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 Teddington?
In Teddington, a dormer loft conversion typically costs £62,500–£88,500 for a typical rear dormer with en-suite, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). The guide for Teddington reflects typical costs in London, roughly 30% above the UK-wide figure. 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 |
What moves the price most:
- Scaffolding and access
- Fire safety upgrades to the existing house
- Staircase position
- Built-in storage and finishes
Your exact price depends on the survey and drawings. The guide price tool gives a quick range in the meantime.
Do you need planning permission for a dormer loft conversion in Teddington?
Whether you need planning permission depends on your house and its location 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.
Where work involves a shared wall, building on the boundary, or digging foundations within 3 metres of a neighbour’s building and deeper than its foundations (or within 6 metres for deeper work), the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 applies and notices must be served before work starts.
If the answer is not clear-cut, we can apply for formal confirmation before you commit to the build.
What we handle
On a typical dormer loft conversion we handle:
- Building control completion certificate
- Measured survey and head-height check
- Steel beams and new floor joists
- Dormer structure, roof covering and windows
- Insulation, plastering, electrics and plumbing
- New staircase and fire-safe escape route
How long does it take?
Allow 6 to 9 weeks on site. Before that, surveys, drawings and approvals usually take 6 to 12 weeks, longer if the council asks for changes.
Building in Teddington
Victorian and Edwardian terraces dominate many London streets, which is why side return, wraparound and mansard projects are so common here.
We work across Teddington and neighbouring areas such as Kingston upon Thames, Twickenham and East Molesey. Postcodes we cover in Teddington include TW11.
How it works
- 01
Survey and brief
We visit, discuss your ideas and budget, and survey the property or site at no cost.
- 02
Drawings and written quote
We prepare the design and give you a written, itemised quote with inclusions and exclusions.
- 03
Approvals in place
We handle planning, building control and neighbour notices before work starts.
- 04
Build and sign-off
We run the build to a written programme and hand over the completion certificate.
Questions about dormer loft conversions in Teddington
Who approves a dormer loft conversion in Teddington?
Planning matters in Teddington go to the council covering your address, and the work needs building control approval. We prepare and submit the applications for you.
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.
Will I need to move out?
No. Most of the work is done from scaffolding and the roof. The new staircase is formed near the end, which causes a few days of disruption.
How much does a dormer loft conversion cost in Teddington?
In Teddington, 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.
Do I need a party wall agreement?
In England and Wales, if the conversion cuts into or builds on a shared wall, notices must be served under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996.
