Covering Tunbridge Wells
Our coverage around Tunbridge Wells (TN1) also includes Tonbridge (4 miles to the north) and Crowborough.
Homes in the South East
The South East has a lot of 1930s and post-war semi-detached housing, well suited to rear extensions and hip-to-gable loft conversions, alongside period properties in conservation areas that need a more careful design.
What goes into 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
- New floor joists, steels and staircase
- Dormer or rooflights, insulation and plasterboard
What will a loft conversion cost?
What loft conversions typically cost. These are guide ranges; the written quote for your house replaces them.
| 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 |
How is a loft conversion approved in Tunbridge Wells?
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 can affect a loft conversion?
- 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.
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.
- 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.
- We build it. Work follows an agreed programme, with inspections at each stage and a final sign-off.
Loft conversions: common questions
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.
Who deals with the council for a project in Tunbridge Wells?
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 Tonbridge
- Loft conversions in Crowborough
- Loft conversions in Sevenoaks
- Loft conversions in East Grinstead
Learn more about loft conversions, or see every project we cover in Tunbridge Wells.