Covering Ilkeston
Alongside Ilkeston, we also cover Heanor, Long Eaton (5 miles to the south) and Ripley.
Homes in the East Midlands
The East Midlands combines red-brick terraces in the cities with a lot of post-war and modern estate housing, so rear extensions, garage conversions and loft conversions are all common.
What is a loft conversion?
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.
- Loft survey and head-height check
- Planning or lawful development certificate
- Dormer or rooflights, insulation and plasterboard
How much should I budget for a loft conversion?
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 Ilkeston
Projects in England go through two separate checks. Planning (or confirmation that the work is permitted development) comes from the district, borough or unitary council, and building regulations approval comes from the council’s building control team or a registered building control approver. Where work touches a shared wall or digs near a neighbour’s foundations, the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 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.
- 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.
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.
Who deals with the council for a project in Ilkeston?
We do. We prepare the drawings, submit planning or permitted development paperwork if needed, and arrange building control inspections.
Other towns nearby
- Loft conversions in Heanor
- Loft conversions in Long Eaton
- Loft conversions in Ripley
- Loft conversions in Hucknall
Learn more about loft conversions, or see every project we cover in Ilkeston.