What is a dormer loft conversion?
A dormer loft conversion adds a box-shaped structure to the rear roof slope, creating vertical walls and full headroom across most of the new room. It is the most common loft conversion in the UK because it works on terraced, semi-detached and detached houses.
How much does a dormer loft conversion cost in Ealing?
In Ealing, a dormer loft conversion typically costs £62,500–£88,500 for a typical rear dormer with en-suite, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). We start from a UK-wide guide and adjust it for London, where labour and materials are typically about 30% above average. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| A typical rear dormer with en-suite | £62,500–£88,500 |
| Higher specification | £88,500–£110,500 |
The main things that change the cost:
- Built-in storage and finishes
- Staircase position
- Dormer size and roof structure
- En-suite or bathroom
For a figure based on your own measurements, try the guide price tool, then book a free home visit for a fixed quote.
Do you need planning permission for a dormer loft conversion in Ealing?
Before anything is built in Ealing, we confirm which approvals apply in England. In England a rear dormer is often permitted development if the extra roof volume is no more than 40 cubic metres on a terraced house or 50 on other houses, it does not face the road, sits no higher than the ridge and is set back from the eaves, with matching materials and obscure-glazed side windows. Balconies, front dormers and work in conservation areas need planning permission.
Building regulations approval comes from the council’s building control service or a registered building control approver. The work is inspected at key stages, such as foundations, drainage and insulation, and a completion certificate is issued at the end.
We check this for your address before design work starts, so there are no surprises later.
What we handle
What we take care of:
- New staircase and fire-safe escape route
- Measured survey and head-height check
- Party wall notices for shared walls
- Drawings and structural calculations
- Dormer structure, roof covering and windows
- Steel beams and new floor joists
How long does it take?
Expect 6 to 9 weeks on site. Design and approvals come first and typically take 6 to 12 weeks, depending on the approval route.
Building in Ealing
Space is at a premium in London, so homeowners often build out into the side return or up into the roof rather than move.
Projects in Ealing (UB18, W5 and W13) are surveyed in person before we quote, so the price reflects your actual property.
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
Construction and completion
We build, put right any snags and hand over the building control certificate.
Questions about dormer loft conversions in Ealing
How much head height do I need?
Ideally at least 2.2 metres from the top of the ceiling joists to the underside of the ridge. Less can still work with a dormer, but we check this at the survey.
How much does a dormer loft conversion cost in Ealing?
In Ealing, a dormer loft conversion typically costs £62,500–£88,500 for a typical rear dormer with en-suite, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). Your fixed price depends on the survey and drawings.
How long does a dormer loft conversion take in Ealing?
Typically 6 to 9 weeks on site. Design and approvals beforehand usually take 6 to 12 weeks.
What fire safety is required?
Building regulations require a safe escape route. Converting a two-storey house to three storeys usually means a protected stairway with fire doors to habitable rooms and mains-wired smoke alarms.
Does a dormer loft conversion need planning permission?
A rear dormer is often permitted development in England, provided the extra roof volume is within 40 cubic metres on a terraced house or 50 on a semi-detached or detached house, and it does not face the road. Front dormers and houses in conservation areas usually need an application.