Loft conversions in Shirley

Covering Shirley

Alongside Shirley, we also cover Solihull, Acocks Green (3 miles to the north) and Birmingham.

Homes in the West Midlands

The West Midlands has a large stock of 1930s semis and Victorian terraces in red brick, so matching brick and roof tiles is often the key to an extension that looks original.

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

How much should I budget for a loft conversion?

Use these ranges to budget for loft conversions; the survey turns them into a fixed price for the agreed specification.

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 Shirley?

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. 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 should I think about before starting?

Head height under the ridge decides whether a conversion is practical.
Party wall notices are often needed for steels bearing on a shared wall.

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.
Survey at your house. We look at the existing structure, services and access, and agree what the design needs to achieve.
Drawings, approvals, written quote. We prepare the design, apply for the approvals it needs, and give you a fixed price in writing.
Build and hand over. Our teams build to the programme, building control inspects, and you get the completion paperwork at the end.

What people ask before starting

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.

How long does a loft conversion take?

Usually 6 to 14 weeks on site depending on the type.

How do I get a price for loft conversions in Shirley?

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

Also covering

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