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 Woolwich?
In Woolwich, a dormer loft conversion typically costs £62,500–£88,500 for a typical rear dormer with en-suite, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). Prices across London are typically 30% above the UK average for this kind of work, which is reflected in the range for Woolwich. 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:
- Fire safety upgrades to the existing house
- Staircase position
- Built-in storage and finishes
- Dormer size and roof structure
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 Woolwich?
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.
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:
- Drawings and structural calculations
- Party wall notices for shared walls
- New staircase and fire-safe escape route
- Measured survey and head-height check
- Insulation, plastering, electrics and plumbing
- Dormer structure, roof covering and windows
How long does it take?
Build time is typically 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 Woolwich
Space is at a premium in London, so homeowners often build out into the side return or up into the roof rather than move.
If your home is in Woolwich or close by in Welling, Eltham and East Ham, a free home visit is the first step.
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
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
Construction and completion
We build, put right any snags and hand over the building control certificate.
Questions about dormer loft conversions in Woolwich
Do you build dormer loft conversions in Woolwich?
Yes. We build dormer loft conversions across Woolwich, including postcodes SE18. Every project starts with a free home visit.
How much does a dormer loft conversion cost in Woolwich?
In Woolwich, 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.
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.
How long does it take?
Usually 6 to 9 weeks on site.
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.
