What is a bungalow loft conversion?

A bungalow loft conversion uses the large roof space of a bungalow to add bedrooms and a bathroom, turning it into a chalet bungalow. Dormers at the front, rear or both create headroom; some projects raise the roof entirely.
How much does a bungalow loft conversion cost in Galashiels?
In Galashiels, a bungalow loft conversion typically costs £43,500–£77,500 for a typical bungalow conversion with dormers, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). Building costs in Scotland are close to the UK average, so the figures for Galashiels are close to our national guide. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| A typical bungalow conversion with dormers | £43,500–£77,500 |
| Higher specification | £77,500–£97,000 |
The biggest cost drivers are:
- Fire escape design
- Finishes
- Number and size of dormers
- Whether the roof is raised
Use the guide price tool to see how size and specification change the figure, then ask for a written, itemised quote.
Do you need planning permission for a bungalow loft conversion in Galashiels?
Whether you need planning permission depends on your house and its location in Scotland. In Scotland dormers on a bungalow are permitted development only on a roof slope that does not face a road and is at least 10 metres from the boundary it faces, no wider than half the roof. Front dormers and roof raises need planning permission, and a building warrant is needed before work starts.
Scotland has no Party Wall Act. Work on shared walls is governed by your title deeds, the Tenements (Scotland) Act 2004 for flats, and common law, so we agree arrangements with neighbours in writing before work starts.
At the survey we check your house’s planning history and any restrictions, and tell you which route applies.
What we handle
Handled as part of most bungalow loft conversions:
- Bathroom installation
- New floor structure and staircase
- Building control sign-off
- Insulation, electrics, plumbing and plastering
- Survey and planning check
- Fire-safe escape windows or route
How long does it take?
Expect 8 to 14 weeks on site. Before that, surveys, drawings and approvals usually take 3 to 4 months, longer if the council asks for changes.
Building in Galashiels
In Scotland, bungalows and one-and-a-half-storey homes are common, so dormer conversions are a popular way to add bedrooms.
Our Galashiels coverage includes postcode districts TD1, and we also work in nearby places such as Selkirk, Hawick and Kelso.
How it works
- 01
Free visit
We look at the property, talk through what you want and measure up. There is no charge and no obligation.
- 02
Design and pricing
Design options, then a fixed quote based on the chosen drawings and specification.
- 03
Approvals in place
We handle planning, building control and neighbour notices before work starts.
- 04
Build and handover
Work follows the agreed programme, with inspections along the way and a completion certificate at the end.
Questions about bungalow loft conversions in Galashiels
How long does a bungalow loft conversion take in Galashiels?
Typically 8 to 14 weeks on site. Design and approvals beforehand usually take 3 to 4 months.
Can every bungalow have a loft conversion?
Most can, but low-pitched roofs may need dormers or a roof raise to give enough head height. We check the structure at the survey.
Do I need planning permission for a bungalow loft conversion in Galashiels?
In Scotland dormers on a bungalow are permitted development only on a roof slope that does not face a road and is at least 10 metres from the boundary it faces, no wider than half the roof. Front dormers and roof raises need planning permission, and a building warrant is needed before work starts.
Will the bungalow still be valued as a bungalow?
It becomes a chalet bungalow. Whether that adds value depends on local demand.
Is fire escape easier in a bungalow?
For a single new floor, escape windows may be acceptable instead of a fully protected stairway. Building control confirms the approach.
How much does a bungalow loft conversion cost in Galashiels?
In Galashiels, a bungalow loft conversion typically costs £43,500–£77,500 for a typical bungalow conversion with dormers, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). Your fixed price depends on the survey and drawings.
