Loft conversions in Manchester

Covering Manchester

Alongside Manchester, we also cover Salford (2 miles to the west), Old Trafford and Droylsden.

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 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.

Design drawings and structural calculations
Planning or lawful development certificate
En-suite, electrics, heating and fire safety upgrades

What will a loft conversion cost?

Typical ranges for loft conversions. Ground conditions, access and specification move the final figure, which we fix in writing before work starts.

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 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. 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.
Party wall notices are often needed for steels bearing on a shared wall.

What are the steps?

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.
Design and fixed price. You get drawings and a written price for the agreed specification before anything is ordered.
We build it. Work follows an agreed programme, with inspections at each stage and a final sign-off.

Questions about a loft conversion in Manchester

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.

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.

Do you work in Manchester?

Yes. Manchester is within our coverage for loft conversions, along with nearby Salford and Old Trafford.

Also covering

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