Hip to gable loft conversions are becoming more and more popular on semi-detached and detached homes that have a hip roof. Hip roofs have at least one sloping side as well as front and back slopes, and can be converted into a gable roof to give you extra space.
But how much will a hip to gable loft conversion cost? Find out everything you need to know about this type of loft conversion in our guide.
Cost of a hip to gable loft conversion
The cost of a hip to gable loft conversion in the UK will vary depending on several factors, including the size of the loft, the complexity of the conversion and the materials used. On average, a single hip to gable loft conversion costs between £40,000 and £65,000.
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Single hip to gable conversion on a semi-detached property |
£47,500 |
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Single hip to gable conversion on a detached property |
£57,500 |
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Double hip to gable conversion on a detached property |
£65,000 |
These costs are based on all the internal and external conversion work, but not finishes like flooring, decorating or bathroom fittings. They’re also based on averages from across the UK – so take a look at our table further down the page to get an idea of how much a hip to gable loft conversion may cost in your area.
What is a hip to gable loft conversion?
A hip to gable loft conversion is a type of conversion that involves extending the sloping hip roof of a property to create a vertical gable end.
In a hip roof, the roof slopes inward from the top of the walls. By extending the roof to form a gable end, you straighten the sloping wall to create a vertical wall, giving you additional headroom and floor space.
If you want to maximise the extra space you gain from your loft, you can also add a rear dormer. This is where a box-like structure is added to your roof to give you even more space, and doing this alongside a hip to gable conversion will give you far more room for bedrooms, offices, en-suites or even a whole separate living and sleeping area.
Factors affecting the cost of a hip to gable loft conversion
Size and complexity
The size and complexity of the hip to gable loft conversion is one of the biggest factors affecting the overall project cost. Larger loft spaces with more complex designs, such as adding multiple rooms or en-suite bathrooms, will of course cost more in labour and materials than smaller lofts with a straightforward one-room design.
Roof structure and access
Your existing roof can affect the cost of your conversion, as roofs that need lots of structural changes or have difficult access will take longer to convert. You may also have to pay more for additional scaffolding if access is difficult, so take a look at your roof and loft access to get an idea of how tricky it might be for extension builders to get up there.
Materials and finishes
Of course, if you choose high-quality materials and premium finishes for your hip to gable loft conversion, such as wood flooring, luxury bathroom tiles or bespoke joinery, you’ll spend more than you would if you choose budget options.
However, it’s always worth considering where your money is best spent. Some high-quality finishes may help you get more enjoyment out of your new space or drive up the value of your property, whereas others may not make as much of an impact.
Planning permission and party wall agreements
Hip to gable loft conversions often fall under permitted development, which means you don’t need to apply for planning permission. However, there are a few exceptions where you will have to apply for planning permission for your hip to gable loft conversion, including:
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If the height of a new dormer exceeds that of the original roof
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You live in a conservation area or listed building
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You want to install a balcony (Juliet balconies are covered under permitted development)
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The new dormer exceeds 40 metres on a terraced property or 50 metres on a semi-detached or detached property
If you do need to apply for planning permission, this typically costs £322. If you’re unsure, it’s best to contact your local authority for guidance.
If you live in a terraced or semi-detached property, you may also need to apply for a party wall agreement. This can cost at least £1,000, and more if your neighbours want to choose their own solicitor – as you have to pay their costs.
Additional features
Our average costs are based on a simple hip to gable loft conversion that’s being made into one room. If you’d like to add a bathroom, kitchen or other features like skylights or upgraded insulation, expect to pay more.
However, it’s worth noting that if you create a new main bedroom out of your loft conversion, adding an en-suite is likely to increase the value of your property as well as improve your enjoyment of your new space.
Where you live
Where you live has one of the biggest impacts on the overall cost of your hip to gable loft conversion. The cost of living varies widely across the UK, so extension builders will charge different daily rates. There are also variances in material costs up and down the country.
If you live in the south east or London, you’ll pay much more for your conversion than those in other areas of the country, with Scotland and the north of England usually being among the cheapest.
