prepare the design, apply for the approvals it needs, and give you a fixed price in writing.
We build it. Work follows an agreed programme, with inspections at each stage and a final sign-off.

Your questions answered

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.

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 Greater Manchester 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.

Also covering

Learn more about loft conversions, or see every project we cover in Greater Manchester.