Loft conversions in Solihull

Covering Solihull

Solihull sits 7 miles south-east of Birmingham, with Shirley 2 miles to the west and Acocks Green 3 miles to the north-west.

Homes in the West Midlands

Red-brick terraces and inter-war semis make up much of the housing in the West Midlands, which suits rear extensions, dormer lofts and hip-to-gable conversions, with more modern estates on the edges of the towns.

What is included in a loft conversion in Solihull?

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
En-suite, electrics, heating and fire safety upgrades

How much does a loft conversion cost in Solihull?

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 Solihull

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 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.

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.
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

How long does a loft conversion take?

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

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.

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

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 Solihull.