At HaMuch, we use our database of daily and hourly rates to calculate the cost of hip to gable loft conversions across the country. Find your local town or city on our table further down the page to get an idea of how much a hip to gable loft conversion will cost in your area.
What are the benefits of a hip to gable loft conversion?
Increased living space
The biggest benefit of a hip to gable loft conversion is the additional living space it creates. By extending the roofline to form a gable end, you can unlock valuable floor space and headroom, making your loft a useable, versatile space. Whether you choose to add bedrooms, bathrooms, playrooms or offices, you’ll improve your quality of life by giving you and your family more space to use.
Increase your property value
Investing in a hip to gable loft conversion can significantly increase the value of your property. By adding usable living space and improving the overall aesthetics of your home, you’re more likely to attract potential buyers willing to pay a premium for the added convenience and functionality.
Plus, a well-executed loft conversion can set your property apart from others in the market, increasing its desirability and resale value.
Cost-effective
A hip to gable loft conversion is a much more cost-effective solution to obtaining more space than other methods, such as building an extension or moving home. Costs tend to be lower with a loft conversion compared with an extension as no foundations need to be dug, and less external construction is needed.
Adds value to your home
As well as being a cost-effective solution to maximising space in your home, a hip to gable loft conversion could also increase its value. Building society and mortgage provider Nationwide said that a loft conversion incorporating a double bedroom and a bathroom can add about 20% to the value of your home, so converting your loft could be a financially-savvy decision in the long term.
Natural light and views
By incorporating windows, skylights or dormers into your hip to gable loft conversion, you can flood the space with natural light and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding area. Natural light not only helps enhance the look of your converted space, but also creates a bright and inviting atmosphere that promotes wellbeing and productivity – ideal if you’ve created an office in your loft conversion.
Minimal disruption
Unlike traditional home extensions, a hip to gable loft conversion typically involves minimal disruption to your daily life. With the majority of the work taking place within the existing loft space and roof structure, there is less noise, mess and inconvenience compared to larger-scale construction projects. This means you can continue to live in your home comfortably throughout the conversion process, with minimal disruption to your routine.
Disadvantages of a hip to gable loft conversion
Needs to be paired with a dormer to maximise space
While a hip to gable loft conversion will help open your loft out into a useable space, if you really want to maximise the amount of space you have and add headroom you’ll need to add a dormer too.
Dormers can cost as little as £10,000 for a small basic design, but you could spend up to £40,000, increasing the cost of your loft conversion significantly.
Not suitable for mid-terraced properties
Mid-terraced homes can’t have hip to gable loft conversions as there are no hip roofs at the side to convert to gable ends! You can only have this type of loft conversion if your property is end-terraced, semi-detached or detached.
Can feel out of place
In a semi-detached or end-terraced property, a hip to gable loft conversion can look imbalanced on your roofline if your neighbour hasn’t had one on the other side. How much this matters to you will probably depend on how much of your loft conversion will be visible from the road.
Not the cheapest option
Hip to gable loft conversions certainly aren’t the cheapest type of loft conversion. Dormer loft conversions tend to be the cheapest, with a single dormer for a double bedroom and en-suite bathroom costing around £26,000 on average, whereas you could spend £60,000 on a hip to gable conversion plus a dormer.
What is a partial hip to gable loft conversion?
A partial hip to gable loft conversion is when your hip roof is only partially converted to a gable end. Usually, only the top of the hip is converted to a vertical wall, so they only offer a small amount of extra internal roof space.
Can you do a hip to gable loft conversion under permitted development?
In most cases, hip to gable loft conversions can be carried out under permitted development rights, meaning you don’t need to apply for planning permission. However, you must meet certain conditions, such as not living in a listed building or a conservation area, and there are height restrictions.
It’s always a good idea to get a certificate of lawful construction even if you don’t need to apply for planning permission to show that your loft conversion was built within the rules at the time. If you’re unsure whether you need to apply for planning permission, check with your local building control before proceeding with any work.
Get competitive quotes
The best way to get the right price for your hip to gable loft conversion is to get a range of quotes. Post your job on HaMuch now and we’ll put you in touch with extension builders in your area who will be happy to give you a quote.